MAKEUP
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 poisonous mercury and often lead. The land
of Palestine was influenced by cosmetics as recorded in the Old Testament—2
Kings 9:30 where Jezebel painted her eyes—approximately 840 BC. The Biblical
book of Esther describes various beauty treatments as well.
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.
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 just after. While
there is assurance from the largest cosmetic companies that their various ingredients
are safe to use, 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.(1)
source
: wikipedia
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