As women we are all more than familiar with the phrase "pain is beauty." We may roll our eyes at the unfair sentiment, but we've all put on a pair of high heels and we know exactly what it means. Like it or not, when it comes to being beautiful, we've all at one time or another done something that makes us feel less than totally comfortable. It starts early -- with bras. After getting used to that not-great feeling, everything else is a cake-walk (on very high and pinching heels).
But there have been some beauty and fashion trends throughout history that go past being simply uncomfortable. These trends and techniques weren't just uncomfortable, they were downright dangerous. Heck, in some cases, they were even deadly. GASP! I know, right? While I'm willing to take just a little bit of "ouch" for glamour, I shan't offer up my life to it.
There's no doubt about it. Life has become easier as time has marched on. We know a lot more now about chemicals. We know what we can and cannot put in our bodies. Plus, our standards of beauty have changed and, for the most part, become less intense. Well that's not entirely true -- they've become intense in a whole other way (please see Brazilian blowouts and hair relaxing). Let's look at 5 of the deadliest things we've done to look fabulous throughout time! HISTORY! It's the best.
What's the most painful thing you've done for beauty?
Image via Christine Roth/Flickr