Faces of Myanmar - 2 girls in Amarapura

The thanaka is a bright yellow paint that many Burmese people plaster on their faces - sometimes in elaborate patterns. It is made from the ground bark of several trees (these trees grow abundantly in central Myanmar), thanaka is usually applied in the morning and serves as an all-purpose sunblock, insect repellent, perfume, skincare product, and adornment. Thanaka cream is made by grinding the bark with a small amount of water.