When we think of animals and fashion, we picture fur coats and leather shoes. When we think of animals and beauty, it’s usually in relation to products being tested on them. Basically, there’s some assumed cruelty involved.

Well, we found five odd, innovative and sometimes revolting ways that animals are used for health and beauty purposes without being harmed! Check them out:

PYTHON PEDICURES

Yes, the nails you see in this image are actually covered with snakeskin. As stated in the accompanying article on Vogue.com, “the delicate, almost transparent skin, which looks like very finely embossed parchment, was kindly donated by a four-foot-long female python who shimmied out of it one day, the natural shedding process for snakes as they grow.” Each piece of skin is cut and customized to fit different sized toenails!

MINK EYELASHES

Jennifer Lopez made these famous when she showed up at the 2001 Academy Awards wearing the animal fur on her eyelids. Live mink are gently brushed to obtain the hairs, which are then individually selected for the lashes.

BIRD POOP FACIALS

If you didn’t gag at the title, get ready…

Yes, there are women everywhere who have caught on to the Japanese craze of using pigeon droppings for skin care. Nightingale droppings are an old Japanese secret ingredient used on actors and geisha’s to remove makeup. Apparently it also brightens, heals, and retexturizes the skin. Rice bran is mixed in to take away from the stench in these facials.

HIPPO SWEAT SUNSCREEN

Hippos secrete a red-colored substance from their glands—aka “hippo sweat”—which contains microscopic structures that scatter light and protect them from getting burned by the sun. Scientists are now looking into ways this powerful sweat can be bottled, sold and used on us poor human beings. Sounds delicious.

MAGGOTS SKIN THERAPY

Maggots have been used for some time now for their antibacterial properties and more. But can you imagine bathing in a tub of these nasty creatures to help exfoliate your skin? Well, if you’re looking to get rid of some dead skin, they’re here to help.

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