Friday, November 10, 2006
Lipstick
Lipstick is a cosmetic product for the lips that is richer in color and texture than lip gloss, primarily used to apply color to the lips. Most lipsticks are red or reddish, simulating the appearance of sexual arousal, which naturally increases blood flow and reddens the lips, intending to make the wearer more sexually attractive. With modern pigments, however, lipstick is available in a massive and varied selection of colors and shades.A typical lipstick contains many chemical ingredients, principally pigments, oils, waxes, and emollients. Perfume and/or flavoring may be added to cover the odors and tastes of the other ingredients.
Lipstick does not have a particular origin. However, it is known to have been used around 5000 years ago in ancient Babylon, when semi-precious jewels were crushed and applied to the lips and occasionally around the eyes. Ancient Egyptians extracted purplish-red dye from fucus-algin, 0.01% iodine, and some bromine mannite, which resulted in serious illness. Cleopatra had her lipstick made from crushed carmine beetles, which gave a deep red pigment, and ants for a base. Lipsticks with shimmering effects were initially made using a substance found in fish scales called pearlescence.
# posted by faburous @ 9:21 PM 
