Maybelline? MAC? Dior? Mustika Ratu?

Ever heard of foot binding? Did you know some Asian women wear metal rings to elongate their necks? I love trivial facts. I found these facts from a student magazine. They are about weird stuffs related to beauty. Some are quite shocking!

1. In ancient Greece, the unibrow was prized among women as a sign of intelligence and beauty. Those who lack this attribute routinely close the gap with kohl or lampblack.
2. Several Egyptian queens donned false gold beards on important occasions because facial hair was seen as a sign of intelligence and beauty in ancient Egypt.
   
3. It was considered fashionable to fake eyebrows made from the skin of mice in the 18th century.
4. During the Renaissance, fake beauty marks became popular. Small circles of black velvet were used to hide ox scars, warts, and pimples.
5. Silk stockings were severely rationed during WW2. Thus, women would use gravy browning or strong tea to dye their legs.
6. It is believed that Cleopatra wore red lipsticks made from crushed carmine beetles mixed with ant's eggs. Nowadays, fish scales are commonly used as an ingredient for lipsticks. Pearl essence? It's the euphemism for fish scales.
7. Digest this. Cerebrosides, used in many skin care products to increase moisture retention and smoothen the skin, are made from the brain cells and other nervous system of cattle and swines. Icky eh?
8. Check this one: David Beckham's wife is reported to pay $200 a session to get bird poo smeared on her face. Nightingale droppings have been used by Japanese geishas as a cleanser. The product has been introduced in the western society, where the guanine, an enzyme found in the poo, is believed to be able to make the skin smooth and supple. Hmm, I think I'll stick with Nivea.
9. I have an assignment due in 3 hours. I'm procrastinating by writing this article. Smart, right?