Before bronzed skin, it was pale skin that was considered attractive - so much so that women in Europe used to smear a creamy concotion of vinegar and powdered white lead on their faces to achieve the fashionable pallor. The fad began in the mid 1550s by Queen Elizabeth I.

Fortunately, we all know about lead poisoning and no longer follow this fad. While pale skin is still considered attractive for some, it is naturally pale skin that is coveted.

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