Women's cosmetics: history, types and choice

Every woman is beautiful in her own way. To emphasize individual beauty, the fair sex uses all kinds of cosmetics. In our time, their diversity has reached peak heights. But the modern, perfect world of cosmetology has undergone many metamorphoses on the way of its development: from basic, primitive means to the highest biotechnological resources.

The term "cosmetics" literally translates from ancient Greek as "giving a beautiful appearance." It brings together knowledge about the ways of acquiring beauty and health of the skin of the whole body, hair, nails.

The history of women's cosmetics dates back to ancient times. It is known that the ancient Egyptians actively used lipstick and dyed their hair.

The incomparable Cleopatra has imprinted her recommendations for caring for the body on papyrus, calling them "Medicines for the skin."

Among the women of ancient Greece, an aristocratic, pale face was in vogue. And only in the evening did the ladies allow themselves to apply more expressive makeup. There were 2 concepts here: kosmetike techne - makeup for decent ladies, and kommotike techne - bright makeup applied by courtesans to attract rich men.

The year of the beginning of industrial cosmetic production in Russia is considered to be 1843 - the year of the foundation of the Alphonse Rale factory in Moscow. She specialized in the production of soap, powder, lipstick, perfume. A special role in the cosmetic production was played by Brocard's laboratory, initially specializing in soap making, and then switching to lipsticks and perfumes.For the first time, the term cosmetics sounded in 1867 at the International Exhibition in France.

The 20th century was marked by the discovery of numerous new products in the cosmetic field. Williams came up with a mascara that Mabel named after her sister. Max Factor has developed henna-based shadows, lip gloss. Expanded the color palette of lipsticks. At the beginning of the century, powder appeared in a modern design, and then blush.

Nowadays, the cosmetic field, despite the huge arsenal of means, continues to develop and improve. The attention of women is offered cosmetics that satisfy any desire and are designed for different consumer possibilities.

The list of cosmetics for each country is different from each other. For example, the Russian list includes essential oils.

There are also specific cosmetic specimens characteristic of a particular area. So, in Japan, cocoon balls are popular for facial care. They are saturated with natural silk, which, penetrating deep into the pores, has a pronounced cleansing, regenerating, softening effect.

Cosmetic composition is an important issue. Quality ingredients are the key to effective and safe products. To keep cosmetic production under control, a special organization was created in 1894, the current name of which sounds like The Personal Care Products Council.

The products are graded according to different criteria. First of all, cosmetics should be divided into decorative and caring ones. Derma care group includes:

• lotions;
• creams;
• peels;
• scrubs;
• masks;
• mousses, cleansing foams;
• milk.

This category includes all products that improve the condition of the skin.

Decorative products include everything that is designed to make women beautiful:

• carcasses;
• lipstick, lip gloss;
• powder, blush;
• tonal basis;
• shadows;
• concealers;
• pencils.

Care products are selected taking into account the type of dermis:

• oily;
• dry;
• combined;
• normal;
• sensitive;
• problematic.

In the store, a sales assistant will certainly help you make the right choice. But there are a few rules to keep in mind.

• For oily skin Choose products with a light texture to avoid clogging your pores. The best choice would be a specimen with a drying effect.
• Dry skin should be pampered with moisturizing formulations.
• Normal dermis loves all-round care. Products with moderate moisture and nutrition are suitable. Peels are also needed for gentle cleansing.

But there is another type of dermal that is especially in need of competent care - this is aging skin. The dermis begins to age and wilt when it loses its lipid layer and moisture. Its turgor decreases, the skin begins to sag, and wrinkles form. Experts believe that anti-aging care is required for girls after 25 years. But each age has its own changes. Therefore, manufacturers, releasing anti-aging creams, mark the packaging:

• after 25;
• after 35;
• after 40;
• after 50.

For women over 55, the situation is aggravated by menopause, which inhibits the release of female hormones. And they are also responsible for the production of the lipid layer. That's why cosmetics for 50+, as a rule, have an oil base to replenish lipid balance. Moisture is greatly lost, due to which wrinkles appear.

The second point is a decrease in the amount of collagen, which entails a drop in turgor and a change in the oval of the face. Therefore, cosmetics for the aging dermis, it is supplied with components that stimulate the production of its own collagen and hyaluronic acid.

There are two more important categories that characterize the efficiency and cost of a product. Bulk cosmetics are intended for everyday use. It is always easy to find it in stores.It is divided into several subspecies.

Mass-market cosmetics are intended for normal, problem-free skin. This is a good option for those who do not need to spend money on potent drugs. It is distinguished by its affordable price.

The pharmacy look is designed to help overdried or, conversely, oily dermis... And also with traces of rosacea and other changes.

The selective group is an order of magnitude higher than the representatives of the mass market. It has a high content of active ingredients. It is used for home use and is able to maintain the effect of salon care for a long time. But this group does not reach the professional line, since it does not have a therapeutic effect. The selective group includes such well-known companies as Avon, MaxFactor, Maybellin, Nivea and many others.

A separate group is made up of elite cosmetics. These are luxury products from fashion houses. These are such world famous brands as Gucci, Chanel, Dior, Escada. Elite products are distinguished by their high cost. It is conditioned by the following criteria:

• the presence of highly effective, natural ingredients in high concentrations;
• the use of modern technologies in production;
• conducting scientific research on the basis of research institutes or our own laboratories;
• containers made of high-quality, expensive materials ensure long-term storage of the product without interacting with it;
• packaging design is developed by professional designers.

Premium cosmetics are of high quality and effective action. It has an attractive appearance and is pleasant to use.

In contrast to mass cosmetic products, there is a professional series.

Performs 2 main functions:

• preservation of beauty and health of skin, hair;
• therapeutic effect.

There are also many world-famous brands among professional cosmetic products:

• Salin de Biosel (Italy);
• Aravia (Russia);
• Beauty Style (America);
• BiRetix (Spain).

The cosmetics industry is a large-scale industry with a long history of development. Despite its achievements, it continues to transform using the latest technology and resources. Modern cosmetics are able to satisfy the most sophisticated consumer. They are designed to give every woman beauty and prolong her youth.

The historical facts about the origin of cosmetics are set out in the video below.