Cosmetics
Cosmetics are substances used to enhance or protect the appearance or odor of the human body. Cosmetics include skin-care creams, lotions, powders, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail and toenail polishes, eye and facial makeup, permanent waves, hair colors, hair sprays 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. 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. 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 product. The FDA specifically excludes soap from this particular category.
History
The first archaeological evidence of cosmetics usage is found in Ancient Egypt around 4000 BC. The Ancient Greeks and Romans also used cosmetics. The Romans and Ancient Egyptians used cosmetics containing mercury and often lead. The Biblical book of Esther describes various beauty treatments.
In the western world, the advent of cosmetics was in the middle ages, although typically restricted to use within the upper classes.
Cosmetic use was frowned upon at some points in history. For example, in the 1800s, make-up was used primarily by prostitutes, and Queen Victoria publicly declared makeup improper, vulgar, and acceptable for use by actors, only. Adolf Hitler told women that face painting was for clowns and not for the women of the Master Race.
By the middle of the 20th century, cosmetics were in widespread use in nearly all societies around the world.
Industry Today
The worldwide cosmetics industry is a multinational, multi-billion-dollar industry. Of the major firms, the oldest and the largest is L'Or?al, which was founded by Eugene Schueller in 1909 as the French Harmless Hair Colouring Company (now owned by Liliane Bettencourt 27.5% and Nestl? 26.4%, with the remaining 46.1% 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 Est?e Lauder just after.
Controversy and criticism
The popularity of cosmetics in the 20th century has increased rapidly. Especially in the United States, cosmetics are being used by girls at a younger and younger 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, books, and public interest groups. There is a growing awareness and preference for cosmetics that are without any toxic ingredients, especially those derived from petroleum, 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.
Synthetic fragrances are widely used in consumers products. Studies concluded from patch testing, show synthetic fragrances are made of many allergic reaction ingredients.
Types
The various forms of makeup include:
Steven Victor MD and SmartLipo to be Featured on VH1 Tuesday May 13, 2008
VelaShape Featured on Keeping up with the Kardashians May 11, 2008
Beverly Hills Dentist Finds Proprietary Gum Bleaching Technique Better than Laser Methods
LaserTight Launches Non-Surgical Blepharoplasty Procedure at ASAPS Meeting
Stadia Med Spa Grand Opening Event Saturday May 10th, 11AM - 3PM
Pioneering Area Physician is First in the Lehigh Valley to Offer the Benefits of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Launch Celebration Marks Eco MedSpa Opening
Artes Medical Reports Strong Consumer Interest, Rapid Patient Enrollment and Positive Feedback in Largest U.S. Dermal Filler Clinical Study
Robert Aycock, M.D. Voted "Best Plastic Surgeon" by Bohemian Magazine
Dr. Mahmud will be featured on KARE 11 morning news with Belinda Jensen this Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 8:28 am
DeepFX(TM) and ActiveFX(TM) Fractional Resurfacing Featured at Annual Meeting of The American Society Of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
You don’t wanna miss this! Be there at the grand opening of The Bliss - Medical Spa & Advanced Cosmetic Laser Center on May 8, 2008.
The Nation’s Leading Plastic Surgeons Learn about ArteFill’s Five Year Safety and Long-Term Efficacy Data
Anti-Aging Expert Discusses Advantages of Laser Body Sculpting in New Video
Beauty for Life: The Future of Cosmetic Medicine
* Lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner, lip plumper, lip balm, lip luster, lip conditioner and lip boosters.
* Foundation, used to color the face and conceal flaws to produce an impression of health and youth. Usually a liquid, cream, powder or mousse.
* Powder, or face illuminator used to set the foundation, giving a matte finish.
* Rouge, blush or blusher, cheek stain used to color the cheeks and emphasize the cheekbones. This comes in powder, cream and gel forms.
* Bronzer, used to create a more tanned or sun-kissed look.
* Mascara and lash extender, lash conditioner used to enhance the eyelashes. Can be of different colors and even waterproof.
* Eye liner and eye shadow, eye shimmer and glitter eye pencils as well as different color pencils used to color and emphasize the eyelids (larger eyes are a sign of youth).
* Eyebrow pencils, creams, waxes, gels and powders are used to fill in and define the brows.
* Nail polish, used to color the fingernails and toenails.
* Concealer, a type of thick opaque makeup used to cover pimples, various spots and inconsistencies in 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.
Here are some articles to start with...
| Change your makeup style! By Whitney Morris Let's face it, after a while of looking exactly the same way- you need a change! Every season the hot looks change anyway. This means you should change with the seasons! Now we aren't Read more... |
Buying Cosmetics Online Is A Smarter Way To Shop! By Jaylin After diamonds, cosmetics have got to be a woman’s best friend! Be it any occasion, gift cosmetic to your lady love and watch her eyes sparkle with happiness. It’s a sure Read more... |
| cosmetic news: |