Fans Seek the Mystery Artist Behind the “Folding Moon” Makeup Craze】

At the heart of the intrigue is the upcoming television drama 折月亮 (Folding Moon), an adaptation of the third volume of author Zhu Yi’s acclaimed Nanwu Trilogy. The series, slated to begin filming toward the end of July, will star rising actors Lin Yi and Lu Yuxiao. While the narrative itself has already generated considerable anticipation among readers of the novels, it is the visual presentation of the show—particularly the makeup and styling— that is currently stealing the spotlight.

Fans have been especially drawn to Lu Yuxiao’s look as Yun Li, the romantic heroine whose “misty purple” palette and ethereal ancient costumes have been described as evoking the soft, pastel tones of a Korean drama. Promotional stills and leaked behind‑the‑scenes footage showcase a refined blend of traditional Chinese attire with modern, cinematic makeup techniques, a combination that has been lauded as both “beautiful” and “impeccably styled.” The result is a look that feels simultaneously timeless and fresh, a perfect visual shorthand for the novel’s poetic title.

That visual appeal has spurred a flood of queries on Weibo, with users posting the question 折月亮妆造到底是谁做的 and flooding comment sections with praise for the aesthetic. The trend is not merely a passing curiosity; repeated searches across major Chinese search engines suggest a sustained interest in uncovering the creative minds behind the look. Yet, despite the fervor, no definitive answer has emerged. The official channels for the drama have not disclosed the makeup artist or the styling team, and the handful of media snippets that do surface reference only Lu Yuxiao herself as the central figure associated with the makeup, not the professionals who crafted it.

The lack of concrete information has led some observers to wonder whether the mystery is intentional, a marketing tactic designed to generate buzz and keep conversations alive in the months leading up to the series’ premiere. In China’s highly competitive television market, where visual branding can be as pivotal as plot, creating a sense of intrigue around a show’s aesthetic can be a powerful way to build early fan engagement.

Beyond the immediate hype, the phenomenon raises broader questions about the evolving role of beauty and styling in Chinese pop culture. In recent years, the country’s cosmetics and fashion industries have been buoyed by a wave of “influencer‑driven” trends, where the looks of popular actors and idols swiftly translate into consumer demand for specific products, colors, and techniques. If the “Zheyueliang” look proves to be as resonant as early reactions suggest, it could spark a new wave of makeup sales centered on pastel tones, luminous skin finishes, and the subtly dramatic eye work evident in Lu Yuxiao’s screenshots.

However, the available data are insufficient to map any concrete impact on the market at this stage. No brand affiliations have been identified, nor have any cosmetic companies claimed a partnership with the production. Likewise, there is no clear evidence that the aesthetic is echoing wider social shifts in beauty standards or cultural identity; it simply appears to be a well‑executed piece of visual storytelling that resonates with fans of the source material.

Political implications appear unlikely. The discussion so far has been confined to the realm of entertainment and fashion without any discernible link to nationalistic narratives, regulatory debates, or government endorsements. Yet, as with many cultural phenomena in China, a pattern that begins in fan circles can sometimes evolve into a larger commentary on contemporary values. Whether the “Zheyueliang” makeup will acquire such layers remains to be seen.

In the meantime, the mystery endures. The phrase “谁做的” (who did it) continues to trend, serving as a reminder of how a single visual element can galvanize a community in the digital age. For now, the answer lies somewhere behind the camera—perhaps with a makeup artist whose name will be revealed when the series finally airs, or perhaps remaining an unspoken part of the collaborative craft that brings a story from page to screen. Until then, fans will keep dissecting every frame, sharing screenshots, and dreaming of recreating Yun Li’s ethereal glow on their own faces, hopeful that the next episode will finally answer the question that has captivated them: Who made the ‘Zheyueliang’ makeup and styling?