Strange Beauty Practices + Win Our Vegan Beauty Products Deal!

Since we launched an all-natural deal for vegan cosmetics today, it got us thinking about some of the nutso things people do to themselves in the name of beauty. Let us know the most outrageous thing you've done or heard about when it comes to beauty practices, and we'll give you this deal for free! Just comment on on this blog entry or via Facebook and we'll choose a winner on Monday.

Here is a list of just a few of wild beauty practices that used to be all the rage!

-          In Ancient Egypt, both women and men lined their eyes with black kohl, which contained soot, copper, and lead. Accentuating one's eyes was seen as beautiful, as eyes were believed to be the windows to the soul. However, scientists today believe that the mixture may have actually been a beneficial concoction that was a way to ward off eye diseases such as conjunctivitis and protect the eyes from the harsh rays of the sun!

-          In the Renaissance, many women plucked their hairlines to achieve higher foreheads. This was believed to give the face a better, more attractive shape. Having a pale face was also deemed to be beautiful because it showed that you did not have to work and be outside all day. Women applied a cream called ceruse, which was a mixture of lead and vinegar to achieve this ghostly look. Some women also practiced bloodletting, where they would apply leeches to their head in order to drain blood, which resulted in "looking pale."

-          In the Court of Versailles, women (such as Marie Antoinette), would wear tower-high wigs in grey and other light pastel colors. They were made with human hair, horse hair, and goat hair. Some women would develop skin rashes and lice because they would wear their wigs too much.

What is the strangest thing you’ve done in the name of looking good? Let us know in the comments below. You may just win this awesome natural cosmetics deal we've heard about…