| | Unpretty Factoids about Beauty
Question 1: Ambergris is sometimes used in perfumes for its sweet, earthy aroma. Where does it come from?
Correct answer: Whale vomit
Although typically replaced by a synthetic these days, ambergris actually comes from the digestive by-products of sperm whales. It's a musky aroma!
Question 2: Up until the 19th century, painting the face as white as can be was in high fashion among Europeans. The only problem was ______.
Correct answer: the ingredients caused paralysis, even death
With a mixtures of harsh ingredients like lead oxide and carbonate, no wonder this formulation didn't last long.
Question 3: Simethicone is an ingredient used in the manufacturing process of some cosmetics. What else is it used for?
Correct answer: Gas relief
Yes, gas relief drops get rid of a buildup of gas in the stomach, just as surface tension of air needs to be released in the manufacturing of cosmetics.
Question 4: Ground-up beetles are great for _______.
Correct answer: pigment in lipstick
Cochineal is a dye made from ground-up beetles and is used in red pigments in cosmetics.
Question 5: In the 16th century, women used to put this plant extract in their eyes to make them sparkle, but it was often deadly. What's it called?
Correct answer: Belladonna
Ah, belladonna, it sounds so lovely โ but it's not. Italian for "beautiful woman," this poisonous plant was dropped in the eyes to make them sparkle. Ouch! (Technically, it dilated their pupils.)
Question 6: Components of this substance can sometimes be found in common products like cuticle cream, natural toothpastes, and deodorant. What is it?
Correct answer: Dynamite
Ka-boom! Diatomaceous earth, as it's called, is a powder made from the fossilized remains of algae. This ingredient is used in dynamite, and it is also used as a gentle exfoliator in beauty products.
Question 7: For soft and shiny hair, why not try ________?
Correct answer: bull semen
That's right, bull semen has appeared in some hair products for its ability to make the hair shiny. It's also loaded with โ you guessed it โ protein.
Question 8: The ancient Egyptians lined their eyes with kohl, a mix of fatty matter, soot, and heavy metals. The only problem was ________.
Correct answer: it could cause mental distress
Yep, the Egyptians could have gone crazy and had sleepless nights with this lovely mixture. They also suffered irritability, as I'm sure I would, too! |
| | Posted 9/2/2008 10:56 AM - 165 Views - 2 eProps - 4 comments
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