Question: Ladies, where does the red in your lipstick come from?

Answer: From the blood of squished bugs (yes, seriously!)


Five steps to ruby red lips

Step 1: Find a cactus in the Colca Canyon in Peru (not hard, they are everywhere)

Step 2: Chances are it will have parasitic bugs on it (most of them do)

Step 3: Carefully extract the bugs from the cactus (make sure you do not prick yourself)

Step 4: Squish the bugs. (You won't believe the copious amounts of bright red gunge you will get)

Step 5: Apply to the lips for a sexy, glossy finish. (Men will be impressed and want to kiss you immediately - or maybe not)

Yes, these bugs are the primary export of the Colca Canyon, sold by the locals to the cosmetic industry (by whom they are much sought) for use in lipstick. The locals painstakingly pick them off the cacti every 3 months. A kilogram of bugs (that a whole lot of bug) gets them $ 50.

Revlon probably wouldn't want you to know (or believe this) but it is true nevertheless!

Oh, and the bug juice is also used by western factories as a colourant for some yoghurt, mainly strawberry and black cherry (which happen to be my favourite flavours). Fancy that, I have been pouring bug blood onto my cereal all these years.

I am just suprised that Hollywood "splat" directors have not discovered it yet for their special effects. Or maybe they have. I am sure Tarantino would relish the idea of covering his actors in insect goo if it added to the realism of his scenes.