Q:What is that stuff on his/her/their face?

A: A light tan colored cream on the cheaks and other parts of the face is paste made from the Thanakha tree. It is very common in Myanmar. It is more like sunscrean than makeup, though it is often decoratively applied, sort of like makeup. It is most commonly worn only on the face, though I occasionally saw it worn on the arms too. It is worn by men and women of all ages, and children.

You will occasionally see men and boys with red lips. Sometimes women too, but that is less common. It is not lipstick. It is stain from the juices of the betel nut. Betel nut is often chewed after meals, or just to pass away the time. It is usually held in the mouth for long periods of time, a little bit like chewing tobaco. If they smile, you will see it stains their teeth as well as their lips.

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