A Boricua’s Guide To Shopping Local Puerto Rican Brands

Hi, everyone! I’m Mercedes, the newest writer to join R29's Shopping team and your new go-to deal expert. While I love finding the latest & greatest prices on all your favorite products, I’m also incredibly passionate about my home: Puerto Rico. It’s no secret that the island's had a rough few years (or decades, really) between escalating crisis issues after 2017's Hurricane Maria and undergoing traumatic colonization, both by the government’s own poor choices and the irresponsibility of tourists during a pandemic. One way we can continuously help Puerto Rico's economy is by making an effort to support its local businesses — the ones that are often impacted the most.

When I lived in Puerto Rico, I strongly believed in shopping small; whether I was buying food from neighborhood grocers and restaurants or fashion from emerging female entrepreneurs. (I even started an online magazine about it!) Three and a half years plus a move to New York City later, I still believe that this is an easy way to positively impact the island directly. And so, to help get you better acquainted with its wealth of beautiful makers, I've lined up a few of my most loved Puerto Rican brands. Ahead, find everything from size- and gender-inclusive fashion to recycled jewelry, sustainable lifestyle wares, world-famous vegan lipsticks, and more.