In the same way, the Japanese and Chinese used a rice paste concoction to stain their faces a very pale colour. This is evident even today where geisha and other ceremonial makeup are still applied in these areas.
In Europe, the aristocrats used chalk and lead powders to also make their faces whiter so as to differentiate themselves from the golden brown tans of the working class. Powders were also derived from lead oxide which in turn resulted in lead poisoning. Greek women pounded ochre clay and red iron to create pastes for lipsticks. |