Makeup has been used for centuries to enhance the appearance of the human body, most notably the facial features. The use of makeup in Western cultures is primarily amongst women, and around the world, it is used by both men and women for various purposes. There are types of makeup available for each part of the face, and its function is to alter the appearance without affecting the structure of the face.

Lipstick is one of the most common types of makeup, and is intended to be applied to the lips to add texture and color. Lipstick contains different shades, or pigments, oils, and waxes that help the color adhere to the lips. Lipstick is most commonly worn by women, but not exclusively. Male lipstick does exist, particularly for use in the theater, and is known as “manstick.” In Britain, lipstick is sometimes referred to as “Lippy.”

Foundation, also known as base, is makeup that is applied to the face to smooth out the complexion, cover flaws and blemishes, and create an even skin tone. It comes in various colors, coverage types, and formulations. Some foundation is oil and emollient based, although this type is falling out of favor with many women. Powder foundation is lighter than oil-based foundation, provides greater coverage, and adheres to the skin more readily. Mineral makeup has become extremely popular around the world in recent years, due to its light weight, superior coverage, and supposed positive effect on the skin.

Blush, also known as rouge, is applied to the cheekbones to add color, and create a rosy, youthful look. It is usually made of talcum-based powder with pigment added, and is applied with a soft brush to the cheeks. Although mostly worn by women, blush has been historically worn by both genders. Men were known to apply rouge to their cheeks during the Regency period in England, in the early 1800s.

Mascara is makeup that is applied to the eyelashes to make them appear longer, thicker, darker, and fuller. It is available in the form of liquid or cream, and is applied with a small mascara wand. Mascara was invented by Eugene Rimmel, a French perfumer, in the 19th century. The word rimmel is used to describe mascara in Portugese, Romanian, Dutch, and several other languages. The first mascara was made by mixing coal dust with Vaseline, but today it is most commonly made of water, pigment, and wax thickeners.

Eye shadow is makeup that is applied to the eyelids and under eyebrows to make the eyes more attractive, and draw more attention to them. It is also used to complement the eye color, and to create depth and dimension. Eye shadow is found in many different colors, and is typically made from mica and some type of powder. In the Western world, it is viewed as a woman’s cosmetic, even when worn by men, but is used around the world by both genders.

Eyeliner is often used in conjunction with eye shadow, to define the eyes. It is applied, usually by an eyeliner pencil, around the rim of the eyes, and is available in various colors. It can be found in a liquid, powder, or wax base, and is used by men and women. In recent years, the heavy use of eyeliner amongst men and women has become associated with Gothic fashion. It has also become popular within the emo subculture, and various other alternative fashions and lifestyles.

Nail polish is also a type of makeup popular amongst men and women everywhere, although traditionally a woman’s cosmetic. It is a lacquer applied to the fingernails and toenails with a small brush. It comes in a wide variety of colors to compliment skin tone, clothing, and accessories. Other types of makeup include concealer, which is used to cover blemishes and imperfections of the skin before applying foundation, eyebrow pencils, used to fill in and define thin brows, and powder, which is applied after foundation to set the makeup and give it a matte finish.