popular does not equal safe

the presence of poisonous chemicals in cosmetics is nothing new. the elizabethan ideal of beauty was acheived by whitening women's faces and bosoms with ceruse, which consisted of vinegar and powdered lead. as it ate away the skin, thicker and thicker applications were required. in spite of its drawbacks, the use of ceruse remained popular for 300 years.

i think this internship is getting to me.