Abstract
BackgroundBare face L*a*b* values are needed to serve as a standard reference point for the development of base makeup products for Korean women.MethodsA total of 543 Korean women ranging in age from their 20s to 50s underwent spectrophotometer skin analysis under constant temperature (22 ± 2%) and humidity (50 ± 5%) conditions. Eight parts of each subject’s face (center of the forehead, right cheekbone, right cheek, under the chin, left cheek, left cheekbone, philtrum, and under the lips) were measured, and average values were calculated. Subjects were then asked to complete questionnaires regarding their use and preferences for base makeup products.ResultsSkin tone was classified into three categories (dark, normal, bright) based on L* values. Compared with the contrast value, the dark group L* was 60.66 and the normal group L* was 63.87 (with a difference of 3.21), and the bright group L* was 66.66 (with a difference of 2.79 from the normal group). According to the survey responses regarding preferences and use of base makeup products, the most common answer for all respondents regardless of age was that their skin tone was average or slightly darker than that of their peers. Preferred base makeup products usually were found to be of slightly brighter color than actual skin tone. As in previous studies, the most frequently used base makeup product regardless of age was BB cream.ConclusionsGiven that the average L* standard deviation between groups was 3, a difference of one step in skin tone may be considered to be equivalent to this L* value difference. The survey results suggest that target colors for base makeup product development should be brighter than bare face tones.
Highlights
Bare face L*a*b* values are needed to serve as a standard reference point for the development of base makeup products for Korean women
The color L*a*b* values of the bare face could be used as a reference for coloring base makeup products
When looking at the contrast value that was set as a reference point, the dark group was 60.66 and the normal group was 63.87, with a difference of 3.21
Summary
Bare face L*a*b* values are needed to serve as a standard reference point for the development of base makeup products for Korean women. Skin tone provides a reflection of individual heritage, but over the course of human history, certain variations in tone have been accepted as standards of beauty (Wagatsuma 1967). Bleaching agents classified as medicinal ingredients are illegally added to some cosmetics that target. Skin color is influenced by complicated interactions among a considerable number of factors including skin pigmentation; thickness; water content; relative proportions of melanin, hemoglobin, and bilirubin; seasonal environment; genetic factors; ultraviolet ray exposure; and personal health status (Jablonski 2006; Muehlenbein 2010). Melanin is the black or brown pigment directly responsible for skin color that is present in the skin, hair, and tissues of plants and animals. Research on melanin inhibition for medicinal, cosmetic, and food applications is being actively pursued.
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