![Two Geisha conversing near the Golden Temple in Kyoto, Japan](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/45/Geisha-kyoto-2004-11-21.jpg/250px-Geisha-kyoto-2004-11-21.jpg)
Credit: Daniel Bachler
Two geisha conversing near Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto, Japan. One of their most recognizable characteristics, traditional white make-up, is shown in detail. Its application is hard to perfect and is a time-consuming process. It is applied before dressing to avoid dirtying the kimono. The white make-up covers the face, neck, and chest, with two or three unwhitened areas. One of these areas is a "W" or "V" shape (usually the traditional "W" shape) on the nape to accentuate this traditionally erotic area.