Japanese Doll Lipsticks!

Dolls have been a part of the Japanese culture.  One of the most adored Japanese dolls is the Kokeshi doll.  It is a doll that is made of hand painted wooden material bearing the face and cylindrical body of a little girl. 

My own Kokeshi doll, 4" in height, 1 1/2 " in width

Product description on the packaging

The Kokeshi doll has been used in the olden days as a form of art and craftsmanship of the Japanese villagers.  To this day, the Kokeshi dolls are being given as a form of gift for Japanese people and as souvenirs for tourists.  The material used has varied though, some Kokeshi dolls now may be made of machine-painted or printed plastic.  The traditional wooden Kokeshi would always be preferred by a collector. 

The Kokeshi charm has been put to several uses.  At first glance, these cute Kokeshis may be mistaken as miniature dolls or keychains.  

Cute Kokeshi dolls, take your pick!  1 1/2 " in height, 3/4 " in width

But look, the bottom part of the body is actually a lipstick wand, covered by the face and dress which serve as cap.  These lipsticks, sans carmine color, are lip balms in the form of lipsticks.  They smell fruity with a hint of urea.  Urea is a moisturizer usually found in cosmetics and skin care products especially made for sensitive skin.  Cetaphil, a skin care brand for dry-sensitive skin  has a urea content.

These Kokeshis are actually fruity balms in lipsticks

Who would have thought that these cute Kokeshis are lip soothers?

I'm not sure if these Kokeshi lipsticks could be easily found elsewhere.  I stumbled upon them in one of my shopping sprees and I hoarded the majority of the pack.  I have not actually used any of them to soothe my lips.  I just love looking at them and smelling them.

Good news though, the traditional wooden Kokeshi dolls could be found in most Asian art and souvenir shops.  

The traditional Japanese wooden Kokeshi dolls behind me

A doll is always a thing of beauty.