Glossary
Beauty Ideals
Culturally specific standards or perceptions of what is considered beautiful or attractive within a society.
Example:
In ancient China, the ideal of a woman's beauty often included small, bound feet, a practice that is no longer considered a beauty ideal today.
Double Eyelids (Blepharoplasty)
A common cosmetic surgical procedure, particularly popular in East Asia, to create a crease in the upper eyelid, making the eyes appear larger and more 'Westernized.'
Example:
Many young people in South Korea consider getting double eyelids as a common graduation gift.
Facekini
A type of mask worn by swimmers and beachgoers, primarily in China, to protect the face from sun exposure and maintain fair skin.
Example:
On beaches in Qingdao, it's common to see people wearing a colorful Facekini to shield themselves from the sun's rays.
Fair Skin Preference
A strong cultural preference for light or pale skin tones, often associated with wealth, status, and beauty in many East Asian societies.
Example:
Many K-pop idols showcase a fair skin preference, influencing beauty trends across Asia.
High Nose Bridge
A facial feature considered desirable in many East Asian beauty standards, often sought through makeup contouring or cosmetic surgery.
Example:
Achieving a sculpted look with a high nose bridge is a popular makeup trend on Chinese social media platforms.
Skin-Whitening Products
Cosmetic products designed to lighten skin tone, widely used in regions with a strong fair skin preference, though some may contain harmful ingredients.
Example:
Despite warnings about mercury, some people still seek out unregulated skin-whitening products for quick results.
Thinness (as a beauty ideal)
The cultural preference for an extremely slender body type, often leading to unhealthy practices and body image issues.
Example:
The pressure to maintain extreme thinness can be seen in the limited clothing sizes available in some Chinese fashion stores.
一白遮百丑 (yī bái zhē bǎi chǒu)
A Chinese proverb meaning 'Fair skin conceals a thousand flaws,' highlighting the cultural value placed on light skin as a primary beauty attribute.
Example:
My grandmother always told me, 'Remember, 一白遮百丑,' when I spent too much time in the sun without protection.
白富美 (bái fù měi)
A modern Chinese slang term describing an ideal woman who is 'white (fair-skinned), rich, and beautiful,' reflecting contemporary beauty and social aspirations.
Example:
Many online influencers strive to embody the image of a 白富美, showcasing their luxurious lifestyles and flawless complexions.
高富帅 (gāo fù shuài)
A modern Chinese slang term describing an ideal man who is 'tall, rich, and handsome,' representing the male counterpart to 白富美.
Example:
In popular Chinese dramas, the male lead is often portrayed as a 高富帅, capturing the hearts of many viewers.