Chengdu makeup artist turns ancient relics into living beauty

Inside the Chengdu Museum, among ancient artifacts and centuries-old statues, Lan Xi sees more than history – she finds timeless beauty waiting to be reimagined.

Once known for creating Western-inspired glam looks, Lan Xi now finds herself on a very different track – bringing back faces from centuries past, drawing inspiration from ancient statues and paintings.

From brow shape to lip color, each brushstroke is backed by hours of research. But for Lan Xi, what excites her most is the world that this work unlocks.

Lan Xi likens what she does to archaeology – she digs, analyzes, and brings those faces to life through her short videos.

For her, the work ahead isn't just about restoring faces – it's about awakening a lost connection to the past. She wants people to see these ancient figures not as relics, but as gateways to reflection and new perspectives.