Cosmetic Truths

Nail polish was invented in 3000 B.C in China, and was made from egg whites, beeswax, gum, and colored powder. It's crazy to think how long people have been doing the same things we're doing today!

Coco Chanel is credited with popularizing tanning after doing so on a cruise, flooding the market with fake tan. What did you expect, really though? She was, after all, the ultimate trend-setter!

The world’s first cosmetics were created from copper and lead ore by ancient Egyptians, and were used around the eyes of Egyptian women.

In Ancient Rome, their preferred method of teeth whitening was to brush and gargle with urine. They weren't far away from the truth- the ammonia in urine can help whiten teeth- but still, gross!

The founder of Maybelline named the company after his sister, Maybel, and the skin product ingredient, Vaseline. Takes some of the sexy allure away from the name, doesn't it?

The color additive, guanine, which puts the shine in lipstick and nail polish, comes from fish scales. It's FDA approved, so you don't have to worry that it's not safe, but still!

The May 1915 cover of Harper's Bazaar featured a model with hairless armpits, starting the trend of women shaving their underarms. So, as it turns out, the whole idea of it being unfeminine is pretty new, relatively speaking.

Cerebrosides are a common ingredient in products promoting smooth and moist skin. They are taken from the brain cells of livestock. Still feel like spreading that pig brain all over your face?

Snail slime is a fantastic treatment for acne, scars, and burns, and is being used in more and more beauty products these days. So with all the plants you're raising for their antioxidants, it just might be the garden snail that's your best bet for healthy skin!

In Vietnam and other parts of Asia, blackening one's teeth is seen as increasing sex appeal as well as warding away evil spirits. The custom is performed by both men and women.

In order to get a pale complexion, medieval women would bleed themselves using leeches or by slashing one of their veins. Regardless of how you feel about the cosmetics industry's questionable ethics, you have to admit it's a bit healthier than it used to be!

One of the most commonly used treatments for acne or burn patients, Vavelta, is made from cells isolated from the foreskins of baby boys. Don't worry, the foreskins are donated, if that was really the thing you were concerned about.

Nightingale droppings are frequently used for facials at high-end spas, allegedly softening, brightening, and nourishing the complexion. Yeah, but how does your face SMELL after treatment?

During the Victorian Era (c. 1800), make-up was only used by working class women, actresses, and prostitutes. 'Refined' women wore none. My oh my, how the times have changed!