Every step of the way I am in awe of how beautifully most cosmetics work. Where would we be without the brilliant work of the cosmetics chemists who make the exquisite products we use? Because of their astonishing skill we have moisturizers that take care of dry skin and aid in making skin healthier and more resilient. There are products that really can fight wrinkles and help improve their appearance in some fairly significant ways. Cosmetics chemists have created mascaras that can build thick, lush lashes without flaking or smearing, and foundations that even out skin tone, making it look flawless. We have sunscreens that protect skin from sunburn as well as from wrinkles and the potential for skin cancer. There is an endless array of sensuous lipsticks that add relatively long-lasting color and definition to the mouth. Not to mention blushes that softly accent cheekbones and eyeshadows that define eyes, and, well, the list is endless.
I want to thank all the cosmetics chemists everywhere who strive to produce better and better products that continue to make the beauty industry so incredibly beautiful. I also want to ask cosmetics chemists to do the best they can, whenever they can, to combat the insane marketing departments they have to work with! After interviewing and talking to hundreds of cosmetics chemists over the years, I know most of you don’t believe even a fraction of what the advertisements, salespeople, infomercial hucksters, or editorials in fashion magazines say about the products you create. Your work is rooted in science, not hyperbole. I also know this is a risky business. After all, creating products that no one buys is not going to get anyone a promotion, and the marketing department knows all too well what women love to hear, no matter how ridiculous it may sound. But try anyway, just to bring a bit of fresh air into an otherwise very cloudy business.