Who owns the Max Factor brand? Cosmetics have been used since Egyptian times. They were also commonplace in Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. Take the Rediff Business Quiz and find out how much you know about the world of beauty.
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1. Where did nail polish originate? a) China b) Greece c) Rome
Wrong! Try again.
Wrong! The correct answer is China. The first examples date back to 3000 BC in China. The Chinese used gum arabic, egg whites, gelatine and beeswax to create the varnish. The royal family in China used gold and silver nail colours. In the first century AD black and red were also used. The lower ranks were only allowed to wear pale colours. In Egypt the colour of nail varnish used also represented social class. Henna was used to dye the nails. Modern nail varnish comes in a variety of colours and is actually a variation of car paint.
Correct! The first examples date back to 3000 BC in China. The Chinese used gum arabic, egg whites, gelatine and beeswax to create the varnish. The royal family in China used gold and silver nail colours. In the first century AD black and red were also used. The lower ranks were only allowed to wear pale colours. In Egypt the colour of nail varnish used also represented social class. Henna was used to dye the nails. Modern nail varnish comes in a variety of colours and is actually a variation of car paint.
2. The word 'cosmetae' means: a) To look beautiful b) To decorate oneself c) Neither
Wrong! Try again.
Wrong! The correct answer is Neither. Cosmetics have been used for as long as there have been people to use them. Face painting is mentioned in the Old Testament and eye shadow was used in Egyptian burials dating back to 10,000 BC. The word 'cosmetae' was first used to describe Roman slaves whose function was to bathe men and women in perfume.
Correct! Cosmetics have been used for as long as there have been people to use them. Face painting is mentioned in the Old Testament and eye shadow was used in Egyptian burials dating back to 10,000 BC. The word 'cosmetae' was first used to describe Roman slaves whose function was to bathe men and women in perfume.
3. First synthetic hair dye was created by? a) Coco Chanel b) Eugene Schueller c) Elizabeth Arden
Wrong! Try again.
Wrong! The correct answer is Eugene Schueller. In 1907 the first synthetic dye was created by French chemist Eugene Schueller. It was originally called Aureole, but later it was renamed L'Oreal.
Correct! In 1907 the first synthetic dye was created by French chemist Eugene Schueller. It was originally called Aureole, but later it was renamed L'Oreal.
4. Who owns the Max Factor brand? a) Unilever b) Proctor and Gamble c) Colgate-Palmolive
Wrong! Try again.
Wrong! The correct answer is Proctor and Gamble. Max Factor Sr (1877-1938) was originally from Poland. During the last years of the 19th century he became purveyor of cremes and cosmetics to the Russian court. In 1904 he decided to try his luck in America. The glamorous looks Max Factor created for Hollywood screen goddesses defined the concept of beauty in the 20th Century and were copied by women all over the world. Max Factor is presently owned by Proctor and Gamble.
Correct! Max Factor Sr (1877-1938) was originally from Poland. During the last years of the 19th century he became purveyor of cremes and cosmetics to the Russian court. In 1904 he decided to try his luck in America. The glamorous looks Max Factor created for Hollywood screen goddesses defined the concept of beauty in the 20th Century and were copied by women all over the world. Max Factor is presently owned by Proctor and Gamble.
5. The perfume Charlie was introduced by? a) Christian Dior b) Estee Lauder c) Revlon
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Wrong! The correct answer is Revlon. Revlon was founded in 1932, by Charles Revson and his brother Joseph, along with a chemist, Charles Lachman, who contributed the "L" in the REVLON name. At the end of 1956, Revlon was listed on the New York Stock Exchange. In 1973 Revlon introduced Charlie, designed for a young, working woman market and by the mid 70's, Charlie was the #1 Fragrance in the world. Revlon sales figures passed the $1 billion mark in 1977.
Correct! Revlon was founded in 1932, by Charles Revson and his brother Joseph, along with a chemist, Charles Lachman, who contributed the "L" in the REVLON name. At the end of 1956, Revlon was listed on the New York Stock Exchange. In 1973 Revlon introduced Charlie, designed for a young, working woman market and by the mid 70's, Charlie was the #1 Fragrance in the world. Revlon sales figures passed the $1 billion mark in 1977.