💡 Why Xiaohongshu matters if you want NZ beauty brands to notice you
If you’re an Aussie creator wanting New Zealand skincare brands to send samples or do reviews on Xiaohongshu, you’re playing in a very specific game: cross‑border attention to a China‑facing platform that prizes authenticity, Mandarin copy and micro‑trends. Platforms shape perceptions — that’s not new. Tourism Malaysia literally leaned into Xiaohongshu, pointing out the app’s massive monthly reach and the fact Mandarin content moves travel intent and trends among younger Chinese travellers. The same mechanics apply to beauty: product demos, ingredient breakdowns and “what I’d pack” posts create trust fast.
Two recent industry moves underline why localisation and trend timing matter. Vietnamese outlet Danviet highlighted a big sunscreen and full‑body sun‑protection fashion wave in China — a demand signal NZ sunscreen brands should notice (and creators can leverage). Meanwhile, Donga reported AU-brand expansion into China via mall openings and local campaigns, which shows brands are still investing in bricks‑and‑clicks to win attention. Both stories matter for creators: they show the audience appetite (sun protection, skincare rituals) and the appetite of brands to be discovered by Chinese audiences.
So what’s the practical problem? Many NZ brands don’t have a China‑facing outreach flow. They might rely on distributors, trade shows, or occasional PR — not individual creators. Your job is to bridge that gap with smart, low‑friction outreach: speak their language (literal and cultural), show them the upside (conversion cues on Xiaohongshu), and remove logistical headaches (samples, shipping, customs). This guide walks you through the exact steps, templates and negotiation tactics that actually work — not fluff. It’s grounded in how Xiaohongshu trends behave, regional demand signals, and real brand expansion behaviour we’re seeing in the market.
📊 Quick channel snapshot: outreach options compared
🧩 Metric | Direct Xiaohongshu Outreach | Distributor / PR Agency | Paid KOL Partnership |
---|---|---|---|
👥 Platform Reach | 300,000,000 | Regional retail/wholesale networks | Targeted niche audiences |
📈 Likely Conversion | Low–Medium | Medium | High |
💰 Typical Cost | Free–Low | $$ | $$$ |
⏱ Response Time | Weeks | Days–Weeks | 1–2 weeks |
📝 Best For | Testing ideas, honest reviews | Market entry, logistics | Fast awareness, product launches |
Direct outreach on Xiaohongshu is cheap and great for testing — the platform has huge reach, but one DM rarely flips a brand into action. Working via a distributor or PR partner reduces friction: they handle logistics, customs and local copy. Paid KOL partnerships cost more but convert best fast. For Aussie creators targeting NZ brands, a layered approach (DM → agency contact → paid promo for launches) is the most reliable path to results.
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💡 How to actually reach New Zealand brands on Xiaohongshu — step‑by‑step
1) Do your homework — what do they sell to customers overseas?
– Scan the brand’s site, Amazon/NZ listings, and any distributor pages. If they already ship to Asia or mention Mandarin on packaging, they’re easier to convince. Tourism Malaysia’s Xiaohongshu move shows how effective having Mandarin content is; if a brand has none, pitch localisation as part of your offer.
2) Localise your pitch (not just translate).
– Write a short Mandarin headline and a 2‑line Mandarin summary of what you’ll create. If you don’t speak Mandarin, use a decent translator and mention you’ll work with a native speaker for captions. Brands respond to certainty: “I’ll create 1 x 60s demo + 1 x 1,000‑char Xiaohongshu notes post in Mandarin.”
3) Start in‑app, then back it up.
– Try a polite Xiaohongshu DM (clear subject, sample photos, metrics). If no reply in 10–14 days, find a business email on their site or contact their distributor. Donga’s piece on AU brands entering China shows many brands have local teams — targeting that regional contact speeds things up.
4) Offer low-risk value: product trials first, paid later.
– Propose to review a product for free in exchange for honest notes and share metrics after 7 days. Offer to cover expedited shipping if they prefer. Smaller NZ indie brands often accept sample reviews to break into the China market.
5) Make logistics painless.
– Offer alternative options: you can pay postage, use a NZ‑based fulfilment partner, or coordinate with a Chinese distributor if the brand has one. Explicitly state shipping options in your pitch.
6) Use localised content hooks that convert: ritual, ingredients, and sun‑care.
– The Danviet trend report shows sun‑care and full‑body protection are big in China. If you’re reviewing NZ sunscreens or barrier products, lead with the “why” — UV protection, reef safety, natural ingredients. Show the routine: morning SPF layer, night repair — that’s the kind of content that sticks on Xiaohongshu.
7) Be transparent on disclosure and metrics.
– Brands want to see traction. Offer a simple results report: impressions, saves, comments, and any conversion link clicks (if possible). Promise honest feedback; brands hate canned praise.
8) If direct outreach stalls, scale via PR partners or marketplaces.
– Distributors and PR agencies convert cold outreach into closed deals — they handle customs, legal and platform rules. Use them for product launches or when you need a bigger push.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How do I start contacting NZ brands on Xiaohongshu?
💬 Use Mandarin-friendly outreach, keep the pitch short, and offer a clear content plan. Start with a polite Xiaohongshu DM; if that goes quiet, follow up via the brand’s business email or their distributor. If you can, include a Mandarin headline and one example of your past work.
🛠️ Will NZ brands send samples to creators in China?
💬 Many brands prefer to work with distributors or fulfil from local warehouses. Smaller indie brands might ship samples internationally if you cover shipping or agree to local postage options. Always offer logistical options and be flexible.
🧠 Should I use a VPN to access Xiaohongshu from Australia?
💬 A reputable VPN helps you test geo-specific features and check how posts render in China, but use one ethically. Disclose tools if a brand asks. If you’re doing serious campaign work, a VPN is a practical testing tool — not a magic bullet.
🧩 Final thoughts — quick playbook you can use tonight
Treat your outreach like a product MVP: short pitch, clear deliverables, and low risk. Use Mandarin-friendly copy, lean on trend hooks (sun care, ingredient storytelling), and make logistics painless. Direct DMs are fine to start, but have a distributor/PR route ready if you need faster conversion. Remember: Xiaohongshu rewards authenticity and utility — show how your review helps a Chinese consumer decide, and NZ brands will pay attention.
📚 Further Reading
Here are 3 recent articles that give more context to this topic — all selected from verified sources. Feel free to explore 👇
🔸 “Marketing Technology Market Poised For Growth, Expected To Hit USD 1,769.49 Billion By 2032”
🗞️ Source: MENAFN – 2025-08-28 08:31:15
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🔸 “Best Mattresses of 2025: Our Sleep Expert Shortlisted These Top Beds for Every Type of Sleeper”
🗞️ Source: CNET – 2025-08-28 08:13:00
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🔸 “Genpact Named A Leader In Trust And Safety Services By Everest Group For Fifth Consecutive Year”
🗞️ Source: MENAFN – 2025-08-28 08:16:35
🔗 Read Article
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📌 Disclaimer
This post blends publicly available information (including platform reach notes and trend reports) with practical experience and a touch of AI assistance. It’s meant for sharing and discussion — not professional legal or customs advice. Double‑check logistics and regulatory details with brands or agents before moving product across borders. If anything odd shows up, ping me and I’ll sort it out 😅.