Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Cosmetics shopping experience:
1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Cosmetics offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Cosmetics at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.
2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about
3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Cosmetics? Wrong! If the Cosmetics is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.
4. Questions - Got a question about Cosmetics then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....
5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Cosmetics? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Cosmetics and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.
6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Cosmetics wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.
7. Feedback - happy with your Cosmetics then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.
8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Cosmetics site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site
9. Contact - got a question about Cosmetics, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.
10. Payment - ready to pay for your Cosmetics, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.
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 cosmetic product. The FDA specifically excludes
soap from this particular category.Lewis, Carol. FDA. "Clearing up Cosmetic Confusion." 2000. May 14, 2007.
History
painting of a woman applying cosmetics to her face
The first archaeological evidence of cosmetics usage is found in
Ancient Egypt around
4000 BC. The Ancient Greeks and Ancient Rome also used cosmetics. The
ancient Rome and
Ancient Egyptians used cosmetics containing poisonous
mercury (element) and often
lead, which continues to be used today.Johnson, Rita. Chemical & Engineering News. "What's that Stuff?" 1999. May 14, 2007. 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 19th century, 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.
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, or white lead, to cover the face during the Renaissance, and blindness caused by the mascara Lash Lure during the early 1900's.
Industry Today
The worldwide annual expenditures for cosmetics is estimated at U.S. $18 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 27.5% and
Nestlé 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
Estée Lauder Inc. just after.
The cosmetic industry does not want to be regulated by the government/FDA and has lobbied against this throughout the years.
Criticism and controversy
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
model (person). 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#History of the modern movement, The Beauty Myth, and public interest groups. There is a growing awareness and preference for cosmetics that are without any toxic ingredients, especially those derived from petroleum, Sodium lauryl sulfate, and parabens.{{cite news]|date=|accessdate=2007-07-05|quote=-->
Numerous published reports have raised concern over the safety of a few surfactants. SLS causes a number of skin issues including
dermatitis.Agner T. Susceptibility of atopic dermatitis patients to irritant dermatitis caused by sodium lauryl sulphate.
Acta Derm Venereol. 1991;71(4):296-300. PMID 1681644A. Nassif, S. C. Chan, F. J. Storrs and J. M. Hanifin. Abstract: Abnormal skin irritancy in atopic dermatitis and in atopy without dermatitis.
Arch Dermatol. November 1994;130(11):1402. AbstractMarrakchi S, Maibach HI. Sodium lauryl sulfate-induced irritation in the human face: regional and age-related differences.
Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2006;19(3):177-80. Epub 2006 May 4. PMID 16679819CIR publication. Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate.
Journal of the American College of Toxicology. 1983 Vol. 2 (No. 7) pages 127-181.Loffler H, Effendy I. Skin susceptibility of atopic individuals. Department of Dermatology, University of Marburg, Germany.
Contact Dermatitis. 1999 May;40(5):239-42. PMID 10344477
Parabens can cause skin irritation and contact dermatitis in individuals with paraben allergies, a small percentage of the general population.Nagel JE, Fuscaldo JT, Fireman P. Paraben allergy.
JAMA. 1977, Apr 11; 237(15):1594-5. Abstract Animal experiments have shown that parabens have a weak
estrogenic activity, acting as xenoestrogens.Byford JR, Shaw LE, Drew MG, Pope GS, Sauer MJ, Darbre PD. Oestrogenic activity of parabens in MCF7 human breast cancer cells.
J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2002 Jan;80(1):49-60. PMID 11867263
Perfume are widely used in consumers products. Studies concluded from patch testing, show synthetic fragrances are made of many
allergen.{{cite news|first=|last=|title=Patch testing with fragrances: results of a multicenter study of the European Environmental and Contact Dermatitis Research Group with 48 frequently used constituents of perfumes|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=8565489&ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVAbstractPlus|work=|publisher=Contact Dermatitis|date=November 1995|accessdate=2007-07-05|quote=-->
, Environmental Working Group, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, and
California Safe Cosmetics Act of 2005.
Types
The various forms of makeup include:
- Lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner, lip plumper, lip balm, lip luster, lip conditioner and lip boosters.Reed, Sandra I. US Department of Health and Human Services. "Cosmetics and Your Health." 2004. May 14, 2007.
- Foundation (cosmetics), used to color the face and conceal flaws to produce an impression of health and youth. Usually a liquid, cream, powder or mousse.
- Face powder, or face illuminator used to set the foundation, giving a matte finish.
- Rouge (cosmetics), 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 vulgaris, 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.
Special Effects
In addition to over-the-counter cosmetic products, recent years have seen an increasing market for prescription or surgical cosmetic procedures. These range from temporary enhancements, such as cosmetic colored contact lenses, to major cosmetic surgery.
Many techniques, such as
microdermabrasion and chemical or physical peels, remove the oldest, top layers of skin cells. The younger layers of skin left behind appear more plump, youthful, and soft. Permanent application of pigments (tattooing) is also used cosmetically.
Ingredients
actor Jim Brochu applies make-up before the opening night of a play. being applied
While there is assurance from the largest cosmetic companies that their various ingredients are safe, there is a growing preference for cosmetics that are without any "synthetic" ingredients, especially those derived from petroleum. Once a niche market, certified organic products are becoming more mainstream.
A dangerously large ammout of lead and lead based products continue to be used in cosmetics, especially in lipsticks, by such companies as MAC, Dior, Body Shop, L'Oreal, Revlon and Burt's Bees. This issue occurs mainly in in the USA & Canada, because the FDA, or Food and Drug Administration fails to regulate the industry to a reasonable extent, only recommending that less than 1 ppm of lead is used.
Ingredients' listings in cosmetics are highly regulated in many countries. The Animal_testing#Cosmetics_testing is a subject of some controversy. It is now illegal in the United Kingdom, the
Netherlands, and Belgium, and a ban across the European Union is due to come into effect in
2009.
See also
References
Further reading
External links
- tiac
- meet mark
- The British Library - finding information on the cosmetics and toiletries industry
- List of Prohibited and Restricted Cosmetic Ingredients (Health Canada)
- Beauty & Cosmetics Forum
- Cosmetics Discussion Forum
- CTPA The UK trade Association
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 cosmetic product. The FDA specifically excludes soap from this particular category.Lewis, Carol. FDA. "Clearing up Cosmetic Confusion." 2000. May 14, 2007.
History
painting of a woman applying cosmetics to her face
The first archaeological evidence of cosmetics usage is found in
Ancient Egypt around
4000 BC. The Ancient Greeks and
Ancient Rome also used cosmetics. The
ancient Rome and
Ancient Egyptians used cosmetics containing poisonous
mercury (element) and often lead, which continues to be used today.Johnson, Rita. Chemical & Engineering News. "What's that Stuff?" 1999. May 14, 2007. 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
19th century, 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.
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, or white lead, to cover the face during the Renaissance, and blindness caused by the mascara Lash Lure during the early 1900's.
Industry Today
The worldwide annual expenditures for cosmetics is estimated at U.S. $18 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 27.5% and
Nestlé 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 Estée Lauder Inc. just after.
The cosmetic industry does not want to be regulated by the government/FDA and has lobbied against this throughout the years.
Criticism and controversy
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
model (person). 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#History of the modern movement, The Beauty Myth, and public interest groups. There is a growing awareness and preference for cosmetics that are without any toxic ingredients, especially those derived from
petroleum, Sodium lauryl sulfate, and
parabens.{{cite news]|date=|accessdate=2007-07-05|quote=-->
Numerous published reports have raised concern over the safety of a few surfactants. SLS causes a number of skin issues including dermatitis.Agner T. Susceptibility of atopic dermatitis patients to irritant dermatitis caused by sodium lauryl sulphate.
Acta Derm Venereol. 1991;71(4):296-300. PMID 1681644A. Nassif, S. C. Chan, F. J. Storrs and J. M. Hanifin. Abstract: Abnormal skin irritancy in atopic dermatitis and in atopy without dermatitis.
Arch Dermatol. November 1994;130(11):1402. AbstractMarrakchi S, Maibach HI. Sodium lauryl sulfate-induced irritation in the human face: regional and age-related differences.
Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2006;19(3):177-80. Epub 2006 May 4. PMID 16679819CIR publication. Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate.
Journal of the American College of Toxicology. 1983 Vol. 2 (No. 7) pages 127-181.Loffler H, Effendy I. Skin susceptibility of atopic individuals. Department of Dermatology, University of Marburg, Germany.
Contact Dermatitis. 1999 May;40(5):239-42. PMID 10344477
Parabens can cause skin irritation and contact dermatitis in individuals with paraben
allergies, a small percentage of the general population.Nagel JE, Fuscaldo JT, Fireman P. Paraben allergy.
JAMA. 1977, Apr 11; 237(15):1594-5. Abstract Animal experiments have shown that parabens have a weak
estrogenic activity, acting as xenoestrogens.Byford JR, Shaw LE, Drew MG, Pope GS, Sauer MJ, Darbre PD. Oestrogenic activity of parabens in MCF7 human breast cancer cells.
J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2002 Jan;80(1):49-60. PMID 11867263
Perfume are widely used in consumers products. Studies concluded from patch testing, show synthetic fragrances are made of many allergen.{{cite news|first=|last=|title=Patch testing with fragrances: results of a multicenter study of the European Environmental and Contact Dermatitis Research Group with 48 frequently used constituents of perfumes|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=8565489&ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVAbstractPlus|work=|publisher=Contact Dermatitis|date=November 1995|accessdate=2007-07-05|quote=-->
,
Environmental Working Group,
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, and
California Safe Cosmetics Act of 2005.
Types
The various forms of makeup include:
- Lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner, lip plumper, lip balm, lip luster, lip conditioner and lip boosters.Reed, Sandra I. US Department of Health and Human Services. "Cosmetics and Your Health." 2004. May 14, 2007.
- Foundation (cosmetics), used to color the face and conceal flaws to produce an impression of health and youth. Usually a liquid, cream, powder or mousse.
- Face powder, or face illuminator used to set the foundation, giving a matte finish.
- Rouge (cosmetics), 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 vulgaris, 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.
Special Effects
In addition to over-the-counter cosmetic products, recent years have seen an increasing market for prescription or surgical cosmetic procedures. These range from temporary enhancements, such as cosmetic colored
contact lenses, to major cosmetic surgery.
Many techniques, such as
microdermabrasion and chemical or physical peels, remove the oldest, top layers of skin cells. The younger layers of skin left behind appear more plump, youthful, and soft. Permanent application of pigments (tattooing) is also used cosmetically.
Ingredients
actor Jim Brochu applies make-up before the opening night of a play. being applied
While there is assurance from the largest cosmetic companies that their various ingredients are safe, there is a growing preference for cosmetics that are without any "synthetic" ingredients, especially those derived from petroleum. Once a niche market, certified organic products are becoming more mainstream.
A dangerously large ammout of lead and lead based products continue to be used in cosmetics, especially in lipsticks, by such companies as MAC, Dior, Body Shop, L'Oreal, Revlon and Burt's Bees. This issue occurs mainly in in the USA & Canada, because the FDA, or Food and Drug Administration fails to regulate the industry to a reasonable extent, only recommending that less than 1 ppm of lead is used.
Ingredients' listings in cosmetics are highly regulated in many countries. The
Animal_testing#Cosmetics_testing is a subject of some controversy. It is now illegal in the
United Kingdom, the
Netherlands, and Belgium, and a ban across the European Union is due to come into effect in 2009.
See also
References
Further reading
External links
- tiac
- meet mark
- The British Library - finding information on the cosmetics and toiletries industry
- List of Prohibited and Restricted Cosmetic Ingredients (Health Canada)
- Beauty & Cosmetics Forum
- Cosmetics Discussion Forum
- CTPA The UK trade Association
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