Why Do Japanese Women Paint Their Faces White?

During the Heian era, Japan was under a strong cultural influence from China. It was during this time that Japanese courtesans, known as geisha, began painting their faces white. Rice powder was mixed with water to form the white paste used as the makeup foundation. Women wore the makeup primarily during their first three years as a geisha; in subsequent years, they relied more on their geisha arts to make themselves appealing.