NYX Cosmetics Sales Representative

Cosmetics are substances used to enhance the appearance or odor of the human body. Cosmetics include skin-care creams, lotions, powders, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail and toe nail polish, eye and facial makeup, permanent waves, colored contact lenses, hair colors, sprays [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hair_spray]and gels, deodorants, baby products, bath oils, bubble baths, bath salts, butters and many other types of products. Their use is widespread, especially among women in Western countries. A subset of cosmetics is called "make-up," which refers primarily to colored products intended to alter the user's appearance. Many manufacturers distinguish between decorative cosmetics and care cosmetics.

The manufacture of cosmetics is currently dominated by a small number of multinational corporations that originated in the early 20th century, but the distribution and sale of cosmetics is spread among a wide range of different businesses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which regulates cosmetics in the United States defines cosmetics as: "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." This broad definition includes, as well, any material intended for use as a component of a cosmetic product. The FDA specifically excludes soap from this category.Lewis, Carol. FDA. "Clearing up Cosmetic Confusion." The marketing industry is now targeting young girls to wear 'super cool lip gloss' and 'fairy glitter eye shadow', by throwing them in with toys in a box and claiming that 'girls will be girls', are they truly being girls or another plastic?

2000. May 14, 2007. [http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1998/398_cosm.html]

Category: image - :Professional Make-up Artist.jpg|thumb|A professional make-up artist servicing a client

A make-up artist or MUA (the standard abbreviation) is an artist who creates makeup and prosthetics for theatrical, television, film, fashion, magazines and other similar productions including all aspects of the modeling world. In some cases, the title of Make-up Artist can also encompass the responsibilities of hair styling. Awards given for this profession in the entertainment industry include the Academy Award for Makeup and several Emmy awards.

Make-up artistry, in general, is not a well paying occupation, relative to other entertainment industry placements. However, a MUA ("Makeup Artist") can secure a well-paying position in the modeling and photography world, when one has garnered a sufficient reputation and skill set. Proficiency, as with any art form is subjective, however the standard MUA is judged on the ability to display a face to its full potential (as desired by the director or photographer) as welll as establish a working relationship with the actor, photographer or person being worked on. Make-up artists can receive their training in several different ways: they can intern at a theater, they can assist a working make-up artist, or they can attend a school dedicated to make-up artistry. Make-up artists are primarily self-employed (freelancers), but they may also be represented by an agency, or employed by a production company. In the United States as well as the UK, several provinces or states may require a license. In many instances, in order to work on film, TV, or theater productions you must be part of an applicable union.

However, it must be mentioned that Make-up artists in general, upon starting out spend several years working for limited pay, TFCD/TF or "testing" to build a network of contacts that will assist in securing future work.