Color cosmetics are a longstanding statement of appearance that have been iterated a number of times to achieve what they are in today’s modern era of makeup.

Between the 15th and 18th centuries, makeup was mainly used by a small group of privileged individuals whose repeated cumulative exposure to multiple toxic colored cosmetics was common.

The “dead white” look was très chic, and to create this look, men and women would paint their faces with a mixture of white lead and vinegar; peel their skin with white lead and a sublimate of mercury; and use lead sulfate to remove their freckles.

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