Like millions of women every morning, Geisha apply their makeup to create the illusion of beauty. However, unlike most nine-to-fivers, they use a wide brush to paint their faces and necks completely white, rim the outside corners of their eyes with black cake liner, and paint only the center of their lips into a diminutive, vermillion-red rosebud. Completely theatrical, the makeup of a Geisha conceals the true color of the skin and makes the face resemble a living doll. This artistic approach is actually commonplace even in contemporary Japan. Instead of plucking obsessively, many Japanese women simply shave off part or all of their eyebrows then draw in whatever shape they desire. Likewise, double-eyelid glue is hugely popular. Those with hooded or single lids can simply glue it in place to create a more wide-eyed look. Although these women with no eyebrows and eyelids glued together might not look very good first thing in the morning, they are willing to sacrifice their “natural” beauty to create a face with much greater impact.

That said, many women prefer to naturally define their features. Without any noticeable lines or hard edges they define their eyes and add subtle color to their lips. Such flawless application is possible with the right brushes, such as those from Takeda Brush, Inc. Takeda produces absolutely luxurious makeup brushes, crafted from such exotic materials such as red sable and blue squirrel hair. Established in 1942, they produce over 800 makeup brushes using expert craftsmen. The silky soft natural bristles are used by the world’s top cosmetic manufacturers and makeup artists, and include Kabuki brushes, eye shadow, blush and lip brushes. Takeda Brush also produces kits of their most popular brushes and mini makeup brushes that can be used for touch-ups. Their chic signature red handles, luxurious bristles and wide array of styles are sure to suit your individual makeup style, whether natural, sophisticated or modern-day Geisha.