For all you Cdrama fans, Cbeauty brand Girlcult just dropped their highly anticipated winter cosmetics collection, and it’s a full-throttle dive into the legendary world of ‘江湖’ (JiangHu). For the uninitiated, JiangHu literally translates to ‘rivers and lakes,’ an unofficial realm in ancient China that thrived beyond imperial rule. Think sprawling landscapes, clandestine alliances, and, crucially, powerful figures who forge their own paths. This genre is iconic in Chinese fiction, renowned for its formidable female characters, or ‘女侠’ (xiá nǚ)—a legion of assassins, clan leaders, and martial arts baddies who command respect.

Girlcult’s collection goes beyond just being inspired by the xiá nǚ aesthetic—it’s more of a reinvention. The brand translates the fierce spirit of these female warriors into something undeniably edgy, bold, and utterly modern. It’s a perfect storm, hitting precisely with the 2026 beauty trends we’re already spotting.

The move away from understated, clean beauty looks is undeniable, with a strong lean into shimmer, unapologetically bold lips, and more expressive, dramatic color palettes. On platforms like Xiaohongshu, the buzz is palpable. Users are already experimenting, crafting smoky eyes and deeper, richer lip shades from the collection, embracing darker, more dramatic transformations.

What truly makes this collection resonate so strongly with Gen Z is its soul. Girlcult is more about crafting a narrative and creating characters over simply selling products. Culture is central to this launch, inviting you to embody the strength, independence, and rebellious spirit of the xiá nǚ. It’s a call to embrace your inner warrior and make a statement with every stroke.

So see and learn more about Girlcult’s winter drop, watch our Now You Know episode, hosted by Vivin Qiang, below:

Cover image via Xiaohongshu.