Hello everyone! I’m Saki, a makeup staff member!
Following on from last week, we’d like to share some more Maiko’s trivia with you!
If you haven’t seen last week’s post yet, be sure to check it out here!
*Click on the red part to see the previous blog.
In this blog, I will be introducing Maiko’s makeup.
I’m sure you’ll find a lot of surprising information, so be sure to read to the end!
First of all, the most important thing about Maiko’s makeup is bringing out “cuteness” and “youthfulness”.
By the way, in Kansai (areas such as Osaka and Kyoto), a cute person with a youthful look is called “Obokoi”.
The expression “Obokoi” refers to a cute person who has a “youthful feel” regardless of age.
Maiko’s makeup is characterized by a pure white face and neck, but which I think most people will be surprised by as they’re not used to seeing it.
If I were to give an analogy that would be easy for everyone to understand, I would say it’s the color white paint.
In the old days in Japan, people lived in dimly lit rooms at night, lit only by candles, so they painted their faces white to make them look beautiful even in those rooms.
This makeup continues to be a tradition even in modern times.
Makeup base -Binzukeabura-
When applying makeup, you probably use makeup tools for base makeup.
Just like us, Maiko uses base makeup tools to create a base for her makeup before applying it.
This makeup base is called “Binzukeabura”.
This has been used in Japan for a long time and is still used today by sumo wrestlers and Maiko when tying their hair and as a makeup base for Maiko.
This makeup base is known for its high moisturizing power, and it is said that the moisturizing power of this base is what makes Maiko’s skin so radiant and beautiful.
Maiko applies foundation not only to her face but also to her neck and nape, so she also applies this makeup base thoroughly to her neck and nape.
This is hard and difficult to use as is, so the trick is to use the body heat of your hands to warm it up and make it easier to stretch.
When applying, the key is to use the entire palm of your hand to apply it evenly and neatly!
Maiko’s foundation is special, and if this “Binzukeabura” is not applied properly, the foundation will end up uneven, so it is an important step that cannot to misstake!
Foundation -Shironuri-
Once their makeup base is done, it’s time to apply foundation!
Maiko’s foundation is called “Oshironuri” and is used not only by Maiko but also by Kabuki actors.
This foundation is applied using a special brush called “Itabake”, which has a flat tip.
“Oshiroi” is made by mixing the powder with an appropriate amount of water.
Apply the liquid Oshiroi to your face and neck with Itabake, then spread it evenly with a puff.
At the back of the neck, draw a line called “Ashi” to make the neck appear longer.
When working at Ozashiki, Ashi is drawn with two lines, but on New Year’s and other occasions when she wears her formal black kimono, she is drawn with three lines.
During the Maiko experience at our store, you will draw two Ashi.
By the way, the real Maiko does her own makeup, including the back of her neck!
When it comes to the three-line Ashi, it’s difficult to draw it herself, so they’ll ask a senior to draw it for you, but apparently there are some people who are skilled enough to draw it themselves!
Eye makeup and eyebrows
Next, let’s talk about eye makeup and eyebrows.
Maiko’s makeup is characterized by the use of red on the outer corners of her eyes and eyebrows.
The red eyeshadow applied to the outer corner of the eye is called “Yakuyoke” with the meaning of “warding off evil spirits”.
Another distinctive feature of Maiko’s makeup is the shape of her eyebrows.
Maiko’s eyebrows are called “Sasamayu” and are considered beautiful when shaped like a bamboo leaf cut in half horizontally.
Maiko’s eyebrows are also made up using the same red color as her eyeshadow.
The amount of red used varies from Maiko to Maiko; some Maikos paint their entire eyebrows red, while others use a gradient of red and black.
Maiko’s makeup highlights her slightly reddish eyebrows, making them look very beautiful!
They don’t curl their eyelashes, but use mascara to create a natural look.
Lip Color
Finally, Maiko’s makeup is complete with lip color.
For the first year after debuting as Maiko, they only wear lip color on their lower lips.
Apparently, they only applies lip color to thier lower lip to convey the message “I’m newcomer Maiko” and to create a youthful appearance.
In theier second year, Maiko begins to wear lip color on thier upper lip as well, but she applies it a little smaller than thier natural lip size to make thier look younger.
This mouth shape is called “Ochoboguchi”.
This is Maiko’s makeup routine!
It’s amazing that Maiko does this makeup herself every day!
It takes about 30 to 40 minutes for a veteran Maiko to complete her makeup, while it takes about an hour for a newbie Maiko.
Well, did you enjoy this blog?
If you learn about Maiko’s makeup, you will be able to enjoy the makeup experience at our store even more.
If you come to Japan, be sure to try our traditional and authentic Maiko experience!
In my next blog, I would like to introduce a day in Maiko’s life.
Please look forward to blog updates!
コメント