The kiss of death. Mercury in lip colors.

November 10, 2010

One of the dyes that ancient Egyptians used for lip rouge was cinnabar, an intensely red pigment that painters used (including the cave painters of 20,000 years ago). Cinnabar is mercury sulfide and they never knew it was potentially poisonous.
For centuries bright red lips were associated with prostitutes and actresses and lip color did not become acceptable for “nice women” until after World War I. The early lipsticks were greasy and tended to go rancid. For this reason, the New York Board of Health considered banning lipstick in 1924, not because of what it might do to the women who wore it, but because of worry that it might poison the men who kissed the women who wore it. History repeats itself as there have been recent reports about mercury in current lip color products, including products from large cosmetic houses. Rest easy as lip colors from the Abbey pose no problem in this area.

Comments will be approved before showing up.

Also in Abbey St Clare Blog

10 Great Ingredients For Natural Anti-Aging Eye Skincare

February 04, 2025

As you age, you may notice your eyes show the first signs of time with under-eye bags, dark circles, and crow’s feet. But with a naturally healthy skincare routine, you can fight the signs of premature aging around your eyes and restore your youthful, vibrant skin.

Meet Winter Head-On With These Natural Hair Care Tips

December 06, 2024

Autumn is here, and winter is coming, but that doesn’t mean you have to endure dry, brittle, frizzy hair until spring. The right strategy and healthful, natural hair care ingredients will help you maintain your bouncy, shiny locks all winter.

First, let’s discuss your winter hair care routine. Then we’ll discuss the products that we recommend for best results.

6 Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid For Natural Skin Care

November 07, 2024

What do smooth, supple skin, powerful anti-aging, and improved wound healing all share?

They are all benefits of using hyaluronic acid in a natural skin care regimen!

This incredible skin care ingredient can keep you looking young and vibrant even when cold winds, harsh environmental pollutants, and even time leave you feeling dry, cracked, and wrinkled.