The Four Gentlemen: How to Become Unbreakably Beautiful Like Bamboo

Your style. Your era. Your beliefs.

There's no denying it—makeup is a powerful way to express yourself. Even if you don't have a dramatic signature look, your style is there. That go-to look that feels comfortable and completely “you.”

But…what if your makeup did even more?
What if your makeup inspired you to be braver, bolder…unbreakable?

Ladies and gentlemen, we'd like you to meet the Four Gentlemen.

The Four Gentlemen: How to Become Unbreakably Beautiful Like Bamboo

The Four Gentlemen (四君子)

Also known as the Four Noble Ones or the Four Plants of Virtue, the Four Gentlemen (四君子, sì jūn zǐ) are the collective name of four plants: the plum blossom (梅, méi), the orchid (兰, lán), bamboo (竹, zhú), and the chrysanthemum (菊, jú).

But what makes them special?

Aside from their beauty, these gentlemen symbolize righteousness, humility, perseverance, and other virtues. In traditional Chinese culture, the term gentlemen (君子, jūn zǐ) refers to the pure virtue and moral disposition that all humans should aspire to.

The Four Gentlemen have been admired since the Song dynasty (960–1279). And like graceful lines of gorgeous ink and wash paintings, you can borrow their beautiful power too.

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Bamboo, the Unbreakable Beauty

The tolerance and integrity of bamboo, flexible but strong.

The humility and nobility of the orchid, ethereal and pure.

The virtue and righteousness of the chrysanthemum.

The perseverance of the plum blossom.

In this second edition of the Four Gentlemen Creative Makeup series, we're focusing on the tenacity, strength, and grace of bamboo.

7 Steps to Embodying Bamboo Brilliance

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Step 1

Apply your makeup base as normal, and set with a pore-blurring, oil-control powder like the Flawless Jade Breathable Setting Powder. For quick touch ups, the travel-friendly Flawless Jade Breathable Pressed Powder will keep you flawless and matte (but not cakey) all day.

Step 2

Using the Pine Soot Precise Definition Mascara, define and elongate your lashes. Brush through your brows to tidy up any unruly hairs, then use the Luodai Floral Eyebrow Define Powder Pencil to add fine hair strokes for a fuller brow.

Step 3

Next, take the Floral Engraving Phoenix Makeup Palette and apply shade 01 Peacock (Dark Cyan) all over your lids with a fluffy eyeshadow brush.

Then, using a smaller precision eye brush, draw a dramatic cat eye shape with the same shade.

Then, taking shade 02 Canary (Gold Shimmer) with the same brush, outline the dramatic cat eye and apply the shadow to your lower lash line. The dramatic contrast between cool Dark Cyan and bright Gold Shimmer will stand out with every blink.

Step 4

For even more contrast, take the Eastern Beasts Sculpting Makeup Palette and contour brush and apply the Warm Taupe Bronzer along your jawline and under your cheekbones for a subtle contour. Highlight your cheekbones and your nose bridge with the Pink Champagne Gold Highlighter.

Step 5

For a healthy flush, take your favorite shade of Floral Dew Care Cream-to-Powder Blush and apply it onto the apples of your cheeks while gently sweeping upward for a lifted look.

Step 6

Prep your lips with the Ginseng Care Lip Balm to keep them supple and soft. Then, apply the Blooming Rouge Lipstick in shade M308 (Blooming Lotus) with a lip brush for maximum precision and control. As a final touch, apply a small amount of 02 Canary to your cupid's bow and anywhere where you want an eye-catching dash of gold.

With the boldness of bamboo enhanced by sumptuous gold, your look is complete. Draw attention with drama, and captivate with your natural charms. Integrity, tolerance, and strength—now you can embody the resilience of bamboo as you step out with confidence.

The Four Gentlemen: How to Bloom Like a Noble Orchid