In fact, men and women, around the world have been known to use cosmetics for beauty, protection and even to ward off the evil.

The history of cosmetics dates back to 6000BC. Archaeological evidences found suggest that the Romans, Egyptians and the Asians already used some or the other kind of it. Cleopatra is known to bathe in a milk and rose water for glowing skin... The people in Africa and south India have been known to be the first ones to use kohl- made from soot - under the eye and henna to dye hair. In the Middle East, which was once Persia, make up was put in order to disguise oneself. Some fundamentalists in Islam, however, had forbidden the use of cosmetic.

In China and Japan women were known to colour nails with gum and gelatin.

In Europe, up till the late industrial revolution, lower class people had to work on the fields or in the open. The sun blackened their skins. The higher class society stayed inside, and with the result they were fairer. Powder was thus used to lighten skin colour and look more aristocratic. The red Indians, in North America painted their body with natural colours.

The greatest remarkable influence that can be cited is that of the English theatres and the Hollywood.

The notion of 'makeup' and beauty has been linked to the actors and the actresses' for quite a long time now.

TYPES OF COSMETICS:

Cosmetics can be defined as those products or preparations which are intended for external use on the body. All over the world, some cosmetics and toiletry products have always been in use. Consider some of them:

Soaps and shampoos

Powder

Creams

Kohl/mascara

Lipstick

Eye shadow

Nail colours

Fragrances/perfumes

Lotions

Oils etc

INDIA IMAGE:

As far as India is concerned, it has a rich legacy of the past and a booming market of cosmetics at present. Men and women extensively used products made if of herbs, flowers and other natural stuff for decorating themselves. The make up thus put also had medicinal values like heena and kajal. Women here are said to wear sixteen different types of makeup known as 'solah shingar'. The cosmetics and self-care industry currently is witnessing a surge in its market with the entry of the international players. Today, one can buy any branded beauty product from the local shop itself.

Globally, cosmetics, today, is a billion dollar industry with L'Oreal and Revlon being the forerunners. The industry is regulated by the FDA, USA.

Quite a number of controversies have also gripped this sector throughout its history. Apart from being declared as a 'taboo' and antisocial, cosmetics in the early 20th century created a furore over killing animals and birds for oil, wax leather, etc.

Nonetheless, the industry has unlimited potential and prospects. For people have always wanted to and will always want to look pretty and handsome!