The word 'cosmetics' arises from a Greek word 'kosmeticos' which means to adorn. The urge to adorn one's own body and look beautiful has been an urge in the human race since the tribal days. Earlier both males and females were equal competitors for improvement of appearance. Males used to decorate themselves with animal parts and vegetable leaves etc. while women did so by wearing any coloured stones or, flowers round their neck and the wrists.