They are known as China's "facekinis" and their goal is to ensure that women stay white.
Most of us want to lay out in the sun and tan, so we opt to wear some of the skimpiest outfits in order to get the best tan. But in other parts of the world, some women want to cover up more, but not necessarily for modesty. They're doing it to stay as white as possible while at the beach.In the process of protecting fair skin, this woman ended up resembling a rooster from the neck up.
Philipp Engelhorn
Photographer Philipp Engelhorn took these snaps of women who look a bit like Power Rangers.
While some women only cover up their faces and necks, others choose a full body floral cover.
Philipp Engelhorn
It's not surprising to see beachgoers in areas like China's Eastern city of Qingdao wearing these.
They look like they belong to some sort of wrestling team. Maybe they were inspired by Spider-Man.
Philipp Engelhorn
As odd as it might seem to us, this is actually a novel idea to protect one's face from UV rays.
While the facekini is mostly worn by middle-aged women, the trend is likely to go global.
Philipp Engelhorn
The internet will probably find this trend to be highly amusing, but it could become high fashion.
Already, CR Fashion Book, a New York style magazine, published a photo shoot with the facekinis.
Philipp Engelhorn
Don't rule out the facekini just yet, because it can certainly look good with the right outfit.
The facekini would be a hit if it also came in leopard print like this woman's upper swimwear.
Philipp Engelhorn
Many of the women in these photographs are making a bold statement dressed up like this.
They look like bank robbers or aliens from a 50s B-movie.
Philipp Engelhorn
You might be wondering why this obsession with staying white is so necessary.
It's not racial! Think back to the olden days when people wore powder. It was a sign of prosperity.
Philipp Engelhorn
When it comes to avoiding tanning, Chinese people have really pushed the creative envelope.
Besides the masks, you can also wear bikinis with removable sleeves to keep the UV rays at bay.
Philipp Engelhorn
These days, tanning salons in the Western world are taking people by storm, but not in China.
Sure, tan skin can look really pretty, but can they make heads turn the way these facekinis do?
Philipp Engelhorn
Given the damaging effects caused by the sun, the facekini could be life-saving.
Not only can they reduce your risk of skin cancer, but can block UV rays and keep you looking young.
Philipp Engelhorn
The nylon sunscreen mask will only cover so much, so it's up to you if you want to look trendy.
The masks cover the head, but your eyes and mouth are exposed, so adding a bit of color is cool.
Philipp Engelhorn
Some masks might remind you of a tablecloth, but it can do a lot more than repel UV rays.
Qingdao women not only wear these to avoid a tan, but to protect themselves from jellyfish stings.
Philipp Engelhorn
The facekinis come in all sorts of colorful patterns and can set you back from $16 to $24.
So if you're looking to avoid that summer tan at any cost, you might want to invest in one of these.
