BEIJING: A young beauty products influencer in Taiwan known for niche videos in which she “consumed” cosmetics has died suddenly.
Her death has sparked speculation on mainland China social media that she may have died from poisoning.
The 24-year-old, known online as Guava Beauty, had gained more than 12,000 followers on one social media platform.
She was well known for her sweet, youthful image and for posting creative content, including “make-up mukbang” videos. The term “mukbang” generally refers to content which involves eating.
The videos featured her trying to eat beauty products such as lipstick, blush, face masks and cotton pads.
She titled a recent clip promoting a jellylike blush: “If you dare recommend it, I dare to eat it.”
In the video, she applies the blush to her cheeks and lips, then uses a fork to put it in her mouth and chew it.
“Let’s try it. It is crispy, kind of like agar jelly. Sorry, my friend, but it tastes terrible,” she said.
While many fans expressed shock at her videos, others worried that they might mislead her audience, especially younger viewers, into believing that cosmetics are safe to eat.
One online observer said: “Please stop this kind of behaviour. If you enjoy it, do it in private. But do not promote eating cosmetics. These are chemical products.
“They are not meant to be chewed, and spitting them out does not solve the potential problem. If someone is misled by your videos and something goes wrong, will you take responsibility?”
That post was her last until May 24, when her profile bio was changed to: “Logging out from the world. Setting off on a new journey. All business collaborations are suspended.”
Her family later issued a statement on her account announcing her death in which they said she had always persevered through life’s hardships.
“It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that our treasured girl of beauty-product mukbangs, Guava Beauty, put down her brushes and flew off to start a new channel in heaven on May 24, 2025.
“Thank you to everyone who ever liked, commented, and laughed with her. She truly cherished it all. Maybe when we meet again, she will be unboxing angel-exclusive make-up for her celestial mukbang.”
The statement also sparked speculation about the cause of her death.
Some people suggested she may have died from poisoning, while others thought she might have had a heart attack.
There was also shock online in both mainland China and Taiwan.
One person said: “I cannot believe it, but I know Guava Beauty will be the most beautiful beauty-mukbang angel in heaven.”
Mukbang content is hugely popular in China and across Asia as it provides viewers with a sense of psychological comfort and relaxation through influencers’ quirky personalities or exaggerated expressions.
Some fans, especially young women, also watch it to vicariously enjoy food they avoid due to dieting, health concerns or guilt. - South China Morning Post
