In ancient China, especially in the Tang Dynasty, there were seven steps in cosmetic makeup for the belles: powder base, applying color to the face, eye-brow darkening, applying "forehead gold" or "floral twinkle/gold", painting the dimples, decorating the cheeks and applying lip color. If eyes are the window to the soul, lips are the mirrors of one's character and temperament. Being an important part of face decoration as shown above, lip makeup enjoys a long history and has various patterns in different periods.

 

In ancient China, a white and delicate skin tone was to die for, and flower decorations on a white face were particularly chic for many centuries.Gold, silver, jewel and jade flakes were often glued to the face, normally on the forehead, around the eyes, or on the cheeks. The materials used in makeup were extensive, including dragonfly wings, bird feathers and fish scales.

 

Typical makeup during that time went as follows: white foundation over the entire face first, rouge on the cheeks next, then bright orange powder on the forehead, then eyebrow highlights, lip gloss, red lines along the sideburns and finally flower flakes on the forehead and cheeks