Face cosmetics: types of products, features of choice and use

Beautiful and healthy skin has been valued at all times. Since ancient times, women have learned to extract, mix and use natural nutrients and dyes for cosmetic purposes. Naturally, over time and progress, components in cosmetics were gradually replaced.

More perfect, effective and long-lasting cosmetics have been specially created through long-term experiments. And the skin care process itself was divided into several important stages. At the moment we have a huge market with an incredible range of cosmetics for various purposes, including for all ages and skin types.

The first thing to look for when choosing cosmetics is its composition. At the moment there is a conditional division of cosmetics organic and inorganic or "natural" and "unnatural". It is believed that the first type of cosmetics has the most environmentally friendly composition, which uses up to 95% of natural substances. In the second type, the components are mainly artificially created synthetic substances.

It is clear that cosmetics labeled "bio", "eco" or "organic" are becoming more and more popular, as no one believes that "chemistry" can do any good for the skin. However, for the sake of fairness, it should be noted that such a division of cosmetics is rather crude, since in any case so-called harmful substances are used. And experts say that the main criterion for the toxicity of a substance is only in its correct combination with other components and in the correct dosage, because everything excessive can become poison.

According to the current regulatory rules, certain active chemicals can be added to cosmetics only in a strictly specified dosage... All companies that officially produce their cosmetics rely on these documents. Therefore, if the product is certified and licensed, it is safe.

Although many cosmetologists do not recommend the use of cosmetics that contain alcohol, glycerin, silicones, sulfates, mineral oils or parabens. Or, conversely, they recommend 100% natural substances for self-care at home, which can be easily bought at a pharmacy or even a regular store:

• succinic acid for wrinkles;
• vitamin E and A capsules for youthful skin;
• collagen;
• solcoseryl;
• taurine;
• boric acid;
• retinol;
• heparin ointment;
• fish fat;
• linseed oil;
• burdock oil for hair and skin;
• tea tree oil, which gently tones and tightens;
• grape seed oil;
• any cosmetic oils.

And some women even use conventional products at home, such as:

• honey;
• avocado;
• bananas;
• egg yolk;
• aloe;
• soda, etc.

For whom it is really important to carefully read the labels and composition in order to choose the right care and decorative cosmetics.

• Allergy sufferers. Initially, the composition on cosmetic products began to be printed only because of the danger of severe allergic reactions. There is even an official list of cosmetic allergens that must be avoided for people with any type of intolerance.
• For those who know their skin well, its type and individual preferences. For example, someone whose skin does not react well to oils, some fluid in which they are absent is perfect. If you have sensitive and dry skin, it is better to avoid cosmetics containing essential oils, various fragrances and the same allergens. Oily skin will definitely react badly to creams with alcohol in the composition.
• Vegans, vegetarians and those who support the eco-movement. Look for the presence of carmine, wax, gelatin, cysteine, estrogen (the hormone of pregnant horses is mainly used), keratin, lanolin, placenta, etc. Vegans also avoid products that use ceramides in favor of those where the composition is indicated lecithin. It is important to understand that natural and organic cosmetics do not always meet vegan or vegetarian requirements.
• For those looking for a remedy for more serious issues - like anti-age or anti-acne... Most likely it will be a serum (serum), that is, a potent concentrate. In this case, the composition should look for the same promised active ingredients, the effectiveness of which has already been proven in solving a specific problem (for a lifting effect, whitening or with medicinal properties). On a note: the first in the composition is the component of which there is more than 1% in the product, all the rest are already in a concentration of less than 1% and, accordingly, do not affect the skin so actively.

In the modern world, you have to understand a huge amount of cosmetic products. It is important to understand what should be used to solve certain problems. In this abundance of everything, of course, cosmetics for the face occupy a significant part. It can be roughly divided into professional and one that you can use yourself. The first group includes hardware cosmetics, ampoule, oxygen and acid - everything that is used in the beautician's office.

The second group consists of several areas of cosmetics.

The one used for makeup.In addition to the usual products such as foundation, powder, blush, mascara, eyeshadow and lipstick, many other, more advanced products have appeared. In general, global trends in the make up industry dictate their own conditions and maximize the possibilities for contouring and sculpting. Such tools help to visually correct the shape of the oval, eyebrows, cheekbones, eyes and lips, making the face as harmonious and expressive as possible.

Any, even the most ideal skin requires daily care and self-care. Care cosmetics are something without which the face cannot look truly well-groomed and healthy. This type includes any cleansing, exfoliating, toning, moisturizing and nourishing cosmetics, as well as means for peeling, for washing and for whitening.

And for each skin type and age, an individual set of daily care products should be chosen... What is good for combination skin can definitely harm dry skin. For example, someone needs a product to narrow the pores, someone needs a special cream for dehydrated skin, someone needs whitening cosmetics or a concealer. Otherwise, you can harm your health and beauty.

Sometimes, when visiting a beautician, it turns out that the skin type is not at all the one that was implied during the care. And therefore, the face reacts with acne, excessive dryness, or, conversely, increased sebum secretion (seborrhea). In this case a correction of the facial care strategy is required.

Anti-aging differs from any other cosmetics in a particularly powerful composition aimed at restoring the skin's firmness, density and elasticity.... Anti-age cosmetics are necessary for aging skin to tighten, tone up, improve the relief and complexion.... In the composition of such products, you can often find ingredients such as hydrofixers (hyaluronic acid, for example), peptides, rhamnose, retinol, vitamin C (high concentration), as well as a variety of extracts and natural oils.

Medical cosmetics was born at the intersection of cosmetic chemistry, pharmaceuticals and the beauty industry. This type of cosmetics is also called dermatocosmetics, cosmeceuticals, pharmacy or medical. As the name implies, its goal is to cure imperfections of the facial skin that have arisen as a result of any disease or improper lifestyle.

It could be cosmetics of any orientation, but with a healing effect. A moisturizer, mask, or even micellar water (a gentle makeup remover) can be medicated and sold over the counter.

This type of cosmetics includes handmade cosmetics, made at home, in-house, from conventional products and with natural ingredients such as herbs and oils. Acts roughly like traditional medicine, rather ineffective in comparison with modern cosmetology, but beloved by adherents of everything natural.

It is worth recognizing that sometimes even an ordinary bodyag or the simplest decoction of chamomile (or calendula) really works wonders.

According to one of the authoritative international committees of cosmetology and aesthetics, beauty products are divided into mass market, middle market, luxury cosmetics, professional and cosmeceuticals. This classification is directly related to the price segment.

What affects the cost of cosmetics? The conventional wisdom that only packaging, shipping and advertising costs are included in the price tag, of course, does not reflect the whole reality. First of all the price depends on the quality and uniqueness of the ingredients, on the effort spent on production, that is, processing and product development... From the simplest methods to unique long-term research in laboratories using the latest technologies, as is the case with luxury cosmetics.

In the production of inexpensive cosmetic products, the most affordable components and manufacturing resources are used. Such cosmetics will not solve serious problems, but this does not mean that it should not be used at all. Among the beauty care products, there are sometimes quite effective and safe products. Many mass-market brands are eager to advertise beauty bloggers in their pursuit of affordable and effective facials.

If we talk about decorative cosmetics, then mass market is not a good choice. There can be unpleasant side effects due to cheap ingredients. For example, foundation can clog your pores, and cheap mascara can make your lashes more brittle.

The mass segment is the most numerous and has hundreds of brands that can be found in any supermarket. These include such well-known brands as:

• "Clean line";
• "Black Pearl";
• Nivea;
• Ruby Rose;
• Eveline;
• Oriflame;
• Avon;
• Faberlic.

This is the middle price segment, the products of which are made with a more natural composition. Usually, there are more than 30% of biologically active substances in Middle-market cosmetics, and more plant materials are used for preservatives. All this as a whole affects the effectiveness of such cosmetics, which is definitely better than that of the mass market. However, due to more accessible processing technologies, products lose a significant part of their useful properties.

Middle-class cosmetics include brands such as:

• L`Oreal;
• Mary Kay;
• Yves Rocher;
• Natura Siberica;
• Revlon;
• Bourjois.

Such cosmetics are also called selective, because high-quality selected raw materials are used in its production.

Companies producing luxury expensive cosmetics have the opportunity to:

• conduct unique research;
• introduce technological innovations into the creation process;
• experiment with the compositions and structures of funds, creating new and more effective formulas;
• use rare ingredients with a high level of benefit;
• treat them in the most gentle way, keeping all the benefits in the tube.

Here are some of the luxury brands:

• Chanel;
• Christian Dior;
• MAC;
• Nina Ricci;
• Guerlain;
• Lancome;
• Yves Saint Laurent;
• Versace;
• Shiseido;
• Clarins;
• Clinique;
• Elizabeth Arden;
• Helena Rubinstein.

It is not possible to consider most of the brands in one article. There are several directions in cosmetic products in the beauty market around the world.

At the moment, Australian cosmetics are considered one of the most effective. Only the Korean one can compete with it in recognition and popularity, and that is more likely in the appearance of the packaging, and not in the content. There are over 300 organic cosmetics companies in Australia, which is twice as many as in Europe and America!

Here is a list of a few Australian brands you should know:

• Aussie;
• Aesop;
• A'kin;
• Becca Cosmetics;
• Kora Organics.

If we talk about Spanish stamps, immediately note the Isdin brand. It is the leader in dermacosmetics in its country, which even in Europe and the USA is steadily keeping sales at a high level, which undoubtedly confirms the quality of the product. They have especially good products against photoaging and sunscreens.

The Spanish brand of professional cosmetics Levissime also attracts attention. The products of this brand are mainly aimed at correcting the aesthetic imperfections of the face and body, which determines its high-quality composition and effective combinations of active substances.

Young but already so popular stands out from British cosmetics Aurelia brand. These safe cosmetics have leapt forward in sales thanks to "Healthy" composition and completely unique developments - special use in probiotics and antioxidants.

One of the most famous and giant cosmetic companies is the French Yves Rocher. The cosmetics of this brand have received the widest distribution for stable quality of manufactured products and an affordable price, standard for the middle segment.

If in the case of the choice of decorative cosmetics, you can only focus on your taste and ideas of beauty (taking into account the shelf life of the product, of course), then with care products everything is not so simple.

It is worth considering several universal rules that will help you choose exactly what you need and will really be useful, which will help you achieve the desired beauty and health of your skin.

If possible, it is advisable to visit a cosmetologist. An experienced specialist will be able to accurately determine the type and needs of the skin in each individual case. And if you ask, then it will help you choose cosmetics that will definitely fit, including the price.

The fact is that skin type is not a constant criterion and may vary depending on:

• age;
• geographic location;
• the amount of stress;
• life circumstances (pregnancy, etc.);
• seasons;
• the state of the body as a whole.

By the way, the same rule is especially true for the skin after 30, 35, 40 years. The older the skin, the more attention should be paid to its age-related changes, to maintain it with proper nutrition and hydration.

Only safe and high-quality cosmetics should be on the shelves in the bathroom and in the cosmetic bag.... Ideally, the older the skin, the more expensive and better the skin care products should be. If young skin can forgive some of the shortcomings and omissions in the composition, then age, again, no longer forgives mistakes.

It is important to observe the following rules:

• carefully choose jars according to their composition;
• look at the license and read reviews before choosing a tool;
• not to believe empty promises about "omnipotent" creams;
• be sure to pay attention to the expiration date;
• it is advisable to purchase care products in specialized stores.

For facial skin care, see the following video.