war paint

war paint

informal Facial cosmetics, especially of or for a woman; makeup. Derived from the face and body paint historically used by some indigenous peoples before battles. I love picking out what to wear and putting on war paint with my friends as we get ready for a night on the town. I just need to slap on some war paint before I head out the door.
See also: paint, war
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

war paint

n. a woman’s makeup. She’ll be ready when she gets on her war paint.
See also: paint, war
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • a face like thunder
  • keep a straight face
  • keep a straight face, to
  • a straight face
  • straight face
  • MFW
  • have a face like thunder
  • register on (one's) face
  • rearrange (one's) face
  • rearrange someone's face
References in periodicals archive
With its distinguished artistic team, War Paint was "right up our line artistically," the Goodman's Schulfer says.
The Act 2 opener of "War Paint" chronicles how the threats of rationing materials during World War II led to major opportunities: As more women enter the workforce, they need more lipstick.
With their faces streaked in white war paint and their hairstyles far more creative than most of ours, Fifth Nation will bring a gorgeous, indie voice, bluesy, electric guitar and sharp beats to the Lucky Dog.
She applies more war paint and, what's more, she won't be as prudish about her ankles being shown" Craig Revel Horwood, above, a judge on Strictly Come Dancing, hopes ex-Tory MP Edwina Currie will come on the show "He thought he was doing his best to be British and keep his chin up.
The panel depicting First Nations people includes a young boy with the traditional haircut and wearing war paint. Cutting of braids and long hair was a common practice at residential schools.
The group revealed they think of it like war paint and have always applied it themselves.
CATANIA president Pietro Lo Monaco has put on the war paint after star striker Giuseppe Mascara suffered sickening abuse from Fiorentina fans.
Lecture topics: War paint, beadwork, quilts, domestic embroidery
Heat 2: 1 Royal Warrior, 2 Side Bet, 3 Tinas Polaris, 4 War Paint (m), 5 Shanacashel Lad (m), 6 Fast Piper (w).
The topics range chronologically from the engagingly titled "How Indians Got Red" (apparently from their war paint, among other factors) to articles on the takeover of Alcatraz and the current struggle of smaller tribes to gain federal recognition.
Hollywood abandoned blackface and war paint on whites years ago-apparently not The Advocate when Israelis portray Palestinians in 2007.
They had flags as capes and makeup on like war paint, and all other kinds of crazy hats and flair.
One day Bass sees an Indian dressed in war paint. Although slaves may not own guns, when he tells the master, he is allowed to have one in order to protect the homestead from a potential Indian attack.
FRESHLY-graduated make-up artist Vicky McNeil has literally been slapping on the war paint.
It's Rita's court appearance and despite the war paint and reinforced hairdo, the poor woman is a nervous wreck.