Even if the cosmetic market is not the most important industry, women have been used makeup for thousands of years.

It is reported that the history of makeup starts during the Egyptians, before Christ. Oils, natural fats represented important makeup "products". Though, that makeup were applied only to high-ranking women.

Later on, Japanese and Chinese and other Far East countries, soiled their faces with a rice derived paste for a lighter skin tone. Meanwhile, in Europe, for achieving the same effect, aristocratic classes used chalk powders and lead. Greek women were the firsts who applied lipstick; they also used ocher clay for makeup.Another method to obtain the same result represented the powder compound of hydroxide, carbonate and lead oxide, but these can easily poison.

The things have been changed in 1200, when Crusaders introduced in Europe alcohol essences. 200 years after, English high class women applied for the first time egg whites to their faces. The most important change happened in France and Italy because of the manufacturing facilities for makeup and perfumes. Made from natural components, like fruits, flowers, tree barks, the perfume making was taking a lot of time and needed excessive raw materials for creating small quantities.

Later on, the cosmetic industry spread through the entire Europe. Their prices were not accessible for poor women, though. As the cosmetic market was expanding, France began developing more methods for creating new cosmetic products. The beauty salons made their first appearance in 1900.

In Victorian England, in 1900, the makeup was not seen like a good thing. Moreover, it was considered coarse, and the actors were the only that can wear makeup.

Even if the makeup has a long history, the cosmetic industry started to work just in 1930. The capital of movies, Hollywood, was the most responsible for that, because of the famous actresses and professional makeup artists, such as Max Factor.

The cosmetic industry is suffering major transformations, affected by the new technology of television. Magazines, web sites and television are full of promotions for makeup products.

Even if sometimes, too many cosmetic products can tangle you, today this thing can help lots of women for choosing the perfect product. The cosmetic industry offers us a variety of products, so both poor and rich people can obtain what they want. As a result of the high numbered products, the competition is also tight.