I always like women to have a real dollar-and-cents idea of how much cosmetics cost. If you were buying a car you would have a pretty good idea of exactly how much each make and model costs. Otherwise you could very easily spend more than you want or need to. You should have the same kind of information about cosmetics, so I’ve compiled a little list to help you know what you want to look at before you get to the store.
The FD&C Act says that cosmetics are “articles intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance without affecting the body’s structure or functions.” For the purposes of this article, however, we discuss only those products that are designed to be used on the face. Following is a list of some of the most popular facial cosmetic products, broken down into two categories;
1. Color cosmetics-all those products we normally think of as makeup; foundation, blusher, lipstick, color pencils, eyeshadow, mascara.
2. Skin care products-all the various creams eye creams, wrinkle creams, cleansing creams, moisturizing creams, super creams, night creams. It also includes toners and lip-fix products. In general, any preparation that is marketed to maintain or improve the condition or appearance of the skin itself can be called a skin care product.
Space and time restrict the number of companies and products included in the following list. I’ve tried to get in as many as possible and sincerely hope I haven’t omitted too many of your favorites. This list is not to be used or considered as an accurate price list. The prices are only approximate and are rounded off to the nearest dollar. I just wanted you to have a sense of some of the types of products available and the kinds of prices being charged for them. When possible I’ve included the sizes, but keep in mind that although the sizes of the containers may be different, some products can be used sparingly and will last longer than others so it isn’t always fair to compare one price against another on that basis. You know, I’m sure, that most prices will increase with time and can depend on the outlet in which they are sold. To get exact prices and sizes for any of the following products, you will have to check with the manufacturer or with your local stores.
