[Anon], ‘Materials for the Toilette. VIII.’

The word cosmetic is derived from the Greek, and signifies in the original “to adorn:” hence it is applied to the various preparations for refreshing and beautifying the skin. Rouge is of various kinds. The best is called carmine, and is a powder obtained by the union of a solution of alum, with the colouring matter of a Mexican insect, called the cochineal insect. A costly article obtained by dissolving real seed pearls in an acid, and then precipitating the powder by an alkali, is used by those who can afford to purchase it, while powders of an inferior description, made from mother-of-pearl, and even from oyster-shell, suffice for the less wealthy aspirants to artificial beauty.