Is That Really Her Bare Face?... Chinese Exam Taker Told to "Remove Makeup" Five Times, How Did It End?

Suspected of Wearing Makeup Due to Striking Features
Admitted to China's Top Broadcasting University with Outstanding Scores

A well-known Chinese influencer has drawn attention after revealing that she was asked to remove her makeup five times during a university entrance exam, despite not wearing any. Her striking facial features led to suspicions that she was wearing makeup.

“Did you put on makeup?” ... Five separate checks despite a bare face

Chinese influencer Hoo Shin Yi. Weibo

On September 30, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that Hoo Shin Yi, who took the broadcasting host entrance exam at the Communication University of China (CUC) in January, was suspected of wearing makeup due to her defined facial features, even though she sat for the exam with a bare face. The exam proctors checked her for makeup five times, and one even reportedly pulled on her eyelashes to confirm.

Despite the controversy, Hoo Shin Yi achieved outstanding results. She scored a total of 274 points, ranking first in the Beijing region, and scored 83.07 points in the CUC major exam, placing 17th nationwide. CUC, regarded as the top institution in broadcasting and media, has produced numerous renowned anchors and broadcasters. After sharing photos from her matriculation ceremony in September, Hoo Shin Yi commented, “I love CUC and CUC loves me. Everyone is so kind and talented.”

“I really haven’t had plastic surgery” - Her explanation

Chinese influencer Houshin Yi. Weibo

Amid ongoing plastic surgery rumors, Hoo Shin Yi updated her Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok) profile, where she has over 400,000 followers, to say, “I have never had plastic surgery. Please stop asking.” Recently released childhood photos, which also show her defined features, have further quelled the controversy. Addressing rumors about an entertainment debut, she said, “I don’t want to appear in TV dramas,” drawing a clear line. Hoo Shin Yi stated, “Rumors that once kept me up at night have now become the foundation for my growth,” and expressed her intention to focus solely on her studies for the time being.

Local internet users have shown their support with comments such as, “She looks exactly the same as when she was young,” “Even plastic surgery couldn’t create such beauty,” “Beauty never changes,” “She is a natural beauty by anyone’s standards,” “She could stand next to any celebrity and not be outshined,” “She’s truly beautiful,” “Even her bare face is beautiful,” and “She’s perfect.”