The world of beauty is filled with fascinating cultural concepts and one of the most intriguing is the Chinese theory of animal beauty types. This idea classifies different facial features and expressions into categories inspired by animals. Each type carries its own charm and energy, highlighting that beauty can take many forms.
Far from being about “better or worse,” this approach encourages people to celebrate their natural traits and enhance them through personal style.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explore the origins of animal beauty types, describe the main categories, show you how to discover your own and provide makeup tutorials to highlight the unique strengths of each type.
What Are Animal Beauty Types?
In traditional Chinese aesthetics, animals have long been symbols of personality, energy and character. By associating facial features with animals, the theory creates a poetic way to describe different kinds of beauty.
For example, someone with sharp eyes might be described as “fox beauty,” while someone with gentle, round eyes could be “deer beauty.” This doesn’t limit or define a person, it simply provides a new lens to appreciate the diversity of human features.
The Main Archetypes
Here are some of the most common categories of animal beauty:
- Fox Beauty: Sharp, alluring eyes; captivating and seductive aura.
- Deer Beauty: Soft, innocent gaze; delicate and youthful energy.
- Cat Beauty: Expressive, slightly mischievous features; lively charm.
- Dog Beauty: Friendly, approachable look; warmth and kindness.
- Rabbit Beauty: Sweet, gentle expression; tender and playful.
- Tiger Beauty: Strong, bold facial structure; magnetic presence.
- Phoenix Beauty: Balanced, harmonious features; refined and elegant.
How to Discover Your Type
Finding your type isn’t just about the eyes, it’s about the combination of features and the overall impression they create. Here are some aspects to observe:
- Eyes: Shape, size and expression. Sharp or elongated eyes may lean toward Fox or Cat beauty, while wide, round eyes may suggest Deer or Rabbit beauty.
- Nose: A straight, defined nose often gives strength (Tiger or Phoenix), while a smaller, delicate nose can emphasize softness (Deer or Rabbit).
- Mouth and Lips: Full, bold lips often connect to Fox or Tiger beauty, while soft, gentle lips align with Dog or Rabbit beauty.
- Facial Structure: Angular cheekbones and jawlines lean toward Tiger or Phoenix, while rounder or softer shapes are more common in Deer, Rabbit, or Dog beauty.
- General Expression or Aura: Beyond physical features, the way your face “feels” matters. Playful energy often reflects Cat beauty, while warmth and approachability are tied to Dog beauty.
✨ Remember: most people are a mix. You might notice that your eyes fit the Fox category while your lips or expression lean more toward Rabbit. This is natural, the concept is meant as inspiration, not a rigid classification.
Makeup Tutorials for Each Beauty
Now for the fun part: using makeup to enhance the charm of each animal beauty type. These are simple step-by-step tutorials anyone can follow.
Fox Beauty Makeup Tutorial
- Prep your skin with a matte foundation for a flawless base.
- Shape your eyebrows with a defined arch.
- Apply a bold winged eyeliner to elongate the eyes.
- Use earthy or smoky eyeshadow shades to intensify the gaze.
- Add contour along the cheekbones for a sculpted effect.
- Finish with a bold lipstick, such as deep red or burgundy.
Deer Beauty Makeup Tutorial
- Choose a light, dewy foundation for a natural glow.
- Brush eyebrows softly without over-defining.
- Apply pastel or neutral eyeshadow tones.
- Add a thin line of eyeliner close to the lashes.
- Use blush generously on the cheeks for a fresh look.
- Finish with a tinted lip balm or soft pink gloss.
Cat Beauty Makeup Tutorial
- Apply a semi-matte foundation for a balanced finish.
- Define eyebrows with a slightly upward shape.
- Use bold eyeliner with a short, sharp flick.
- Play with playful eyeshadow shades (bronze, gold, or even metallics).
- Highlight the inner corners of the eyes for brightness.
- Choose a coral or berry-toned lipstick.
Dog Beauty Makeup Tutorial
- Start with a lightweight, natural-looking foundation.
- Keep eyebrows natural and slightly rounded.
- Use warm, soft eyeshadow tones like beige or peach.
- Apply a thin coat of mascara for a gentle look.
- Add a rosy blush for a healthy glow.
- Choose nude or warm-toned lipsticks for a friendly vibe.
Rabbit Beauty Makeup Tutorial
- Go for a luminous, glowy foundation finish.
- Shape eyebrows softly with light strokes.
- Apply pastel eyeshadow shades (soft pink, lavender, champagne).
- Curl lashes and use lengthening mascara.
- Add a touch of highlighter to the nose and cheekbones.
- Use a pink or peach lip tint for a sweet, fresh look.
Tiger Beauty Makeup Tutorial
- Apply a full-coverage foundation for a bold base.
- Define eyebrows strongly to match your presence.
- Use deep, dramatic eyeshadow colors (charcoal, brown, plum).
- Add eyeliner and blend for a smoky effect.
- Apply contour along the jawline and cheekbones.
- Finish with a statement lipstick, like crimson or wine.
Phoenix Beauty Makeup Tutorial
- Even out the skin with a natural foundation.
- Shape eyebrows neatly for a polished look.
- Apply balanced eyeshadow shades, neither too bold nor too soft.
- Use eyeliner lightly to define, not overpower.
- Add subtle contouring for harmony.
- Choose a classic lipstick shade, like rose or mauve.
Fall in Love with the Traits that Define You
The Chinese concept of animal beauty types is not about changing who you are, it’s about celebrating your natural traits and learning how to highlight them. Every type has its own charm and with the right makeup approach, you can make those qualities shine even brighter.
Beauty is not about fitting into one box; it’s about discovering the magic in your individuality.