Geisha Style
Appearance
After the foundation layer is applied, a sponge is patted all over the face, throat, chest and the nape and neck to remove excess moisture and to blend the foundation. Next the eyes and eyebrows are drawn in. Traditionally charcoal was used, but today modern cosmetics are used. The eyebrows and edges of the eyes are coloured black; a maiko also applies red around her eyes.
The lips are filled in using a small brush. The colour comes in a small stick, which is melted in water. Crystallized sugar is then added to give the lips lustre.
For the first three years, a maiko wears this heavy makeup almost constantly. During her initiation the maiko is helped with her makeup by either her "older sister" (an experienced geisha who is her mentor) or the "mother" of her geisha house. After this she applies the makeup herself.
After a geisha has been working for three years, she changes her make-up to a more subdued style. The reason for this is that she has now become mature, and the simpler style shows her own natural beauty. For formal occasions the mature geisha will still apply white make-up. For geisha over thirty, the heavy white make-up is only worn during special dances which require her to wear make-up for her part.
Closeup of a woman's eye while wearing makeup
Dress
Geisha always wear kimono. Apprentice geisha wear highly colourful kimono with extravagant obi. Older geisha wear more subdued patterns and styles.
The colour, pattern, and style of kimono is also dependent on the season and the event the geisha is attending. In winter, geisha can be seen wearing a three-quarter length "overcoat" lined with hand painted silk over their kimono. Lined kimono are worn during colder seasons, and unlined kimono during the summer.
Geisha wear a flat-soled sandal outdoors, and wear only tabi (white split-toed socks) indoors. In inclement weather geisha wear raised wooden clogs, called Geta. Maiko wear a special black lacquered wooden clog.Devo
Hairstyles
The hairstyles of geisha have varied through history. In the past, it has been common for women to wear their hair down in some periods, but up in others. During the 17th century, women began putting all their hair up again, and it is during this time that the traditional shimada hairstyle, a type of traditional chignon worn by most established geisha, developed.
There are four major types of the shimada: the taka shimada, a high chignon usually worn by young, single women; the tsubushi shimada, a more flattened chignon generally worn by older women; the uiwata, a chignon that is usually bound up with a piece of color cotton crepe; and a style that resembles a divided peach, which is worn only by maiko.
These hairstyles are decorated with elaborate haircombs and hairpins. In the seventeenth century and after the Meiji Restoration period, hair-combs were large and conspicuous, generally more ornate for higher-class women. Following the Meiji Restoration and into the modern era, smaller and less conspicuous hair-combs became more popular.
Many modern geisha use wigs in their professional lives. They must be regularly tended by highly skilled artisans. Traditional hairstyling is a dying art.
Geisha in popular culture
The growing interest in geisha and their exotic appearance have spawned various popular culture phenomena both in Japan and in the west, most recently so-called "geisha-inspired" make-up lines promoted in the West after to the popularity and success of the novel and film Memoirs of a Geisha.
In 1999, American singer Madonna appeared in her music video for "Nothing Really Matters" dressed in geisha-inspired garb with a robe resembling a kimono and heavy white make-up.
vaka neso:
The art of geisha make-up is quite intriguing in itself and has definitely spawned many different variations of "copycat" make-up in the western fashion culture of today. Shortly after "Memoirs of a Geisha" became a best selling novel, it seemed that everyone wanted to jump in on the band wagon. Who can forget Madonna performing in her "geisha" garb with her faux kimono and heavily influenced make-up? Even make-up companies jumped in on the wave. In Australia, there is a brand of make-up called "Poppy" who created a line of make-up called "geisha".
This line, containing lip pencil, eye kohl and white face powder was for those who where wanting the look of a “modern” geisha (which of course was much easier to apply than the real thing!). Even though the modern rendition of the geisha style and make-up looked cool, so to say, it really was just an imitation of an age old art and lacked the very embodiment of iki that geisha had perfected.
At the start of their career, Maiko find themselves wearing the heavy white make-up all the time. When she is first initiated as a maiko, she is helped with her make-up by either her older sister or okasan, but after then, she has to quickly learn how to apply it herself. Once she becomes a geisha, she continues to wear the heavy make-up until she has been in service as a geisha for three years. Once she has been in service for three years, she then switches to wearing less elaborate kimonos and simple make-up and starts to wear her hair pulled back in a simple bun. The reason being is that her ?beauty? is now in her maturity and "gei" (art) rather than her appearance. For formal occasions and dances though, she will wear a katsura (wig) and the make-up. Geisha over 30 normally only wearthe heavier make-up when they are wearing katsura for a dance requiring this attire.
The application of the make-up is a time consuming process and must appear quite daunting for the new maiko to try and perfect. The make-up is applied prior to dressing to avoid the risk of getting make-up on their kimono. Firstly, they apply a wax/oil substance (which is melted in their hand) called bintsuke-abura to their skin. This is applied to the face, neck, chest and nape area and helps for the white paste (foundation) to adhere. Next, white powder is mixed together with water into a paste and applied with a brush to the face, neck, chest and nape. Originally, the use of white lead for the face was quite common, but, as it is known today, it is highly toxic and must have lead to illnesses and un untimely death for some of the ladies who used it. Today, rather than the lead counterpart, modern cosmetics are now used for this purpose. When applying the foundation, they leave a line of bare skin around their hairline - this gives the illusion of wearing a mask. On the nape of the neck they leave two “V” shape lines unpainted. For special occasions, (when a maiko debuts, when maiko becomes a geisha and when formal kimono is worn) they leave three lines unpainted.
After the foundation has been applied, a large sponge is used and patted all over the face, throat, chest and nape of neck. This serves to soak up the excess moisture from the water - and blend the entire foundation into a flawless mask.
The next step is painting in their eyes and eyebrows. When applying the eye make-up, they have to be very careful and have a steady hand. One mistake in the application and they might very well have to restart the whole make-up process right from the beginning as unlike western make-up, small (or large for that matter) alterations are almost impossible. The eyebrows are drawn in black with a touch of red. Traditionally they would have used charcoal to darken them, but today, it is more than likely modern cosmetics are used in their place. She will then outline the edges of her eyes with red and black as well. The amount of red in the eye make-up starts to decrease with time from when a maiko becomes a geisha. Eventually the red eye colour will be minimal or may even be excluded all together.
Last but not least are her lips. The lips are filled in using a small brush. The colour comes in a small stick (traditionally sallflower), which is melted in water. Crystallized sugar is then added to give it's luster. For their first year, Maiko paint only a little bit of colour on her center lower lip. This appears to originally originate from the fact that in Japanese history very small lips where once considered sensual and attractive.
Today, in this modern age though, it appears to be more of a tradition than anything else. After their first year, Maiko start to colour their top lip, but never filling in the entire lip. When they become geisha, they continue to paint their lips smaller but eventually over time as her make-up becomes more clear and distinct, she starts to paint in her full lips.
Woman Cosmetics 2-Way Foundation Geisha
Lola Cosmetics Geisha Glow Face Highlighting Powders
Fresh Memoirs of a Geisha Beauty Face Palette
Lola Cosmetics All Over Brush
Amazing amount of effort in your internet research, but can you possibly advise me on where one would appropriately wear such a 'face'? I was at an exclusive Japanese restaurant recently in Sydney and i can assure you i didnt see anyone looking as ludicrous as the pictures shown above. Are cosmetic houses really endorsing such products? Surely not?
Maybe it can be used as a form of fashionable sunscreen in Australia on Bondi Beach (NOT!)
Hey girls, havent you heard that less is more these days, and probably has been for along time!
Give me a shot of botox anyday!
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| Originally posted by Legal-Eagle Insightful information but surely you jest? Amazing amount of effort in your internet research, but can you possibly advise me on where one would appropriately wear such a 'face'? I was at an exclusive Japanese restaurant recently in Sydney and i can assure you i didnt see anyone looking as ludicrous as the pictures shown above. Are cosmetic houses really endorsing such products? Surely not? Maybe it can be used as a form of fashionable sunscreen in Australia on Bondi Beach (NOT!) Hey girls, havent you heard that less is more these days, and probably has been for along time! Give me a shot of botox anyday! |
I dont need it now coz im like.....20 years younger then u
so this geisha thing is fun for me and i can even sometimes wear it
when im 40and+ i might even do the same internet research for botox
till then .....why dont u give us some information on how to keep your skin look young forever
oh btw i've seen a lot of typical geisha in some NYC rastaurants,maybe u can come one day and i will take u so u can check it out
I am lucky that i do actually look years younger than what my Birth Certificate states. I am blessed with wonderful genes and a very very attractive mother whom people refer to as my older sister at times.
Firstly always "Slip Slop and Slap" that is an Aussie expression for covering up as many ways as you can from the Sun's UV Rays.
Secondly, have a simple routine that you can adhere to day and night, just like brushing your teeth. Load your face with oodles with SK II or Le Mer. It is never too young to start.
Thirdly, indulge in wonderful fruits that have lots of antioxidants, such as Blueberries, Raspberries, Papaya and numerous other tropical fruits. Become a vegetarian and obtain your iron from other alternatives, spinach is a wonderful vegetable when prepared with imagination can be most delicious. Make sure you couple this with yoga and reiki classes and lots of fresh air. Gets loads of sleep and dont forget to laugh, even in the face of adversity. Give up smoking and dabble in a fine red wine at least one a day. (But only when you are of legal age)
Last but not least, radiate warmth, compassion, consideration and understanding. Have a total appreciation for all living things, whether they be human or animal.
Keep those frown lines away by developing a mantra along the lines of "acceptance and tolerance" this will certainly keep you looking and feeling younger for decades to come.
How superficial we all are, what i have stated above will enable you to live your life to its fullest capacity and enable you to become a beautiful person throughout. After all, those who know you will love you and adore you for who you are and what your achievements and contribution to their life is worth. Always strive to enrich the lives of others, that is true beauty. (Rolling around in self-raising flour and pounds of mascara are truly unappealing)
I hope i have answered your question to your satisfaction, but something tells me that i can expect a retort.
Cheers
As far as conducting any internet research on botox i needn't bother. You can get a jab of botox just about anywhere these days, even on your way to the supermarket. Have i been tempted? ABSOLUTELY, but unfornately i am inelligible
Is this a sign of vanity? Basically, it is not what i think or say but more importantly how you feel about the subject. But here is a little advise that is priceless, prevention is better than a cure.Be wise and always listen to your mother
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| Originally posted by kraehe are there any ways for guys to look like geishas? |
Do pray tell, why on earth you would want to look like a Geisha? Try cross-dressing i hear that can be a very attractive trait to any potential women you are dating, we get to share your clothes
This is NOT a Psychology class.Evey post not related to Geisha Style, make-up, tradition, hair act. will go to VMRB.People have different tastes.Rage, and I put enormous amount of effort to make this Topic successfull.
Kind regards
But i would like to draw my learnered friend's attention to a question that was directed to me by a patron in a previous post... words to the effect that i was queried on how i have been able to maintain my much envied youthful appearance and my ability to defy nature. How rude of me not to entertain her request. Don't you agree? Ignorance is a attribute which is extremely ugly!!! After all, this is a Beauty forum. Beauty my dear is so much more than the eye can see. Therefore, i deem my response to be very relevant to what was asked of me.
It may be a long time since i have contributed to the forum, but i last remember that it was a place where one could articulately voice one's biased/unbiased opinion. Deviations from topics are a natural element of everyone's beast. Just as varying as everyones' opinions.
I was certainly unware that i had to please everyone. Nor will i endeavour to do so. I think it defeats the purpose.
Cheers
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| Originally posted by Legal-Eagle Define success? Believe me your effort has not gone unnoticed i am in pure envy that you have the liberty to be able to spend copious amounts of time conducting your research. It is definitely a luxury that i can not afford. But i would like to draw my learnered friend's attention to a question that was directed to me by a patron in a previous post... words to the effect that i was queried on how i have been able to maintain my much envied youthful appearance and my ability to defy nature. How rude of me not to entertain her request. Don't you agree? Ignorance is a attribute which is extremely ugly!!! After all, this is a Beauty forum. Beauty my dear is so much more than the eye can see. Therefore, i deem my response to be very relevant to what was asked of me. It may be a long time since i have contributed to the forum, but i last remember that it was a place where one could articulately voice one's biased/unbiased opinion. Deviations from topics are a natural element of everyone's beast. Just as varying as everyones' opinions. I was certainly unware that i had to please everyone. Nor will i endeavour to do so. I think it defeats the purpose. Cheers |
yes indeed
now,if u take a good look ,there is another topic called "beauty"where we discuss about ...guess what-BEAUTY
and yes...the best and most beautiful things in the world cant be seen or even touched , they must be felt with the heart,BUT its beauty that captures your attention and personality which captures your heart(some ppl think its sad...i just think its the truth)
everything has its beauty.. but not everyone sees it
In future i will be more thorough in my quest to comply.
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| Originally posted by Legal-Eagle Finally, we agree. In future i will be more thorough in my quest to comply. |
its cool if u think so....and if u dont
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| Originally posted by Legal-Eagle and if i dont? |
like i said...
its cool if u really think that we agree
and its cool if u dont
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| Originally posted by kraehe legal eagle, what does cross-dressing have to do with my question????????????unless you are really narrow-minded!!!!!!!!!!! |
You really dont see my point? Why would men want to look like Geishas? Pardon my ignorance, but i thought ALL Geishas were female?
Heaven forbid that i am wrong.
Where does narrow-mindedness come into it?