Phono-semantic translation of 'Maybelline' (May-be-line → Měi-bǎo-lián). The characters were chosen for sound but also carry a flattering literal reading:
美 'beautiful' +
宝 'treasure' +
莲 'lotus'. A textbook example of how Chinese brand localization layers meaning on top of phonetics — comparable to
可口可乐 (Coca-Cola, 'tasty + happy').
