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For centuries, cosmetics have been used to enhance, entice, and ensnare. Smoldering kohl gave Cleopatra her bewitching eyes, gum arabic and beeswax gave Chinese royals brightly stained fingernails, and white lead gave Geishas their flawless complexions. Men and women alike used cosmetics to recreate themselves and signify their status in society. In early Hollywood productions, when decency regulations prohibited open sexual expression, the sirens of the silver screen insinuated sex with perfectly made-up faces instead of cleavage.

The search for beauty has been a tireless quest of generations, as cosmetics have evolved from primitive, toxic lead-based compounds to today's rigorously tested, highly engineered products. From Botox to lip plumping serums, manufacturers are continually inventing products promising anything from firmer skin to a juicier pout. Needless to say, amidst the dizzying array of new products, it can be difficult to sort fact from fiction. In this two-part series, we'll give you a concise dictionary of the latest cosmetic trends without the shading of advertising or opinion.

So, here's the down and dirty on some of the hottest topics in cosmetics today:

Makeup brushes

Unless you want NASCAR-stripe blush or blotchy foundation, brushes are an indispensable part of your makeup routine. A basic set should include a foundation, powder, concealer, blush or bronzer brush, and three sizes of eye shadow brushes (small for lining, medium for lid and crease, and large for brow bone highlighting).

Foundation brushes

For flawless, even-looking skin, foundation brushes are an essential addition to your beauty tool kit. A one-inch tapered flat-head brush made from either natural fibers like sable or squirrel hair (for powder formulations), or synthetics such as nylon (for liquid or cream foundations) will give the best results.

Powder Foundations

This type of foundation is ideal for those with oily or normal skin. It will give a light to medium coverage of minor skin flaws, and can be a excellent option during a humid summer, as it won't streak or run like cream and liquid foundations can. Powder foundations come in a compressed or loose form, or as a cream to powder form if you need more coverage.

Mineral Makeup

Once the sole domain of exclusive boutiques, this trendy item is quickly becoming a mainstream cosmetic staple. Since it is composed of various ground minerals, free of talc and the standard fragrances, preservatives, and other chemicals found in typical

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