also: こうふん
noun
powdered rouge
Refers to a cosmetic powder used to add red color to the cheeks or lips, traditionally made from safflower or other natural pigments.
舞台化粧には紅粉を使うことがある。
Powdered rouge is sometimes used for stage makeup.
昔の女性は紅粉をほおにのせていた。
Women in the past applied powdered rouge to their cheeks.
Compound of 紅 (べに, 'crimson, rouge') and 粉 (こ, 'powder'). The on'yomi reading こうふん is a Sino-Japanese reading of the same characters.