​Beauty Confessions of a Geisha

One of the most mysterious traditions to emerge from Japan is the geisha. Almost the stuff of legend, geishas have been a much misunderstood and rarely seen cultural phenomenon since their emergence in the 1700s. Despite, or maybe because of, this shroud of mystery, they remain the epitome of style and grace, and their tea ceremonies are now only performed for the elite.

The word geisha translates directly as artist. During their intensive training, they master a variety of arts including music, dance and conversation; the geisha always strives to be perfect in every possible way. Above all, what defines the geisha is their impeccable appearance, creating the illusion that they aren’t quite from this world. These are a few of the ancient techniques we can learn from the most secretive perfectionists on the planet.

Rice water

Another trick using leftover foodstuffs to great effect involves the milky water left over from rinsing rice before it’s cooked. Instead of pouring rice water down the drain, geisha found that it not only had softening properties when applied to the skin and hair but also offered UV protection.

Try: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Milk

Camellia oil

As proven by their ingenious use of rice bran, geisha were no fans of wastage. Camellia oil, or tea oil, is another example. Already big fans of the plant’s leaves, which are used to make tea, the seeds from the flowers were crushed to create an oil that could be applied to the hair and used to remove make-up.

Try: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

Green tea

For skin as pure and flawless as the geisha, you have to have a secret formula up your exquisitely embroidered sleeve. That secret weapon is a potent concentrate of green tea. When applied to the skin, it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Try: Mount Fuji Japanese Green Tea

Complement tradition with modern skincare tools…

The Japanese desire to strive for perfection and beauty isn’t exclusive to geisha. Today’s women can enhance their complexion with premium skincare tools.

Before applying any of these remedies, prep the skin with a hydrating facial steam. Panasonic’s EH-SA31 Facial Steamer gently clears away surface dirt and opens pores, preparing you for a DIY treatment that will reveal your most radiant self, as well as feeling like a pampering treat to enjoy at home.