Japanese Geisha-Maiko Makeup & Tools
October 21, 2007 by Sasha Manuel
Filed under Makeup
In reference to my previous post on How to Apply Geisha Makeup, I went about the whole thing in a very practical manner, listing general makeup and tools.
Christina of eBeautyDaily had requested a more traditional approach, which I interpreted as finding an authentic set of makeup to create the Geisha look esp since there is that bit of a problem when it comes to the white face paint, a vital if not the most important part of the whole look.
Since I already briefly told you about the process that’s involved in the application, not to mention, the useful video included in the previous post, this time I’d like you to take a look at the Japanese makeup and tools you can use. Note that these are similar to or the actual makeup and tools used by Geiko (Geisha) or Kabuki actors.
Base and Prep
Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Kabuki Abura
This is the oil undercoat for use with the ‘Kabuki Oshiroi’ Shiro-Nuri (Doran) face paint. It is softened in the hands and then rubbed over the entire face or other areas to prepare the skin for the white face makeup.
Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Ishineri Hair Wax
This is the stiff wax used to flatten out facial hair such as the eyebrows prior applying the Kabuki Abrua, exactly the same as ‘Taihaku’. It is softened between the fingers and rubbed over facial hair. After applying the complete Shiro-Nuri makeup over this, you may then draw new ones with Stage Liner or Lining Colour #1 Black & #4C Red.
White Makeup – Paint or Foundation for Face, Neck and Nape
Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Kabuki Oshiroi
This is the Shiro-Nuri (Doran) white face paint. It is diluted in a dish of water and then painted on over the entire face, neck or other areas with a #60 Itahake, smoothing it out and removing excess water with a Sponge Pad. A 2nd coat is often applied to the upper part of the face after this adding ‘Tonoko’ Rouge.
Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Kona Oshiroi
It is applied with a soft pad over the ‘Kabuki Oshiroi’ (Doran) white face paint to soften and blend the makeup.
Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Tonoko Rouge
It is either dusted on with a #24 Naga-Itahake over the ‘Kabuki Oshiroi’ (Doran) white face paint or sometimes blended into a second coat of the Doran. It is used on the upper part of the face to soften the harsh white.
Japanese Kyoto ‘Maiko-han Oshiroi’ Compact & Brush Set
This one’s ideal for small re-touches since it’s suitable for travel.
Eye and Lip Makeup
Japanese Geisha Maiko Black Eyebrow & Red Lip Pencil Set
The black one is for drawing fine lines on the eyebrows and the red one for the outline on the lips.
Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Black Stage Liner
It is used over the completed Shiro-Nuri white face paint to do all the fine-line eye details.
Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Black Lining Colour
It is used with a pointed ‘Hake’ cosmetic brush to apply over the completed Shiro-Nuri white face paint to do all the eye and lip details.
Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Red Lining Colour
It is used with a pointed ‘Hake’ cosmetic brush to apply over the completed Shiro-Nuri white face paint to do all the eye and lip details. It is even used as lipstick.
Makeup Tools
Japanese Geisha Maiko ‘Itahake’ Cosmetic Brush 60
This traditional, hand-made ‘Itahake’ Brush is used for painting the face and other large areas with Kabuki Oshiroi (white face paint). It is made in the traditional way and is the exact one used by the Maiko and Geisha of Gion.
Japanese Geisha Maiko ‘Nagae Itahake’ Cosmetic Brush 25
This traditional, hand-made ‘Nagae-Itahake’ Brush is used for painting hard to reach areas – for example, the nape of the neck with Kabuki Oshiroi (white face paint). It is made in the traditional way and is the exact one used by the Maiko and Geisha of Gion.
Japanese Geisha Maiko ‘Yachiyo Hake’ Cosmetic Brush Medium
This traditional, hand-made ‘Yachiyo-Hake’ Brush is for dusting your cheeks and the area around the eyes with ‘Kona Oshiroi’ Face Powder. It is made in the traditional way and is the exact one used by the Maiko and Geisha of Gion.
Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Sponge Puff & Dish
This absorbent sponge puff and plastic dish are for mixing and applying the ‘Kabuki Oshiroi’ Shiro-Nuri (Doran) white face paint. The #60 Itahake brush is recommended for mixing and actually painting on the Doran but this pad is used to remove excess water and to smooth it over prior to applying the ‘Kona Oshiroi’ Face Powder.
Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Face Powder Puff
This soft acrylic Powder Puff is for dusting your cheeks and the area around the eyes with ‘Kona Oshiroi’ Face Powder.
Japanese Geisha Maiko Kyoto Lipstick Cosmetic Brush Medium
It is made of natural bristle and has a beautiful dark red & black lacquer stem with the characters ‘Tokusei’ or ‘Specially Made’ in gold. It measures 4½” (11 cm) in length and has a clear protective cover for the point. The is excellent for applying lipstick or for eye makeup details.
I’m somewhat certain that I got you all excited and are now wondering where you can actually get these makeup and tools. Well, bad news is that, as far as I know, there are no stores that offer them. Good news is that they’re available online. I’ve been searching and earlier I finally found them over at Hannari-Ya, an eBay power seller.
If you’re looking into trying out the Geisha look, Hannari-Ya also offers a Geisha or Kabuki Real Pro White Makeup Set for US$225. See the image below for product inclusions.
Disclaimer: Product labels were lifted from Hannari-Ya.
Geisha photo courtesy of TPOTY.
ah, i want it all!!!
WOW Sasha – thank you! I think this is so interesting – I really appreciate your effort here a bunch. Awesome job!
Amy: I know what you mean! Doing this post made me want to try putting on the makeup! LOL. XD
Christina: No worries and thanks! I hope it helps you and the rest of the Beauty Bento Box readers.
Wow, funny coincidence! I was just looking at this process last night during my surfing. Could be handy for Halloween!
This is great!!
Where can I get the white face powder Shiro-Nuri (Doran) or the ‘Maiko-han Oshiroi’ Compact & Brush Set? I am desperate for some!!
Email me if you know where I can get my hands on some!!! Thanks!
hi
my name is barbara and i saw it and now i’m in love. i live in brazil and i want to know how can i get it…
please….
thanks
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Great info – I’ve also found violet moon works in Australia have a complete range of Japanese makeup.
I want a blue-ish,( tone) white, bleached white face powder. the rice powder is bleached white, or titanium pigment is neon/flourscent based.
The pigemnt is double processed so it is made even whiter to use a face foundation!
Need a kabuki compact that is a blue tone, more bleached white pigment! I live in Canada whould like to buy if possible!
Hi All, I’ve just been searching for the white Shiro-Nuri. I’ve found the maker (Mitsuyoshi Cosmetic Company, Tokyo) but unless you can read Kanji the site is fairly difficult. They only take phone orders & you have to be lucky to get a shop assistant who speaks English. The international agent for Mitsuyoshi is: (Okuda Co.): sales@cosme-okuda.co.jp & it’s the only way online to order online from Mitsuyoshi.
Violet Moon in Geelong, Australia also has complete range of Mitsuyoshi products:
http://www.violetmoonworks.com.au (look in theatrical make-up / japanese range / click on the geisha’s face.) The brushes are a little expensive, but you may apply with a good wide artists bristle brush, or pottery glaze brush or perhaps even a mans shaving brush. The genuine Japanese long handled ones are better if you’re painting the back of you neck unless you have an assistant.
Happy painting!
I’m a makeup artist based in Toronto, Canada. I was just wondering if anyone knows on how I can obtain japanese makeup brushes that were featured in Memoirs of a Geisha.
Tsunami
Do you do Kabuki make up?
If so please contact me with your details.
Thank you
Kristi
omg.
i luv it.so intrestin’.
i would really like to know if anyone know’s where i can buy these things? ( here in america!)
thanks
Thanx! so much you info ahs helped me out with a make up assignment .. .. its so hard to info infor on riendtal – geshia make up
Thanx
in impressive for all the staff and i want it all
Most of the items are available on eBay. Links are in the post.
can anyone tell me what kind of wax is used on the face to prepare for paint to do make up for geisha
Can anyone tell me how much water is used to dilute the KABUKI OSHIROI paste? I want to be sure to get the right consistency the first time. Thanks!
I have sensitive skin and have had an allergic reaction before to a eye make up remover lotion that was really oily. Is the geisha make up and oil suitable for people with sensitive skin? I am travelling to Kyoto late next year and am getting excited about the geisha photo studios where they dress you as a geisha but want to know whether the make up should be safe for me to use? Thank you!
ok well i had to get some makeup go the dance class that i teach and well i went to this website. i thought it looked helpful but boy was i wrong. i ordered the set and it almost came up to 1000 dollars!!! i called them up and they said that it was my loss and try to do some work to pay for it. i was appauled. i couldnt believe it so i did end up paying for it but i will never do business with these people again.
me gustaria puedan enviarme informacion de los productos para comprar a distancia, como asi tambien los cursos de perfeccionamiento en maquillaje profesional en alta definicion. Escribir en castellano no domino el ingles
saludos cordiales
I live in Oakland Ca. Do any of you know if I can get any of that from Japantown in San Francisco????? Email me if you have the answer. chanelharris2348@gmail.com