The beauty product industry is a multinational, multi-billion-dollar industry. Of the major firms, the oldest and the largest is L'Oréal. The market was developed in the USA during the 1910s by Elizabeth Arden, Helena Rubinstein, and Max Factor. These firms were later joined by Revlon and Estée Lauder.

The popularity of beauty products in the 20th century has increased rapidly, especially in the US, and being used by teens at younger and younger ages. Many companies have catered to this expanding market by introducing such items as flavored lipsticks and glosses, using glittery and sparkly packages and using girls to advertise and market these products.

Various forms of beauty products include:

• Lipsticks, glosses, liners, plumpers, conditioners and boosters.


• Foundations in liquids, creams, powders or mousse.


• Face powder or face illuminator used to set the foundation, giving a matte finish.


• Rouge and blush which come in powders, creams and gel forms.


• Bronzer to create a tanned or sun-kissed look.


• Mascara and lash extenders.


• Eyeliners, shadows, eye shimmer and glitter pencils to color and emphasize the eyelids (larger eyes are considered to be a sign of youth).


• Eyebrow pencils, creams, waxes, gels and powders to fill in and define the brows.


• Nail polish


• Concealers to cover "imperfections" such as pimples, dark spots and other inconsistencies of the skin.

Also included in the general category of beauty products are skin care products. These include creams and lotions which moisturize the face and body, sunscreens to protect the skin from damaging UV radiation, and treatment products to repair or hide skin imperfections such as acne, wrinkles, dark circles under eyes, etc.

In addition to over-the-counter beauty products, recent years have seen an increasing market for cosmetic procedures. These range from temporary enhancements, such as cosmetic colored contact lenses, to major cosmetic surgery, including dental 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.

While there is assurance from many large beauty product companies that the various ingredients used are safe, there is a growing preference for products that do not contain "synthetic" ingredients, especially those derived from petroleum. Once a niche market, certified organic products are becoming more mainstream. Ingredient listings are highly regulated in many countries and the testing on animals is illegal in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Belgium, and a ban across the European Union is expected to become effective in 2009.

There are so many products on the market, that finding a great deal is easier more easier now than it has ever been. With the many online websites offering discounts, free shipping, and other perks, its a shopper's bonanza. And being able to shop online from the convenience and in the comfort of your own home is an added bonus. Be certain to check out the Skin Care articles and Sales and Coupon pages to get an amazing assortment of deals from some of the top brand designers at discounted prices. In some cases, enjoy free shipping and free product samples in addition to your savings!

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Cosmetics. (2007, June 14). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 15:27, June 15, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cosmetics&oldid=138085118

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