Cosmetics are substances used to enhance the appearance or odor of the human body. Cosmetics include skin-care creams, lotions, powders, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail and toe nail polish, eye and facial makeup, permanent waves, colored contact lenses, hair colors, and gels, deodorants, baby products, bath oils, bubble baths, bath salts, butters and many other types of products. Their use is widespread, especially among women in Western countries. A subset of cosmetics is called "make-up," which refers primarily to colored products intended to alter the user’s appearance. Many manufacturers distinguish between decorative cosmetics and care cosmetics.
The manufacture of cosmetics is currently dominated by a small number of multinational corporations that originated in the early 20th century, but the distribution and sale of cosmetics is spread among a wide range of different businesses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which regulates cosmetics in the United States defines cosmetics as: "intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance without affecting the body's structure or functions." This broad definition includes, as well, any material intended for use as a component of a cosmetic product. The FDA specifically excludes soap from this category.
History
Main article: History of cosmeticsThe first archaeological evidence of cosmetics usage is found in Egypt around 3500 BC during the Ancient Egypt times with some of the royalty having make up such as Nefertiti, Nefertari, mask of Tutankhamun, etc. The Ancient Greeks and Romans also used cosmetics. The Romans and Ancient Egyptians used cosmetics containing poisonous mercury and often lead. The ancient kingdom of Israel was influenced by cosmetics as recorded in the Old Testament—2 Kings 9:30 where Jezebel painted her eyelids—approximately 840 BC. The Biblical book of Esther describes various beauty treatments as well.
In the western world, the advent of cosmetics was in the Middle Ages, although typically restricted to use within the upper classes, yet frowned upon and banned by the Church.
Cosmetic use was frowned upon at some points in Western history. For example, in the 1800s, make-up was used primarily by prostitutes, and Queen Victoria publicly declared makeup improper, vulgar, and acceptable only for use by actors. Adolf Hitler told women that face painting was for clowns and not for the women of the Master Race.
Women in the 19th century liked to be thought of as fragile ladies. They compared themselves to delicate flowers and emphasised their delicacy and femininity. They aimed always to look pale and interesting. Paleness could be induced by drinking vinegar and avoiding fresh air. Sometimes ladies discreetly used a little rouge on the cheeks, but make-up was frowned upon in general especially during the 1870s when social etiquette became more rigid.
Actresses however were allowed to use make up and famous beauties such as Sarah Bernhardt and Lillie Langtry famous beauties of the 1880s could be powdered. Most cosmetic products available were still either chemically dubious, or found in the kitchen amid food colorings, berries and beetroot.
By the middle of the 20th century, cosmetics were in widespread use by women in nearly all industrial societies around the world.
Cosmetics have been in use for thousands of years. The absence of regulation of the manufacture and use of cosmetics has led to negative side effects, deformities, blindness, and even death through the ages. Examples of this were the prevalent use of ceruse (white lead), to cover the face during the Renaissance, and blindness caused by the mascara Lash Lure during the early 1900s.
The worldwide annual expenditures for cosmetics today is estimated at U.S. $19 billion. Of the major firms, the oldest and the largest is L'Oréal, which was founded by Eugene Schueller in 1909 as the French Harmless Hair Colouring Company (now owned by Liliane Bettencourt 26% and Nestlé 28%, with the remaining 46% are publicly traded). The market was developed in the USA during the 1910s by Elizabeth Arden, Helena Rubinstein, and Max Factor. These firms were joined by Revlon just before World War II and Estée Lauder just after.
Beauty products are now widely available from dedicated internet-only retailers, who have more recently been joined online by established outlets, including the major department stores and traditional bricks and mortar beauty retailers.
Like most industries, cosmetic companies resist regulation by government agencies like the FDA, and have lobbied against this throughout the years.
Criticism and controversy
Further information: Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and California Safe Cosmetics Act of 2005During the 20th century, the popularity of cosmetics increased rapidly. Especially in the United States, cosmetics are used by girls at an increasingly young age. Many companies have catered to this expanding market by introducing more flavored lipsticks and glosses, cosmetics packaged in glittery, sparkly packaging and marketing and advertising using young models. The social consequences of younger and younger beautification has had much attention in the media over the last few years.
Criticism of cosmetics has come from a variety of sources including feminists, animal rights activists, authors and public interest groups. There is a growing awareness and preference for cosmetics that are without any supposedly toxic ingredients, especially those derived from petroleum, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and parabens.
Numerous published reports have raised concern over the safety of a few surfactants. SLS causes a number of skin issues including dermatitis.
Parabens can cause skin irritation and contact dermatitis in individuals with paraben allergies, a small percentage of the general population. Animal experiments have shown that parabens have a weak estrogenic activity, acting as xenoestrogens.
Prolonged use of makeup has also been linked to thinning eyelashes.
Synthetic fragrances are widely used in consumer products. Studies concluded from patch testing show synthetic fragrances are made of many ingredients which cause allergic reactions.
Makeup Types
- Lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner, lip plumper, lip balm, lip conditioner, lip primer, and lip boosters.
- Foundation, used to smooth out the face and cover spots or uneven skin coloration. Usually a liquid, cream, or powder. Foundation primer is often applied before.
- Powder, used to set the foundation, giving a matte finish, and also to conceal small flaws or blemishes.
- Rouge, blush or blusher, cheek coloring used to bring out the color in the cheeks and make the cheekbones appear more defined. This comes in powder, cream, and liquid forms.
- Bronzer, used to give skin a bit of color by adding a golden or bronze glow.
- Mascara is used to darken, lengthen, and thicken the eyelashes. It is available in natural colors such as brown and black, but also comes in bolder colors such as blue, pink, or purple. There are many different formulas, including waterproof for those prone to allergies or sudden tears. Often used after a eyelash curler and mascara primer.
- Eye liner, eye shadow, eye shimmer, and glitter eye pencils as well as different color pencils used to color and emphasize the eyelids (larger eyes give a more youthful appearance).
- Eyebrow pencils, creams, waxes, gels and powders are used to color and define the brows.
- Nail polish, used to color the fingernails and toenails.
- Concealer, Makeup used to cover any imperfections of the skin.
Also included in the general category of cosmetics are skin care products. These include creams and lotions to moisturize the face and body, sunscreens to protect the skin from damaging UV radiation, and treatment products to repair or hide skin imperfections (acne, wrinkles, dark circles under eyes, etc.). Cosmetics can also be described by the form of the product, as well as the area for application. Cosmetics can be liquid or cream emulsions; powders, both pressed and loose; dispersions; and anhydrous creams or sticks.
Lip stain is a cosmetic product that contains either water or a gel base. To help the product stay on the lips, many stains may contain alcohol. These lip coloring products are available in a variety of formulas, colors, and application types. The idea behind lip stains is to temporarily saturate the lips with color with a dye, rather than applying a colored wax to the lips to color them. A lip stain is usually designed to be waterproof so that the color will be long lasting, and once the stain dries, it should not
Emakemeup.com - makeup reviews, cosmetic reviews, makeup tips and ...
cosmetic reviews, makeup tips, makeup reviews, beauty message board, and beauty advice.
eBay Guides - Cosmetic How to Clean Makeup Make Up Brushes
nbsp Makeup brushes can harbor lots of dirt and bacteria, but frequent washing of your makeup brushes can keep them - and your face - clean and healthy. nbsp ...
Houston make up Reviews - Find Tags make up in Houston, TX
Read and write reviews on Tags Houston make up. Get phone numbers, ratings, maps, directions and more for make up in Houston, TX ... Local results for Cosmetic Dentists in your ...
Make Up Product, Makeup, Discount, Review
Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery, Recovery Product, Antiaging & Skin Care Product, Message Board, Forum, Preparation, Patient Information Services
Buy Rite Aid Cosmetic Make Up Wedges Online at drugstore.com
Shop online for Rite Aid Cosmetic Make Up Wedges at drugstore.com today, where you will find a ... read reviews write review
Cosmetic,Make-up,Cosmetic OEM,Cosmetic Packaging,China Cosmetic ...
a specialized manufacturer of Cosmetic,Make-up,Cosmetic OEM,Cosmetic Packaging,Lipstick,Lip ... Please Don't Take Away My Burt's Bees Lip Balm! 20. Product Review: Avon Hannah ...
YouTube - Cosmetic make up brush cleaning tutorial
Cosmetic make up brush cleaning tutorial ... My top 5 favourite mascaras reviews and swatches
Beauty Base London - Fashion Makeup School, Photographic Make Up ...
Beauty Base London - Fashion Makeup School, Photographic Make Up Course, Make-Up Artist Courses, Training Classes & Cosmetic Schools - Presentation Transcript
17 Cosmetic Case - Boots
17 Cosmetic Case. Detailed product info, read reviews, buy online and earn advantage points. Keep your make-up and beauty tools safe with this 17
Make Up For Ever Makeup & Cosmetic Sets: Compare Prices, Reviews & Buy ...
Yahoo! Shopping is the best place to comparison shop for Make Up For Ever Makeup & Cosmetic Sets Compare products, compare prices, read reviews and merchant ratings.