Why geisha wear makeup

Chinese courtesan women took to wearing thick white makeup because it looked better in the light, particularly if they were to perform to or entertain nobles. Of course, in this period, there was no artificial lighting to enhance a face or a figure, only candlelight. Both Chinese courtesans and Geishas took to wearing white makeup and creating a porcelain look, for the purpose of creating prominent facial expressions which could be clearly visible. This was especially important as Geisha women were mainly entertainers, dancing and singing for their clients way into the evening and therefore could not rely on natural sunlight.

It was incredibly important for their faces to be visible and recognizable. Nowadays, we live in a world where brilliant lighting effects and top-notch filters are accessible to everyone with a smartphone. We can take a picture of ourselves tired and hungover on a Sunday morning and still make ourselves look perfectly pruned and flawless. For this reason, perhaps it is easy to overlook the fact that until relatively recently, a significant amount of makeup was needed to create a certain appearance.

This may explain the myths surrounding the thick and unnaturally white makeup used by Geisha women, both in the past and today. One common theory is that Japanese people adored the naturally fair skin of many European cultures and that this Geisha makeup was supposed to try to achieve the same look. Since as far back as the 18th Century when the original geisha were men , their role has been to provide companionship and cultural entertainment to discerning clientele.

What they provide is a kind of momentary escape from the rough and tumble of everyday life. Entering an ochaya — the traditional tea house which is the domain of the geisha — is an act which transports the clientele into a realm of serenity, flirtation and music.

The geisha will sing, dance and play games, in between conversing, flirting and generally being incredibly charming at all times. It is a seamless performance, and, as with any kind of performance, appearance is all-important.

This strikingly contrasts with their distinctive red lipstick, and one way to identify a maiko apprentice geisha who is still in her first year of training is that these novices only paint their lower lips rid. Maiko at all stages of training will also make their faces particularly colourful with more liberal application of pink blush on their cheeks.

By contrast, older geisha tend to wear increasingly more subtle makeup as they age, for a naturalistic look. Everyone needs a krishna in their life. A friend who is there for them when they are at their weakest. I hope on this beautiful day. Hi Anvika, You are 8 today and growing up so fast.

Its been years since I wrote here. I did not get. Shop from MyStore. April 20, 2 Comments. All About Geisha Makeup History When someone thinks of a Japanese Geisha, they think of a glorified prostitute or call girl, but this is far from the truth.

The makeup process begins with application of bintsuke-abura, a special kind of oil. This is then followed with the white powder like substance is mixed with water and is applied to the skin with a special bamboo brush.

The white substance covers almost all visible part of the skin, including chest and neck. The nape of the neck has the typical W or V shape of clear skin which has no white makeup.

The hairline too is not painted white so as to give an illusion of a mask. Features Spots Videos. Related Articles Why do sumo wrestlers compete in a mawashi?

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