Geisha Beauty Secret

Are you familiar with the superstition that if a bird poops on you, it’s good luck? Lucky or not, it’s not something anyone wants to experience…unless it’s in the name of beauty, of course.

The Geisha facial apparently originated many years ago in Japan, when these performing women would use nightingale droppings to remove their harsh, lead-based makeup. In fact, it was this very practice that is thought to have contributed to their porcelain complexions. Now, this ancient beauty secret is being practiced in swanky Manhattan spas on age-defying celebrities like David and Victoria Beckham.

The method behind the madness is nightingale droppings contain enzymes that are said to make skin smooth and supple. For the modernized Geisha-style facial, the droppings are refined into powder form and sterilized by UV light before being combined with rice bran and water to make a paste. Those who have tried this unique facial report no unpleasant smell and some have even suggested it has the same effects as a light chemical peel, minus the burning and redness.

So, InWithSkin readers, is the Geisha facial for you? Or is this a little too natural?  

Written by Samantha Belli. This design-obsessed, Northern California native is currently residing in the Arizona desert after receiving her degree in, of all things, design. As a recent grad, she struggles to find a balance between her love for beauty products, architecture and anything in shades of red.