A Forgotten Trope nowadays, but one that lasted for many centuries: wearing any form of "paint" on your face is a sign of evil, particularly dishonesty, more to be expected of the Deadly Decadent Court or Vice City than any more wholesome place. Only an actress or some such disreputable woman would self-paint, which is why "painted woman" is — not a compliment. The Femme Fatale and The Vamp [...] [tvtropes.org]