Make-up & Cosmetics | Clothes & Body Care

The use of cosmetics is widespread amongst women all over the world -- from the prosperous countries in the western world to the less - developed towns and villages in the poorer countries. Nowadays, even some men are beginning to use certain cosmetics and makeup. Cosmetics and make-up products are used to protect, improve and beautify the appearance and condition of skin, hair and body odour. The manufacture of cosmetics is currently dominated by a small number of multinational corporations, mainly based in North America and Europe.

Since the start of the 20th century, the popularity of cosmetics has increased at an astonishing rate. Both cosmetics and make-up products are now being used by girls at a very young age. Although the prevalent use of cosmetics has always received criticism -- mainly from feminists and animal-rights activists -- it still remains a buoyant sector and is growing all the time.

Main Types of Make-Up Products and Cosmetics
There is a huge array of different types of cosmetics and make-up produced to suit all ages, skin types, skin colours and personal tastes.

Principal categories of skin-care products

Skin-care creams and lotions to moisturise the face and body
Sunscreens to protect the skin from damaging UV radiation
Various treatment products to repair or hide skin imperfections such as acne, wrinkles, dark circles under the eyes.

You can buy cosmetics in various forms -- liquid or cream emulsions, powders, both pressed and loose, or sticks.

Sample make-up products

Lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner, lip plumper, lip balm, lip luster, lip conditioner and lip boosters.
Foundation, applied to give an impression of a flawless complexion. Usually a liquid, cream, powder or mousse.
Matte or Glossy Powder, or face illuminator used to set the foundation
Rouge, blush or blusher, cheek stain used to add colour the cheeks and highlight the cheekbones. This comes in powder, cream and gel forms.
Bronzer, used to create a more tanned appearance.
Mascara and lash extender, lash conditioner to enhance the eyelashes.
Eye liner and eye shadow, eye shimmer and glitter eye pencils as well as different colour pencils used to emphasise the eyelids.
Eyebrow pencils, creams, waxes, gels and powders to define the brows.
Nail polish for fingernails and toenails.
Concealer, a type of thick opaque makeup used to cover imperfections in the skin.

Where To Buy Cosmetics and Make-Up Products

Specialised Websites The advent of the internet has enabled a host of cosmetic and make-up brands to sell their products online. This is a highly convenient way to shop as you can browse through a whole range of products without leaving the comfort of your own home! There are some websites which sell expensive, designer brands while others sell organic and natural products or unbranded lines at reasonable prices. Many of the websites allow you to search via brand or price range.

Retail Shops Most larger town centres have departmental stores where you can visit the usually vast and overtly glamorous cosmetics floor to browse and buy your cosmetics. Alternatively, you can go to a specialist store which sells only certain luxury cosmetic brands. These tend to be the high-end of cosmetic shopping. You can also buy cosmetics more cheaply at supermarkets or general drugstores or pharmacies which may have a cosmetic and make-up section.

Mail Order The cosmetics mail order business is long established in the UK. There are numerous firms which sell their beauty and skincare products using the catalogue as their main marketing tool. Catalogues are posted out regularly to their customers who will then place their order by telephone, fax or email. These companies often sell products which cannot be easily obtained in high street shops or in the major department stores and supermarkets.

Classifieds In addition to ads here at Classifieds, you can also purchase cosmetics and make-up products using the online as well as offline classified sections of certain local newspapers, magazines and directories. This is usually a good place to buy second-hand products which may be sold at a cheaper price but there are some considerations when buying this way (see below).

Cosmetics and Make-Up Parties Another interesting way to shop for cosmetics and make-up is to attend a cosmetics party, usually held in the home of a friend, where a representative from a cosmetics company is present to demonstrate the products on offer. This is a great way to socialise as well as shop!

Safe Cosmetics and Make-Up Products
There is now some concern about the ingredients used in certain types of cosmetics and make-up products. There is a growing awareness and preference for cosmetics that are made without any toxic ingredients, especially those derived from petroleum, SLS, and parabens. Shoppers are now more knowledgeable and will insist on reading the ingredients listing on the labels.

Apart from using safe ingredients, many consumers are also wary of the testing of cosmetic products on animals. It is now illegal to carry out animal-testing in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Belgium. A total ban across the European Union is expected to come into effect in 2009.

As a result of the above concerns, more and more people are buying organic cosmetic and make-up products, also in the hope of avoiding problems such as skin irritations, skin dermatitis and other allergies. The largest cosmetic companies constantly give assurances that their various ingredients are safe to use. Nevertheless, there is a growing need for cosmetics that are made from natural products.

Things to Consider if Buying Second-Hand Cosmetics or Make-Up Products
Although it is possible to buy second-hand cosmetics and products, it is not a good idea to buy products that have already been opened and used. This can be both unhygienic and unsafe. Some second-hand cosmetics may also have expired and be out of date. However, it is totally safe, for example, to buy a lipstick that is an unwanted gift or a moisturiser that has not been opened or used by the owner. Read the descriptions carefully and take time to check with the seller that the items are in an acceptable condition. Remember that second-hand traders can be fined or prosecuted if they sell unsafe or incorrectly labelled goods. However, private sellers have fewer obligations and the onus is on the buyer to confirm the item's condition.

Concluding Thoughts
Cosmetics and Make-Up Products make great gifts especially during birthdays and Christmas. They are comparatively easy gifts to buy as these beauty and skincare products are generally well-liked by women everywhere! It is wise to buy from a reputable brand to ensure the quality of the product is safe and allergy-free. It is also worth subtly trying to identify the recipient's favourite brands and products.