The terms makeup and cosmetics cannot
be used interchangeably because of their different definitions. Cosmetics are
often used to describe the wide variety of face and body items in the beauty
market, from facial cleansers and eye creams to body moisturizer and shampoo. As cosmetics can
include shampoo and hair coloring, the term is not necessarily confined to the
use of the product on the skin alone. Other examples of cosmetics include
facial toners and astringents, as well as nail polish and varnish.
Cosmetics are used to enhance or alter
the appearance of the face or body through the use of makeup, lotions and
cleansers. This makes it a category with many different subcategories. The main
difference between makeup and cosmetics is that makeup is a cosmetic but not
all cosmetics are makeup. Many different cosmetics like cleansers and
moisturizers are used by both genders, but makeup is usually thought of as used
by women on their faces. General cosmetics can include a wide variety of items
including synthetic as well as natural body care items. Below are interesting
facts about cosmetics:
·
A study conducted in 1991 revealed that a woman
politician who hired Hollywood makeup artists were more likely to win their
election campaigns by 30%.
·
About 1,300 toxic ingredients are banned for use in beauty products. In the USA, this number is only 11.
·
About 3000 B.C., Grecian women used oxen hair
as fake eyebrows.
·
After
the Crusades, trade with Middle East, India, and Africa introduced Medieval Europe
with many cosmetic products.
·
An average woman uses a dozen of beauty care
products that contain 168 chemical ingredients daily. An average man uses just
6 products with 85 ingredients.
·
Ancient cosmetic products often contained poisonous
ingredients. Because of their deadly nature, only aristocracy and upper class
wore extensive makeups, and common people looked on them with open hostility.
·
Ancient Romans made black hair dye by
fermenting leeches in vinegar.
·
At
the end of 19th century general population started using first industrial made deodorants and Colgate’s toothpastes in tubes.
·
Beauty companies spend 25% of their sales on
promotion and advertising and only 2-3% on research and development.
Pharmaceutical firms spend 15% of their sales on research.
·
Between
1920 and World War II, chemist and cosmetologist invented face mascara, eyebrow pencils, lip gloss,
sunscreen oil, and hairspray.
·
Catholic
Church deemed many cosmetic products improper during dark and middle ages in
Europe.
·
Cosmetic
industry moves around the 20 billion dollar each year.
·
Cosmetic surgery is a booming business worth
$20 billion and it continues to grow. In the USA, the number of plastic
surgeries has increased more than 220% since 1997.
·
Cosmetics were an integral part of health and
hygiene in ancient Egypt. Ancient Egyptians used pills and creams to protect
their skin against the dry wind and the sun. Natural oils were basic
ingredients for perfumes that were also used in religious rituals.
·
Discovery
of Pharaoh Tutankhamen’s tomb sparked the worldwide acceptance of eye liner products.
·
During the 19th century,
respectable women and men didn’t wear makeup or perfume. The exceptions were
invisible skin cream and faint flower scents.
·
During the Elizabethan era, coal tar was used
as mascara, eyebrow pencil, and eyeliner. It was flammable, has a bad smell,
and caused blindness.
·
Each year, Americans spend more money on
beauty than on education.
·
Early
20th century marked the time when cosmetic products finally became accepted by
the public. Large marketing campaigns, numerous inventions, and fashion swings
gave the birth of almost all cosmetic products that are used today.
·
Elizabethan
era was famous for the fashion of white face and darkly painted eyes and lips.
One of the ingredients for their eyeliner was coal.
·
England
almost accepted a law in 18th century that enabled men to divorce their wives
if they caught them wearing makeup. Century later, Queen Victoria publicly
declared public use of cosmetic improper and vulgar.
·
French
fashion designer Coco Chanel introduced to the great success tanning oils to
the market in early 20th century.
·
In
15th century, women preferred not to have any hair on their face. Because of
that fashion style, famous Mona Lisa does not have eyebrows.
·
In 18th-century Spain, young women ate clay
that led to chlorosis or anemia to get a porcelain complexion.
·
In
1960s, young girls were finally able to start using moderate amounts of
make-up.
·
In ancient Greece, women lightened their hair
with plant extracts or arsenic.
·
In the middle Ages, women swallowed arsenic
to improve their complexion.
·
In the Roman era, even men painted their lips
with lipstick to indicate their social rank.
·
Lipstick sales usually increase during
recessions.
·
Modern synthetic hair dye was invented in
1907 by the founder of L’Oreal Eugène Schueller.
·
Nail polish is considered to be invented in
China about 3000 B.C. It was made of egg whites, beeswax, colored powder, and
gum Arabic.
·
Roman
senate elected the (short lived) law called “LexOppia” which prevented females
to obtain and wear cosmetic products in public. This was implemented because
high class women from Rome managed to spend fortunes in obtaining extravagant
cosmetic products from India and Middle East.
·
Sales
of lipstick skyrocketed in 1915 with the
introduction of portable lipsticks.
·
Some spas offer “geisha” facial for $150. It
consists of moistened nightingale excrement which is applied to face and
allowed to dry on it
·
The Aztecs would use dried cochineal beetles
to dye their eyes and lips red.
·
The first hairspray for the mass market was
launched by L’Oreal in 1960.
·
The first lipstick appeared in ancient
Mesopotamia approximately 4,000 years ago when women decorated their lips with the
dust that was made of precious gems.
·
The first modern deodorant that contained
aluminum chlorohydrate was invented in 1889 in Philadelphia.
·
The first patented nail polish appeared in
1919 and it was faint pink color.
·
The first roll-on deodorant was invented in
1952.
·
The global beauty industry includes makeup
($18 billion), perfume ($15 billion), hair care ($38 billion), and skin care
($24 billion).
·
The
largest cosmetic company in the world today is L’Oreal. They started their
business in 1909, and are currently owned by the founder’s daughter Liliane
Bettencourt and the famous Swiss food company Nestlé.
·
The word ‘cosmetic’ has a Greek origin. It
was derived from the word ‘kosmos’ that means to adorn or arrange. The popular
magazine Cosmopolitan
also has this root.
·
To make eye shadow and lipstick glimmer, fish
scales are commonly added.
·
Various
governments and regulatory bodies have strict control over manufacture and
distribution of cosmetic products around the world.
·
Whale vomit and whale poo are ingredients of
fancy perfumes because it ensures that other fragrances last longer. Its price
is $200 per gram.
“Cosmetics
makers have always sold ‘hope in a jar’ – creams and potions that promise
youth, beauty, sex appeal, and even love for the women who use them.”
(Virginia Postrel)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“30 Interesting Facts about Makeup and Cosmetics” By Zarias
·
“What Is the Difference between Makeup and Cosmetics?” by wiseGEEK
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