The art of Kosovar bridal make-up - in pictures

Face painting ahead of a wedding is a tradition stretching back a thousand years in south Kosovo

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  Sheqerie Buqaj lays on her back as she receives a traditional face painting by Aziza Sefitagic, while presenting the traditional wedding of Bosnian women from Zhupa region, during the "Etno Fest" festival in the village of Kukaj. AFP

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  As part of the centuries old tradition, old ladies prepare young brides, painting their faces in many layers of colors while the golden circles symbolize the cycles of life. AFP

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  Today, this tradition is at the verge of extinction as only a 70 year-old Lady Aziza continues preparing young brides according to the tradition. AFP

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  Buqaj receives a traditional face painting. AFP

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  Sefitagic applies a face painting to a bride. AFP

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  Buqaj lays on her back as she receives a traditional face painting by Sefitagic. AFP

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  Buqaj stands after receiving a traditional face painting. AFP

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  Buqaj looks on after receiving a traditional face painting. AFP

Bridal makeup tends to be an elaborate affair wherever you go in the world, but many Kosovar spouses take matters to another level.

There, ahead of the big event, women don white face paint, decorated with golden lines, all applied by older women for their younger counterparts.

The tradition is said to ward off bad luck, but the final result is a work of art.

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