Shades of Gray in the Colorful World of Cosmetics
When it comes to looking better, we ask a lot from our make-up sometimes. But how often do you ask, where is it made? In tonight's Fact Finder we take a closer look at buying American cosmetics.
Whether its mass marketed make-up lining the aisles of big box stores or pretty packages of perfume from a chic boutique, Americans spend billions of dollars on cosmetics every year. Those little tubes hold a lot of promise.
Susan Ruoff, owner of Venus in downtown Traverse City says, "a new lip gloss or lipstick each season can make a woman so happy."
Ruoff knows make-up. She opened the cosmetics boutique eleven years ago. She says most women want one thing from their cosmetics. "They're looking more for something that works."
She says occasionally a customer will ask if a product has a specific ingredient, but rarely does anyone ask where it's made.
In fact with cosmetics she says foreign made products often have a certain mystique and that can translate to an increase in income. She says, "even just that Parisian Eiffel tower icon will sell things more than something else."
But whether the box says Paris, Tokyo, or Australia, chances are your cosmetics are probably made in the good old U.S.of A.
Ruoff says, "most of it's made in the U.S. a lot of liners are made in Germany. Across the board, doesn't matter what company. But honestly most of the lines are made in the U.S."
She says the U.S. has long dominated the cosmetics industry, followed by Japan and Germany.
But while most cosmetics are manufactured in the U.S. if you look a little closer, you'll see that most also say "made of U.S. and non-U.S. parts."
Ruoff agrees saying the components can come from elsewhere even if they are all put together in this country. Those foreign made components are often the plastic casings and cardboard boxes.
While most companies finish their products here, some of the businesses themselves are foreign owned. So if you truly want to buy American you will have to do a little more research before your hand over your money.
What do you think about this? We're you surprised? Share your comments below.
