Men do use cosmetics and personal care products. When we consider the wide variety of products that we use, whether to clean, pamper or treat ourselves, these are equally applicable to men.
For all of us, looking good can mean feeling good and in recent years it seems men have become more interested in taking care of their appearance than ever before. Products such as soaps, deodorants and anti-perspirants have been used by men for a long time, and the use of new and interesting shaving and hair styling products has come to the fore as male grooming becomes more popular.
Men and Make-Up
We know that palettes have been discovered which are estimated to be around 100,000 years old and contain traces of mixed pigments. These were likely used by neanderthal humans as a form of body paint as well as for cave art.
Forms of make-up have been worn by both men and women as far back as the first dynasty of Egypt (c.3100-2907 BC) when both men and women would wear kohl or soot to blacken the eyes and lips. Scented oils and ointments were also often used by men and women during this time.
Make-up for men has been a popular trend at many points over the past few centuries. From pale foundation during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I to powdered wigs, rouge and beauty spots during the eighteenth century. Throughout the more recent past, male artists and musicians have used make-up to express creativity and individuality and to set new trends. Indeed, there are many male make-up artists (MUAs) working in the industry.
These are just a few of the examples historically of the use of cosmetic and personal care products by both sexes. It is important that everyone can feel comfortable in looking after themselves and their appearance.
What do we mean by Cosmetic Products?
Under UK law, there is a specific definition for a cosmetic product which states:
“Any substance or mixture intended to be placed in contact with the various external parts of the human body (epidermis, hair system, nails, lips and external genital organs) or with the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity with a view exclusively or mainly to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing their appearance and/or correcting body odours and/or protecting them or keeping them in good condition.”
This definition means we can guarantee that almost every adult in the UK will have at some point used a cosmetic product!
Cosmetic products are for everyone?
Cosmetic products in today's society are designed to be enjoyed by absolutely everyone! Not only do they each serve their own purpose but they improve our hygiene and help us to feel confident and happy in our appearance.
Traditional ideas about the cosmetics and personal care industry may suggest that it is only for women, but this couldn't be further from the truth!
