Face of the Day

An elderly woman checked before taking part in a traditional dance competition at a gala celebrating the upcoming Chinese New Year on February 13, 2007 in Beijing, China. More than 400 elderly participants bought their own cosmetics, some wearing makeup for the first time. They were banned from putting on makeup during the Cultural Revolution when cosmetics, hair curling, wearing high-heel shoes and fashion were all a punishable offence, as this behavior was considered bourgeois and evil. Photo by Guang Niu/Getty.