‘Mulan Makeup Challenge’ is Going Viral in China

July 29, 2019

Following the release of Disney’s trailer for its live-action remake of “Mulan,” fans all over the world have begun recreating the image of the titular Chinese heroine — with particular attention to her traditional beauty.

In China, the hype comes in the form of a now-viral makeup challenge, which has already attracted more than 300 million views.

The challenge, which uses the hashtags “Mulan Imitation” (#花木兰仿妆#) and “Mulan Imitation Contest” (#花木兰仿妆大赛#), has netizens mimicking the character’s betrothal makeup, which happened to be popular back in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 C.E.).

In a YouTube video, makeup vlogger Emma Zhou explains that the look is basically achieved using rice flour and pigments from strong-colored flowers.

Following the release of Disney’s trailer for its live-action remake of “Mulan,” fans all over the world have begun recreating the image of the titular Chinese heroine — with particular attention to her traditional beauty. — Image via YouTube / Walt Disney Studios

The makeup, which aims to emphasize the roundness of the face, uses rice flour for a “truly ‘blank’ canvas” and pigments for blush on the cheeks, tint on the lips and a floral decoration on the forehead.

Additionally, the look features a yellow “aura” on the forehead, also known as “Buddha’s makeup,” as many practiced Buddhism at the time.