Cosmetics

Cosmetics are made up of a variety of chemical substances taken from either natural or manufactured sources. Cosmetics are used for a variety of objectives. It is possible to utilise products intended for personal care and skin care to wash and protect the body or skin. Using cosmetics to improve one's look (makeup), one may cover imperfections, draw attention to one's natural characteristics (such as the eyebrows and eyelashes), add colour to a person's face, or completely transform one's appearance to match that of a different person, creature, or item. Cosmetics may also be created to impart aroma to the user's skin.

Cosmetics are defined as products "intended to be applied to the human body for the purposes of cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance without affecting the body's structure or functions" by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates cosmetics in the United States. The FDA expressly excludes pure soap from this category, despite the fact that it falls under this wide description.

Cleansers, toners, serums, moisturisers, and balms are all examples of skin-care cosmetics that may be used to wash, exfoliate, and protect the skin while also renewing it. Shampoo and body wash, which are intended for more general personal care, may be used to cleanse the body.

In the case of more extreme forms of makeup used for performances, fashion shows, and people in costume—can be used to completely change the appearance of the face to resemble a different person, creature, or object. Contouring is a technique for altering one's look that tries to provide form to a specific region of the face.

Cosmetics may also be created to impart aroma to the user's skin.

Aside from the application method, most cosmetics are characterised by the region of the body on which they are meant to be used. Cosmetics intended for use on the face and eye area are often applied using a brush, a makeup sponge, or the fingers. Cosmetics may also be classified according to their physical composition. Cosmetics are available in a variety of forms, including liquid or cream emulsions, powders (pressed or loose), dispersions, and anhydrous creams or sticks.