One of the first things that will catch your attention is many women and children (and sometimes guys) will have a white-yellow paste smeared on their faces. Thanaka is a white-yellow paste made from ground bark. Several trees are used to make this cosmetic paste and can found in the central area in central Myanmar. This facial covering has a long tradition in Myanmar, dating back over 2,000 years. The purpose of Thanaka is two-fold. Some of the women’s faces are covered in designs to enhance beauty. And others use the Thanaka to protect their skin. Fantastic Faces Of Myanmar.