Exploring Geisha makeup

Geisha are traditional Japanese entertainers who are dedicated to entertaining through music, dance, poetry, conversation and other artistic talents. They are often women trained in various artistic disciplines from an early age, with the goal of becoming experts in the art of hospitality and refined entertainment; they are highly respected in Japanese culture for their ability to create elegant and sophisticated atmospheres at social events and banquets, known for their distinctive makeup and dress.

The process of make-up, hair styling and dressing constitutes a complete ritual. In addition, within this tradition, makeup distinguishes the different types of geisha:

1- Junior Maiko, also known as Maiko Juniors, are those who are in the early stages of their training and are learning the various aspects of the geisha art.

During this phase, the Junior Maiko are immersed in the training process, which includes learning the artistic, social and cultural skills necessary to become a complete geisha. This learning period is crucial for their professional and personal development in the geisha world, their makeup is:

• White foundation: A white foundation is applied all over the face, leaving a strip of unmade-up near the hair to simulate the effect of wearing a mask.

• Cheekbones, eyelids and nose: A foundation with a touch of pink is applied to the cheekbones, eyelids and nose to add a hint of pink.

• Eyelid: A pink shadow is applied on the eyelids to highlight the eyes.

• Upper eyelid line: The upper eyelid line is marked with a red shade and a touch of eyeliner. The use of mascara is optional.

• Lips: The lower lip is painted cherry red, while the upper lip is left the color of the foundation (white) for an innocent, childlike look.

• Eyebrows: A special eyebrow charcoal is applied, followed by a pink shade on them for apprentice Maiko in general.

2- Maiko are apprentice geisha.

During their training, Maiko wear elaborate kimonos and perform distinctive makeup, their appearance reflects their apprenticeship status and is considered an art form in itself. As they advance in their training, Maiko become full-fledged geisha and can begin to accept clients on their own. Their makeup is:

• White foundation: A white foundation is applied all over the face. A strip is left unmade up near the hair to simulate the effect of wearing a mask.

• Cheekbones, eyelids and nose: These areas are made up with a very discreet pink foundation, creating less contrast compared to Junior Maiko makeup.

• Eyelid: A pale pink shade is used on the eyelid. At the end of the eyelid (including part of the lower eyelid), a red line is drawn. Eyeliner is applied and mascara is optional.

• Lips: The lips are painted red. A blank space is left on both lips and painted so that it looks like a red petal on snow.

• Eyebrows: An eyebrow liner pencil in a brown shade is used. Eyebrow charcoal is then applied and finished with a touch of pink. The length of the eyebrows indicates the experience of the maiko, being longer the more experienced she is.

3- Geisha:

• Base de maquillaje color blanco: Al llevar una peluca, no se deja la franja sin maquillaje, por lo que se maquilla toda la cara de blanco.

• Párpado: Se aplica sombra de color rosado pálido en el párpado. Se dibuja una línea roja muy discreta en el extremo del párpado, que incluye parte del párpado inferior. Se aplica delineador. El rímel es opcional.

• Labios: Los labios se pintan de rojo. Normalmente, se deja un espacio en blanco en ambos labios, por lo que deben pintarse de manera que quede con la forma más favorecedora para cada geisha.

• Cejas: Se aplica un lápiz delineador de cejas de tono marrón. Posteriormente, se aplica el carboncillo para cejas y se concluye dándole un toque rosado. Cuanto más largas son las cejas, más experiencia tiene la geisha.

4- A Senior Geisha is an experienced and high-ranking geisha within the geisha hierarchy.

These women have attained an advanced level of skill and mastery in traditional Japanese arts, as well as the social skills necessary to excel in their profession. Often, Senior Geisha are respected as mentors and leaders within the geisha community, providing guidance and support to younger geisha. In addition, they may be sought after for more prestigious events and receive special treatment within the traditional Japanese entertainment industry. Their status as Senior Geisha is a symbol of recognition of their talent, dedication and contribution to the preservation of geisha culture.

Western makeup is applied and is done with the goal of looking as natural as possible. In situations where a geisha, with up to three years of experience, must dance, the application of the characteristic geisha makeup as mentioned above will be required. On the other hand, at events and ozashiki where no wig is worn, the application of makeup will not be necessary.

I hope you liked this blog and remember that "beauty and wisdom are two jewels that, when combined, create an incomparable treasure." See you in the next blog. Remember to leave a like, comment, and follow me on social media.