In 1973, Bowie visited Japan and met the kabuki theatre star Tomasu Boru, who taught him about traditional Japanese makeup techniques.
In an interview with Mirabelle magazine in 1973, Boru said: 
David tells us that mostly all of his makeup comes from a little shop in Rome, Italy, that imports fantastic coloured powders and creams from India. (
He's not telling the name of the store, however!!!)
Basic essentials also include a white rice powder from Tokyo's Woolworth's equivalent - Indian kohl usually in black - for his eyes, which he smudges right along the lash line and sometimes a little bit on the outside.
He also uses a very light liquid base, sometimes white - sometimes pink or yellow - and applies it with a damp sponge.
For stage, David will often use an iridescent base, usually pure white.
When he paints that gold circle on his forehead that's such a hit with his fans he uses a German gold base in cake form bought at New York's Makeup Centre.
He also told us that the little Japanese brushes that the Makeup Centre has for applying powders and paints are much better than anything you can find in Japan.

By the end of the Stardust period in 1973, Bowie would spend at least two hours before each concert to have his makeup done.
In 1973, Bowie visited Japan and met the kabuki theatre star Tomasu Boru, who taught him about traditional Japanese makeup techniques. In an interview with Mirabelle magazine in 1973, Boru said: 
David tells us that mostly all of his makeup comes from a little shop in Rome, Italy, that imports fantastic coloured powders and creams from India. (He's not telling the name of the store, however!!!) Basic essentials also include a white rice powder from Tokyo's Woolworth's equivalent - Indian kohl usually in black - for his eyes, which he smudges right along the lash line and sometimes a little bit on the outside. He also uses a very light liquid base, sometimes white - sometimes pink or yellow - and applies it with a damp sponge. For stage, David will often use an iridescent base, usually pure white. When he paints that gold circle on his forehead that's such a hit with his fans he uses a German gold base in cake form bought at New York's Makeup Centre. He also told us that the little Japanese brushes that the Makeup Centre has for applying powders and paints are much better than anything you can find in Japan.
By the end of the Stardust period in 1973, Bowie would spend at least two hours before each concert to have his makeup done.
Ziggy Stardust (character)