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Monday, July 25, 2011

The Egyptians really knew how to mix ingredients

The Egyptians really knew how to mix ingredients

All these cosmetics that the Egyptians used had to come from somewhere. Well, it’s the old story of “necessity is the mother of invention”. Because there was so much emphasis on looking good, Egyptian women had to find a way to do it. And one of the things they came up with was something called mesdemet.

Mesdemet was made of copper and lead ore – not the safest thing to be constantly putting on your face, but it did the job. They applied green to their lower eyelids, then black or dark gray to their eyelashes and upper eyelids. And keeping with their spiritual beliefs, the dark colors were designed not only to enhance their appearance, but to ward off evil eyes.

And an evil eye wasn’t the only thing mesdemet warded off. It was a great disinfectant, as well as an insect repellant. And with life on the Nile being fairly filled with annoying insects, the eye makeup performed a dual purpose. So the combinations of ingredients that made up their cosmetics, were very diverse. In fact, many were used for all kinds of medicinal purposes, too.

Now how’s this for a combination: burnt almonds, oxidized copper, a couple of different-colored copper ores, lead, ash, and ochre. They called it kohl, and it came out as a dark-colored powder, which was applied with a small stick, on and around the eyes, in an almond shape. Then, to complement the fancy eye makeup, they applied a mixture of red clay and water to their lips and cheeks. And the nails weren’t left out, either. They used henna to dye them orange or yellow. Quite a colorful picture, don’t you think? But that’s exactly what they wanted back then – something like today, perhaps?

And the Egyptians weren’t good at just putting together natural products. Some research done by L’Oreal, along with scientists from the Louvre in Paris, revealed that the black eye makeup used back then had ingredients that had to have been chemically made, because a natural origin couldn’t be found. The research also showed that mesdemet got its creamy smoothness from its 7-10% fat content. That’s just the same as many of the eye cosmetic products on the market today. Are we really advanced, or just living in the past?

The purpose of cosmetics hasn’t really changed over the years

Way back – I mean, way back – like in 10,000 BC, cosmetics were used to enhance the beauty of the female countenance. And by the way, men used them, too. Back then, all Egyptians bathed either in the river or from a basin at home. They used cosmetic cleansers made from vegetable or animal oil mixed with powdered lime and perfume – probably not much different from some of the soaps we use today.

Also, the air was very hot and dry in those days and the people needed something to keep their skin soft. So they used one of a number of perfumed oils to protect themselves from the climate.

As time progressed, through invasions and migrations, cultures merged, and that had a profound effect on the value of cosmetics. Remember, the Egyptians held a strong connection between their cosmetic makeup and their spirituality. However, when the much more liberal Greeks moved in, ideas about cosmetics changed. The actual use of cosmetics didn’t decrease at all, but their connection with spirituality did.

The Greeks use of cosmetics was predominantly – well, cosmetic. They were still interested in looking good, but not for the gods – for each other. So they adopted the Egyptian cosmetic practices and products.

But then, centuries later, the Romans moved in, with their life of frivolity and debauchery. The Egyptians’ cosmetic formulas were used for even less spiritual purposes, like aphrodisiacs. However, vanity was still an issue, so cosmetics still had a place on the face – and on the rest of the body, too. It was said by one Roman, a man named Platus, that “a woman without paint is like food without salt.”

The Romans’ lifestyle definitely had no boundaries, and that included the source of their cosmetics. For example, they used fat from a sheep, mixed with blood, for nail polish. And they left no doubt as to their priorities in life when they took baths in mud, mixed with crocodile excrement. Yuck!

Ancient Egyptians had a full line of cosmetics

Ancient Egyptians had a full line of cosmetics

Have you ever seen pictures of the Ancient Egyptians, with their painted faces? They look very striking, don’t they? Very classic. And that was the intent. It was extremely important to them that they looked and smelled good, because the old expression “cleanliness is next to Godliness” is that old – they believed it very strongly.

The Egyptians were very spiritual people, and believed their appearance was directly related to their level of spirituality. And so they needed to find ways to make themselves look at least presentable, if not fabulous.

The Egyptians were also very resourceful people. Some of the things they came up with were very innovative, even by today’s standards. And cosmetics was one of those things. They had a knack for developing natural formulas to solve their skin challenges. Would you believe that around the fifteenth to the tenth centuries BC, they had cosmetic products that would get rid of stretch marks, shrink wrinkles, get rid of scars, and make hair grow?

That’s amazing, when you look at the line of products that’ll do those same jobs today. And today, we seem to need all kinds of research and development programs to come up with the same thing. Perhaps there’s something to be said for natural cosmetics after all.

Some of the other cosmetics the Ancient Egyptians used were eye makeup, face creams and body oils, as well as a wide array of perfumes and fragrances.

premier hair salons



We would like to welcome clients to one of the premier hair salons in Gallipolis, Strawberry Hair Beauty Salon & Cosmetic Studio.

Strawberry Hair is devoted to offering the best hair cutting, hair styling, and hair coloring in Gallipolis and the Tri-State area. Our team recognizes the value of continued education and exploring new trends in hair design. We use techniques to enhance textured styles, short, or sleek looks. We know that your hair says a lot about you, and we want it to speak well.



Paul Mitchell Signature Salons carry a higher level of inventory of John Paul Mitchell Systems products than most other salons. They are trained to use and recommend Paul Mitchell, Tea Tree, Modern Elixirs and Paul Mitchell Professional Hair Color.

Indian Service Tax Beauty Parlour

Indian Service Tax

Beauty Parlour

Effective

Date: 16/08/2002

Authority: Notification No. 8/2002-ST, dt. 1/8/2002. (See at the end of this Chapter).

Rate of Service Tax: 8% from 14-5-2003 (5% upto 13/5/2003) 10% from 10.9.2004 - Cess 2% of 10% = 0.2. Total ST = 10.2%.

Definitions

"beauty treatment" means face and beauty treatment, cosmetic treatment, manicure, pedicure or counselling services on beauty, face care or make-up, [Section 65 (17)]

"beauty parlour" means any establishment providing beauty treatment services, [Section 65 (18)]

Taxable Service: Beauty treatment services including counselling services provided by beauty parlour to customers.

Value of Taxable Service: Gross amount charged by the beauty parlour in relation to beauty treatment services.

Exemptions

  • See Chapter on " General Exemptions"

  • Specific exemptions

    (i) Hair cutting, shaving, plastic/cosmetic surgery, hair dyeing, mere sale of cosmetics, skin treatment by a doctor

    (ii) Free services to club members

Person liable to pay: Beauty Parlour.

Exemption

See Notification No. 11/2002-ST, dt. 01/8/2002.

Head of Account

S1. Code

SCCD

Minor-head

004400152

Beauty Parlours Services

00440208

Sub-head

00440015201

Tax Collection

00440209

113

Sub-head

00440015202

Other Receipts

00440210

117

Sub-head

00440015203

Deduct Refunds

00440211

114

Main text of Departmental Circular/TN

F. No. B11/1/2002-TRU, Date: 1/8/2002

1. The section referred to hereinafter are the sections or clauses of the Finance Act, 1994 as amended by the Finance Act, 2002. Reference to sub­clause or clause means clause or sub-clause of Section 65 of the Finance Act, 1994 as amended by the Finance Act, 2002.

2. As per clause (16), "beauty treatment" includes face and beauty treatment, cosmetic treatment, manicure, pedicure or counseling services on beauty, face care or make-up and as per clause (17), "beauty parlour" means any establishment providing beauty treatment services. The taxable service, as per sub-clause (zq) of clause (90) means any service provided, to a customer, by a beauty parlour in relation to beauty treatment.

3. This service covers the beauty treatments such as facial, manicure, pedicure and other make ups provided by beauty parlours. However, it does not include hair cutting and shaving. Further, it does not include plastic surgery/cosmetics surgery done to improve the appearance, as they are not the kind of serVice provided by the beauty parlours. These are more appropriately classifiable as medical services.

3.1 The service provided in relation to hair dyeing has been exempted vide Notification No. 11/2002-ST, dt. 1/8/2002.

4. For providing beauty services, parlours use materials such as cosmetics and toilet preparations. A point has been raised as to whether the cost of such materials will be included in the value of taxable service. It is clarified that these materials are essential for providing the service and they are not sold as such but used for treatment such as facials etc. Therefore, they are integral to the service provided. Hence service tax will be charged on the gross amount and no abatement is admissible on account of the value of material consumed in providing the service.

5. Often beauty parlours also sell cosmetics in retail. Quite obviously, no service tax is payable on mere sale of cosmetics or any other material.

Full Service Salon, Beauty Enhancement and Permanent Cosmetics


Patti Britton, Dermatician

Permanent Cosmetics have become the new wave in beauty enhancement. Permanent Makeup is an extremely safe procedure that will ensure lasting beauty with a minimal amount of discomfort. Not only will you save money and time on expensive cosmetics, you will have hassle-free makeup that is specifically designed to meet your needs. This procedure enhances your own beautiful features. We can add color to your lips making them appear naturally full. If you are unhappy with your eye brows we can reshape and darken your brows. We can make your lashes appear fuller or give a definite eye liner look. Eye liner can also be enhanced with a smudged look. Many people are embarrassed by scars or blemishes, especially discoloration and scarring caused by surgery. Don’t be embarrassed anymore. We can help you regain your confidence. Anyone who wants to improve their appearance and have the convenience of lip color, eyebrows and eyeliner that won't rub off, smudge or smear can enjoy the benefits of micropigmentation.

SPA PEARL TREATMENT



Spa pearl treatment

With the magical serenity of the Moon and the beneficial properties of the pearls that
are born under its influence, Germaine de Capuccini creates SPA PEARL THERAPY, a therapy
t
hat hydrates, smoothes, firms and covers the skin with beautiful pearly reflections.
The perfect combination of a sophisticated and exclusive facial treatment with a pleasant body
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on pearl powder essence, a skincare and sensory revolution that provides all skin types with
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SPA GOLD TREATMENT


Spa gold therapy

The sun is divine light, life, gold. Its presence influences the marine environment, where it is present in gold, concentrated in a kind of algae called the “golden algae”, which absorbs the precious metal and stores its multiple benefits for the skin, SPA THERAPY GOLD was born, maximum glamour and sophistication in a revitalising therapy based on “marine gold” that wraps the skin in a subtle golden veil. The power of the sun, gold and “golden algae” are united in two body products with an exquisite texture and sublime fragrance that protect, stimulate and enrich the skin, preventing aging.