介绍:
Cosmetics
Free talk: Do you use cosmetics in your daily lives? How do you feel about cosmetics?
Cosmetics are care substances used to enhance the appearance or odor of the human body. They are generally mixtures of chemical compounds, some being derived from natural sources ( such as coconut oil) and many being synthetics.
History
The first archaeological evidence of cosmetics comes from the hollowed out tombs of the Ancient Egyptian pharaohs. Archaeological evidence of cosmetics dates at least from ancient Egypt and Greece.
One of the most popular traditional Chinese medicines is the fungus Tremella fuciformis, used as a beauty product by women in China and Japan. The fungus reportedly increases moisture retention in the skin and prevents senile degradation of micro-blood vessels in the skin, reducing wrinkles and smoothing fine lines. Other anti-ageing effects come from increasing the presence of superoxide dismutase in the brain and liver; it is an enzyme that acts as a potent antioxidant throughout the body, particularly in the skin.
Cosmetic use was frowned upon at many points in Western history. For example, in the 19th century, Queen Victoria publicly declared makeup improper, vulgar, and acceptable only for use by actors.
During the sixteenth century, the personal attributes of the women who used make-up created a demand for the product among the upper class. Of the major cosmetics firms, the largest is L'Oréal, which was founded by Eugene Schueller in 1909 as the French Harmless Hair Coloring Company. 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.
Beauty products are now widely available from dedicated internet-only retailers, who have more recently been joined online by established outlets, including the major department stores and traditional bricks and mortar beauty retailers.
Although modern make-up has been traditionally used mainly by women, an increasing number of men are using cosmetics usually associated to women to enhance or cover their own facial features. Concealer is commonly used by self-conscious men. Cosmetics brands release products especially tailored for men, and men are increasingly using them.
Types
Cosmetics include skin-care creams, lotions, powders, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail and toe nail polish, eye and facial makeup, butters and many other types of products. A subset of cosmetics is called "make-up," which refers primarily to coloring products intended to alter the user’s appearance. Many manufacturers distinguish between decorative cosmetics and care cosmetics.
Cosmetics that are meant to be used on the face and eye area are usually applied with a brush or the fingertips.
Most cosmetics are distinguished by the area of the body intended for application.
Foundation is used to smooth out the face and cover spots or uneven skin coloration. Usually a liquid, cream, or powder, as well as most recently a light and fluffy mousse. Foundation provides coverage from sheer to full.[2] Foundation primer can be applied before or after foundation to obtain a smoother finish. Some primers come in powder or liquid form to be applied before foundation as a base, while other primers come as a spray to be applied after the foundation to help the make-up last longer.
Face powder sets the foundation, giving it a matte finish, and to conceal small flaws or blemishes. Tinted face powders may be worn alone as a light foundation.
Eyeliner is used to enhance and elongate the size of the eye.
Eyebrow pencils, creams, waxes, gels and powders are color and define the brows.
Makeup remover is a product used to remove the makeup products applied on the skin. It cleans the skin before other procedures, like applying bedtime lotion.
Skin care product
Skin care products can fall under the general category of cosmetics. These are products used to improve the appearance and health of skin, formulated for different types of skin and associated characteristics. Skin care products include cleansers, facial masks, toners, moisturizers, sunscreen, skin lighteners, serums, exfoliants, tanning oils and lotions.
Skin types
There are four basic skin types and two skin conditions. Different skin types and skin conditions may benefit from different cosmetic care.
Normal skin
This type of skin has a fine, even and smooth surface due to its balance between oil and moisture content. Normal skin is therefore neither greasy nor dry. People who have normal skin have small, barely-visible pores. Their skin usually appears clear and does not frequently develop spots and blemishes. Normal skin needs minimal and gentle treatment. Even though the skin is considered normal and problem-free, it may still benefit from maintenance. If maintenance is not kept then the skin may no longer appear as desired.
Dry skin
Dry skin tends to have a parched appearance and tends to flake easily. Dry skin is prone to wrinkles and lines due to its inability to retain moisture, as well as an inadequate production of sebum by sebaceous glands. Dry skin often has problems in cold weather, which dries
