Page:Repository of Arts, Series 1, Volume 01, 1809, January-June.djvu/115

Rh ; we shall content with observing, that the perfection of the art consists in using them with it discreet moderation. The use of white lead in any shape, or indeed oil of talc, is not only dangerous to the health, but so far from preserving, they spoil and wrinkle the skin. Vermilion too, which commonly enters into the composition of modern cosmetics, will ultimately turn the complexion of an unnatural yellow. A fine and beautiful red is frequently made by calcining a species of talc, called chalk of Briançon. When reduced to an impalpable powder, it is mixed with carmine, in prepartion to the tone of colour intended to be produced; but talc, or any mineral or metallic substance, is to be avoided, as highly dangerous, and ultimately prejudicial.

Fine carmine, properly pulverized and prepared for the purpose, is beyond all Question the best composition that can be employed with safety and effect. It gives the most natural tone to the complexion, and imparts a brilliancy to the eyes, without detracting from the softness of the skin. In order to use it economically, procure some of the finest pomatum (without scent,) in which there is a small proportion of white wax: of this pomatum take about the size of a pea, and just flatten it upon a piece of white paper; then take, on a pointed pen- knife, or the end of a tooth-pick, about the quantity or size of a pin's head of the carmine, mix it gently with your finger, and when you have produced the desired tint, rub it in a little compressed cotton, pass it over the cheeks till the colour is entirely spread, and it ceases to be greasy. Ladies who have been accustomed to paint, and cannot therefore entirely relinquish the use of it, will find, upon trial, that this economical rouge will neither injure the health nor the skin, and that it imitates the natural colour more perfectly than any other composition to which the attention of the British fair is at present solicited.

In order to make this article more complete, we insert some extracts from a report made to the Royal Academy at Paris, by Messrs. Lavoisier and Jussieu. It may appear singular, that a preparation used by ladies to colour their cheeks, considered merely as an article of dress, fashion, or embellishment, and belonging exclusively to the fair sex, should have attracted the attention of the Royal Academy of Sciences at Paris; yet this learned body considering that rouge was so universally used, and that ladies of the highest rank could not well dispense with it, did not consider it beneath their dignity to examine all the specimens that could be procured. M. Colin presented a preparation, which the academy did not hesitate to approve. Since which, another perfumer, M. Dupont, offered to the academy a rouge prepared solely from vegetables, which which the academy considered not at all inferior to the preparation of M. Colin. This rouge was prepared in the presence of Messrs. Lavoisier and Jussieu, the commissioners appointed by the academy; and, according to their account, the academy determined, that M. Dupont was equally entitled with M. Colin, to claim its approbation. It being observed, that all the ''No. II. Vol. I.'' N