Definition

Cosmetics are by no means a new idea. Even though it has attracted the attention of a lot of people recently, our history was matted with it since immemorial times¹.

If any common characteristic runs across animal and human ornament, it lies in the conspicuously wasteful nature of display.

The word "cosmetic" can be used in a couple of different ways:

• As an adjective, "cosmetic" refers to something that improves the look and feel of the skin. This could be a cream, a treatment, or anything else that enhances our appearance.

• As a noun, it’s the actual product we use—whether it's skincare creams, makeup, hair products, perfumes, or even nail polish.

Footnotes

1 http://radicalanthropologygroup.org/wp-content/uploads/pubPower_JCS.pdf