It is not quite as old as dirt but most certainly some of it comes from dirt. What is it? It is cosmetics and it is a multi-billion dollar a year industry that has people craving more and more colors, varieties and products to enhance their already natural beauty. But have you ever wondered what cosmetics really are or what they are made of? Perhaps you have always wondered what shade fit you best but were afraid to ask.



Well... this article is for you. In this article we will cover some of the basics of cosmetics such as the history, which is as rich and diverse as the colors, as well as some of the more popular questions where cosmetics are concerned. Before you know it you will be a make-up and skin care aficionado and will be itching to get to the store to try out new colors, textures and styles of cosmetics.

What types of cosmetics are there?

The basics of cosmetics are the skin care protection lines such as bath products. There are bath salts, bath gels and soaps. Then there are skin protections such as body lotions.

Next up are the hair care products such as gels and hair coloring. The most familiar use of the term 'cosmetics' comes to us in the form of make-up for which there are mascaras, lipsticks, foundations, blushes and many, many more types.

What are some of the more popular brands?

The most popular brands of make-up are the ones you find in retail stores and shopping stores such as Wal-Mart, Target and Walgreens. These are the ones that most people come into contact with on a daily basis. They are relatively inexpensive and most people can afford them without breaking the bank. Some manufacturers include Revlon, Cover Girl, and Almay.

Are cosmetics tested on animals?

Yes, some cosmetic companies still test on animals as a way to test whether or not the cosmetics are safe to use on humans. The testing labs test for skin irritation, eye irritation, toxicity, phototoxicity and mutagenicity.

If you want to ensure that your make-up is not used to test on animals, you need to check out the company's website and the packaging. Most will say that their products are not tested out on animals.

What is the deal with Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter shades?

The Spring, Winter, Summer, Fall business is simply color pallets that are grouped together in shades of warms or cools that look best on a person depending on their skin tone. Someone with red hair and pale complexion may look better with more earthy tones of Fall whereas a brunette with medium skin tone might look good in Winter color tones. It really depends on your skin color and your hair color.