Memoirs of a Geisha

10th May, 2010 by Lulu

Beautiful. Elegant. Mysterious. Enchanting. Mesmerising.

All synonyms used to describe the wonderful Japanese Geisha, and all synonyms to describe how I felt today.

If you’ve read my birthday post, you’ll remember that my amazing Rich organised for me to have a Geisha makeover as part of his birthday present to me. And I got to do that today

I arrived at Katsura Studio at 11am sharp today, warmly greeted by five attentive staff. After establishing that I could speak a little Japanese, they got me to select the style of makeover: Maiko or Geisha. Maiko are apprentice Geisha, and wear slightly different kimonos and headdresses. I selected a black Geisha kimono, and the three poses I wanted to do, and was ushered to the changing room to undress and put on the undergarments and yukata so they could proceed with applying the makeup.

They started with a coat of wax to prime my skin, then smoothed on a white base all over my face, neck, and some of my shoulders. After that, they put a hint of pink foundation over my eyes and cheeks, and the sides of my nose. Next, they put red both on my lips, and as the outline of my new eyebrows. After applying layers of black eyeliner and mascara, they put a layer of black over the red of my eyebrows. Red was also applied to the corner of my eyes, then some false eyelashes were glued in place, and finished off with more liquid eyeliner.

Following the makeup application, it was time to get dressed. The kimono is a very intricate garment with many layers. But all the pulling, squeezing, tightening, and not being able to breathe, is worth the end result The makeover package gives you three photos to take home, but they also allow you to take your own camera in with you and they will happily take as many photos as you like! The photographer also took extra shots which they asked if they could use on their website and for advertising.

I am so pleased with how it turned out, and ecstatic that I’ll have these amazing photos from my time in Japan! Here are some of the wonderful images captured today. The rest can be found on Flickr.

Posted in Japan, Self Love | Tagged Geisha, Japan, kimono, Tokyo | 18 Comments

18 Responses

on 10th May, 2010 at 9:10 pm | Reply Richard

Stunning. As always!
- on 10th May, 2010 at 10:11 pm | Reply Lulu
  
  Thank you for giving me this wonderful experience <3
on 10th May, 2010 at 10:02 pm | Reply Jaz

Wow, gorgeous! What a fantastic birthday present ^.^
- on 10th May, 2010 at 10:12 pm | Reply Lulu
  
  Thank you! It was so much fun
on 10th May, 2010 at 10:03 pm | Reply Vicki

That’s amazing – you look amazing, and what a fantabulous experience! Did you read/see Memoirs of a Geisha? If not, happy to lend when you get home. Having lived in Japan, albeit briefly, I expect you would have a greater understanding than most Westerners of the cultural significance…

Still, you look far more sensational as yourself.
- on 10th May, 2010 at 10:14 pm | Reply Lulu
  
  Thank you, Vicki! I’ve read the book and seen the movie about 3 times each It just felt so amazing xx
on 10th May, 2010 at 10:03 pm | Reply Kitta

You look gorgeous in the photos, I love the pose you’re doing with the fan. So elegant.

I’ll definitely add a Geisha makeover on my ‘to-do’ list for when Ben & I visit Japan.
- on 10th May, 2010 at 10:54 pm | Reply Lulu
  
  Merci <3
  
  You MUST do this when you come to Japan! You would look stunning as a geisha
on 10th May, 2010 at 10:17 pm | Reply Gen

Wow wow wowwwwwwww!!!!
You were born to be a geisha weezy!!!

I can’t believe how absolutely stunning you are (well yes I can) but these don’t pics aren’t cheesy at all, I want you hanging on my wall please

xxxxxxxx
- on 10th May, 2010 at 11:44 pm | Reply Lulu
  
  Thank you, Gen
  
  I’d hang on your walls any day
  
  They did such a great job, and it was an unforgettable experience!
  xox
on 10th May, 2010 at 11:19 pm | Reply EvilSue

Holy crap on a stick! That is AMAZING! AMAZING…. i can’t make the damned font big enough here.

a) amazing a bloke thought of such an amazing gift (MASSIVE props there Richard

b) great shots

c) I would not have even recognised you if it wasn’t your blog post

d) stunning & simply amazing. That is phenomenal!

what an experience!
- on 11th May, 2010 at 1:16 pm | Reply Lulu
  
  Thanks Sue! It definitely was a once in a lifetime experience!
  
  And yes, Rich is a very amazing man
on 11th May, 2010 at 7:22 am | Reply Vette

The most beautiful Geisha in all of Japan…..
xxx
- on 11th May, 2010 at 1:17 pm | Reply Lulu
  
  Aw, thanks Vette xx
on 13th May, 2010 at 6:43 am | Reply stacie dunlop

You make a great geisha. I`m going to do this in Kyoto next summer. You gave me an idea to surprise my husband.
- on 13th May, 2010 at 10:45 am | Reply Lulu
  
  Thanks very much, Stacie And thanks for the Flickr faves! I hope your henshin turns out just as nice
on 20th January, 2011 at 3:48 pm | Reply Dee Moreno

Is there any way to get a copy of these pictures? Dee Moreno
- on 20th January, 2011 at 11:06 pm | Reply Lulu
  
  Hi Dee
  
  You can download the pictures from my Flickr account, as long as you use them for non-commercial purposes.
  
  Cheers
  
  Lu