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Women have been using cosmetics since time immemorial. To add to the natural allure and look youthful, cosmetics have always been a woman's best-kept secret. Cosmetics can be used to play up a woman's best features as well as conceal flaws and skin problems. From ancient Egyptian times to the present day range of cosmetic products, we trace the origin of cosmetics. Let us take a look at how to take care of our cosmetic products. We also examine anti-ageing cosmetic products that promise to reduce wrinkles and take the years off your face.
Anti ageing cosmetic product
Women and men have always been in search of the elixir of youthfulness
and it is little wonder that anti ageing creams are an extremely popular
segment of cosmetic products. Many an anti ageing cosmetic product is
based on Retinoic acid. This is known to smoothen skin and reduce wrinkles.
But it may sometimes cause itching and soreness in some women. AHAs (Alpha
Hydroxy Acids) are also known to peel off a layer of skin leaving behind
a smoother surface. Many dermatologists agree that the regular use of
sunscreens with the right protection factor may go a long way in controlling
the effects of ageing on the skin.
Anti ageing creams containing vitamins,
enzymes and lipsomes are sold by many cosmetic brands. Most of them contain
water and moisturizing agents since youthful skin is all about achieving
a smooth and plump yet translucent texture to your skin.
Care of cosmetic products
Make up cosmetic products must never be shared. This can lead to infection.
You should not add water or other liquids to a hardened cosmetic product
as it may induce bacterial growth. Expiry dates of cosmetic products must
be carefully checked. If there is any change in color or odor of the cosmetic,
it is best to discard it. Cosmetic products must be kept out of sunlight
and direct heat. Aerosol cosmetic products must not be kept near heat.
Origin of Cosmetics
Ancient Egyptians were innovative in developing natural
formulas to take care of various skin problems. A look at the Egyptian
pictures of yore shows that cosmetics were being used even then for beautification.
It would be surprising to know that they had cosmetic products for stretch
marks, wrinkles and scars.
Ancient Egyptians used face creams, body oils
and eye makeup to accentuate their eyes. The eye makeup of ancient Egyptian
women was made of copper and lead ore - Mesdemet. This served to ward
off the evil spirits as well. It was combined with burnt almonds, ash
and ochre to achieve a wonderful color that could be applied around the
eyes.
The nails and lips were not ignored. Henna and other products were
mixed to dye the nails. The origin of cosmetics can be traced to natural
cleansers made of vegetable and animal oil. Apparently, affluent Egyptian
women accentuated their eyebrows with creams made from sheep's fat, lead
and soot.
Greek and Roman women also spared no effort in using various
concoctions to appear young and beautiful. Ancient Indian women used herbal
cosmetics based on their ancient texts. Some of these products used natural
products and find favor with many women even to this day. The Victorian
era did not look favorably on the use of cosmetics and make up. It was
considered vulgar to resort to cosmetic products.
The Edwardian era saw extensive use of cosmetics to conceal age and unhealthy
eating habits. Women of that period relied heavily on cosmetics such as
anti-ageing cosmetic products as well as face creams. The concept of beauty
salons then took root. The famous salons such as the House of Cyclax in
London and Helena Rubenstein had their beginnings in this period. The
cosmetic products industry took off in a big way in the 20th century.
Cosmetic products were manufactured and sold in leading stores.
Make up
trends kept pace with changing fashions. Europe, especially France and
Italy saw many cosmetic manufacturing units set up to create new fragrances
and modern cosmetic products. Chemical processes were used to replace
natural methods of creating cosmetics and perfumes. Mass manufacture of
cosmetics also began in America in the 1920s.
The cosmetic industry went
through a rough phase during World War II but made up for lost time thereafter.
Movie stars of Hollywood influenced make up styles and fashion. Pancake
makeup, face powders, tanning products and other cosmetic products were
advertised to lure women into using these cosmetics. Cosmetic products
have come a long way from the ancient concoctions and preparations.
Be
it lipsticks, skin care products, nail polish, creams, eye shadows or
sunscreens, moisturizers and mascara, there is no dearth of brands to
choose from.
You can pick up Estee Lauder, Elizabeth Arden, Mac Cosmetics,
Mary Kay Cosmetics, Avon, Clinique, L'Oreal, Bobbi Brown cosmetics and
even brands such as Oriflame, body Shop, Revlon, L'Oréal and Sheisido.
From its humble origins, cosmetic industry has now become a huge global
sector that is dominated by multinational companies.
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