 Not all cosmetics were dangerous, many women relied on lotions and balms containing almonds, olive oil, lemon juice, bread crumbs, eggs, honey, rosewater and snake fat to clarify and cleanse the skin.Red lips and rosy cheeks were achieved primarily through the application of [[vermilion]]; ceruse mixed with organic dyes such as [[henna]] and [[cochineal]] (a powder made from the ground exoskeleton of insects).In Italy especially, women sought to achieve the light tresses that were viewed as the ideal.