Deodorants and cosmetics - JSS1 Home Economics Past Questions and Answers - page 1

Cosmetics are substances which we apply on our faces, hair or bodies to look more attractive e.g, body creams and oils, make-ups, hair creams, lip sticks, power etc.

Deodorants are substances that are put on the skin to prevent the body from having an unpleasant smell. Examples are; roll-on, body spray, perfume etc. 

1. Eye make-up “tiro” (Yoruba) or “tanjere” (Igbo): This can be grounded into powder. It is applied as eyeliner using a special thin stick reserved for the purpose.

2. Cam wood powder “uhe” (Igbo) or “oshun” (Yoruba): This is a red wood which can be thoroughly ground into a fine powder. It can also be made into a paste by mixing the powder with little water and palm oil. It can be used on the face or entire body. It is said to have a smoothing effect on the skin.

3. Body paint “uri” or “uli” (igbo): This is a special body paint made from the bark, seeds or roots of certain trees. It also has some medical effects.

4. “lali” or”lalle” (Hausa): This is a special make-up from leaves of a special tree. The leaves are ground into paste and mixed with lemon or lime juice. It is commonly used by ladies in the Northern parts of Nigeria to paint their fingers and toe nails as the outline of the hands and feet.

1. They protect your natural beauty and make you attractive.

2. To protect the skin.

3. To hide a persons poor feature.

4. To emphasize your best skin, facial and hair features.

5. Some are used as treatment for skin problems such as pimples, rashes etc.