10 Beauty Trends From The Old Days That Sound Absolutely Insane Today

Just like architecture, fashion, and art, beauty trends have changed quite drastically over the years. Thankfully, these days people no longer need to apply deadly chemicals on their skin just to meet some unrealistic beauty standard – but that wasn’t the case just a little over 100 years ago. Turns out that back in the day, some beauty trends were rather macabre – and TikTok user Zachary Margolis would like to introduce you to some of the worst ones.

#1

Image source: offbeathistory

In the mid-1920’s, a bronze, suntanned complexion became popular after Coco Chanel fell asleep on her yacht on the French Riviera. The suntan became a status symbol for a person who could afford sunny vacations, especially for those privileged enough to travel during the winter.

#2

Image source: offbeathistory

In the 19th century many women ate deadly arsenic wafers to whiten and even out their complexions. Some of the side effect include cancer, baldness, epilepsy. In 1902 you could actually buy arsenic wafers from Sears.

#3

Image source: offbeathistory

In the 18th century, before invention of hairspray, women would use lard to sculpt their wigs. Yes, lard. One of the downsides is that the wig would become a literal rat’s nest. Sometimes rats would live in the wig for weeks. Women had to sleep with cages around their heads to keep the rats away.

#4

Image source: offbeathistory

In pre-revolution France, accentuated veins were all the rage. Some people would color their veins with blue pencil to make them pop. Others would use leaches to make their veins more noticeable.

#5

Image source: offbeathistory

To white their teeth, Romans would rinse their mouth with urine. Specifically urine shipped in from Portugal.

#6

Image source: offbeathistory

In ancient Rome many women would moisturize with the sweat of gladiators. Whiles of sweat were sold as souvenirs outside the fights. The sweat was thought to be an aphrodisiac.

#7

Image source: offbeathistory

In the middle ages the forehead was considered the most beautiful part of the woman’s face. Many women removed their eyelashes to accentuate their foreheads. They also plucked their hairlines and eyebrows to achieve a long and oval face.

#8

Image source: offbeathistory

During the Japanese Edo period, blackened teeth were popular amongst aristocrats and married women. Blackened teeth were considered a sign of beauty and the practice helped preserve teeth into old age. In 1870, this practice was banned by the Japanese government. Blackening teeth wasn’t just popular in Japan, and some people still practice this today.

#9

Image source: offbeathistory

In 1936, Isabella Gilbert invented the Dimple-Maker. The machine consisted of a spring that fit around the face and two tiny knobs that pressed into the cheeks. I don’t know what Isabella was thinking but the machine didn’t work.

#10

Image source: offbeathistory

In the 1400s, Italian women wanted to have thin lips that were barely there. The paintings at the time didn’t highlight or emphasize the lips in any way.