The use of cosmetic products can be contoversial. In 1770 in England, an Act of Parliament was passed that imposed the same penalties as were then in force against witchcraft:

‘on all women of whatever age, rank, profession or degree whether virgins, maids or widows, that shall impose upon seduce and betray into matrimony any of His Majesty’s subjects by the scents, paints, cosmetic washes, artificial teeth, false hair, et cetera, and that further upon conviction, the marriage will be considered null and void.’

The ‘artificial teeth’ part kills me – what a catch she would be!