In today’s hyper-connected globe, the meaning of national identity is no longer rigid, and we’re seeing a dissolution of cultural borders as we travel through our devices. This shift in mentality is happening against a turbulent geopolitical backdrop as countries prioritise regional allies.

Diverse representation is an expectation, but as individuals no longer allow themselves to be defined in singular terms, there's mounting pressure on brands to understand and sensitively reflect how the intersections between race, gender, class, and ability impact people's everyday lives.

Foreigners are turning to Chinese netizens on Xiaohongshu for makeover advice with the 听劝 trend. Chinese users act as mentors for global users, offering hyper-local knowledge and deepening the intercultural exchange that has been booming in the beauty industry, with local heritage taking precedence.