The Poisonous History of Makeup: How Beauty Could Kill

Описание: Makeup has been used for centuries to enhance beauty—but in the past, it could literally kill you!

In ancient times, people unknowingly applied toxic substances to their skin for the sake of beauty. The ancient Egyptians used lead-based eyeliner and face powders, while in Renaissance Europe, lead was a key ingredient in the popular “Venetian ceruse,” a white foundation used to achieve a pale complexion. Women would wear these products daily, unaware that lead poisoning could cause skin damage, hair loss, and even death.

But it wasn’t just lead. During the Victorian era, women applied deadly belladonna drops to their eyes to dilate their pupils, giving them a wide-eyed look. The catch? Belladonna is a poison that could cause blindness or worse.

Today’s makeup is safer, of course, but its poisonous history shows just how far people will go for beauty.