‘I do not understand...’: China influencer makes US$14 million selling fake cheap cosmetics

It's unclear if she faced any action from authorities. (Image credit: Shutterstock)

• Influencer Duolan deletes account after face cream price scandal
• She claimed cream was imported, but it was made in Guangdong
• Her sales tactics targeted middle-aged women seeking care

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A China-based influencer with three million followers deleted her social media account after she sold two bottles of face cream for 69.9 yuan despite an original price of 3,999 yuan. While the influencer claimed the product was imported from Australia, an investigation found it was made in Guangdong for under 20 yuan, according to SCMP.

The woman, known as Duolan, claimed she was a cosmetic company president and drew attention after recording 100 million yuan in sales in January with the Yizilan brand.

According to Chanmama, Yizilan secured the 21st spot among facial care and make-up products sold on social media.

More than 80 per cent of Duolan’s followers were women, and 70 per cent were middle-aged or above.

In addition to live-streaming and e-commerce platforms, she directed buyers to chat groups for purchases.

The 47-year-old earned the title “electric daughter” from fans for presenting herself as a caring female boss who promotes filial values and aids vulnerable people.

In one video, she helped a delivery rider who was penalised for being late after assisting an elderly man who collapsed on the road.

In another, she supported an employee criticised by her manager for taking long leave to care for her sick mother.

This image helped boost Duolan’s product sales, and she referred to her customers as “Godmothers”.

Her live-stream on March 10 generated an estimated 500,000 to 750,000 yuan, the highest for cosmetic and care products that day.

One of her key products was Queen Face Cream, which she claimed her daughter had brought from Australia.

To show “filial piety” to her “Godmothers”, she said she imported it and sold two bottles for 69.9 yuan despite an original price of 3,999 yuan each.

Though her mother tried to stop her, she insisted on the low camera price.

The move drove many viewers to place orders.

A March 12 report by Lanjing News drew wide attention, and her account is no longer available.

It remains unclear whether she faced any action from the police or authorities. The case has sparked debate online.

One person said, “Use your brain to think for several seconds and you will know they are fake. I do not understand why so many people trusted her.”

Another said, “I think we should pay attention to why these aunties easily become the victim of her scam: they hunger for care from their children.”