In China, as in many parts of the world, makeup is a form of self-expression, but it also carries unique cultural weight. The rise of “C-beauty” (Chinese Beauty) and social media trends, particularly on platforms like Douyin (TikTok), has created a vibrant and innovative makeup culture. Intricate eye makeup and flawless “glass skin” are popular trends that have gained global attention. A key cultural point of comparison is the concept of “professional makeup” (职业妆, zhíyè zhuāng). In many Chinese (and East Asian) corporate environments, wearing subtle, neat makeup is often seen as a sign of professionalism and respect for one's colleagues and clients. This can be compared to the Western concept of a “business suit.” While in the West, makeup is often viewed as a personal choice, in some Chinese professional contexts, a bare face might be perceived as not being fully “put together” or not taking the job seriously enough. This highlights a subtle but important difference in social expectations in the workplace.
化妆 (huàzhuāng) is an everyday term used in various contexts.
化妆 is generally a neutral term. The connotation depends entirely on the context of the conversation.