It’s not the Pussy Riot, it’s Chinese Face-kinis!

While Westerners love to bronze, Chinese beachgoers are going all out to shield themselves from the sun’s rays with colorful nylon face masks. In some cultures, a tan suggests a life of outdoor peasant work, while a pale complexion implies luxury and success.

The thin masks are sold for $2 to $4 at local swim shops, while some women make their own.

The coverings are also handy as protection against insects and jellyfish.

The ‘face-kini’ was reportedly invented about seven years ago, and is now under mass production.

French newspaper Le Monde says the head-cover reflects “an ancient sentiment in China, like numerous other countries: a terror of tanning.”

The masks allow beachgoers to enjoy the water and sand — without the tanning effects of the sun.

Eww! Would you wear that?

via www.reuters.com