Indeed they are! It is no secret that cosmetics mean a lot to women―with a history going back several millennia. In fact, human culture, since time immemorial, has always thrived on improvisation. The quest to better ourselves is an ingrained human trait across all cultures, ages, and backgrounds. Cosmetics are those miracle workers who offer the ultimate 'lift me up' in a matter of seconds―be it a stroke of MAC's Ruby Woo lipstick, or even a whiff of Dior's J'adore. The power of cosmetics is nothing short of magical, as is evident from the obsession we've had with them over the years. With kohl being as old as human civilization itself, it is safe to say that our love affair with cosmetics has only gotten better with time. Now a multi-billion dollar industry, cosmetics companies practically run our lives―promising us a life that is literally picture-perfect, sans all those unsightly blemishes and wrinkles. It seems fitting, then, to honor these master magicians who have created these beautiful products for us―here are some icons of the cosmetic industry. L'oreal Paris has been eponymous with beauty ever since its founder, Eugène Schueller developed a hair dye formula which he decided to name Auréale. The company's origins were mired in controversies, with Schueller befriending some pro-Nazi thugs back in the day, and the L'oreal headquarters being their regular haunt. But, we're all over that, as L'oreal today is worth its weight in gold, dabbling in hair and skincare products, makeup, fragrances, and more. The company's 2006 acquisition of UK-based The Body Shop created headlines, owing to a massive clash of principles involving animal testing. All in all, everything worked out well for the cosmetic giant, posting massive profits each year. Find it here: L'oreal Every cosmetic-obsessed woman's heart beats for MAC. This American hero of a company has been operational since 1984, and was actually founded in Toronto, Canada. Currently headquartered in New York, United States, MAC produces top-of-the-line makeup products that are aimed and loved by women of all skin tones and textures. Additionally, MAC happens to be a hot favorite with celebrity makeup artists as well, being the go-to brand during the prestigious New York Fashion Week. And if that's not enough, all their products are undoubtedly of the highest quality, and are guaranteed to be cruelty-free. Find it here: MAC Cosmetics 'Happy' is what instantly comes to mind at the mention of Clinique―it's hard not to love their amazing summer-inspired fragrance, which well and truly makes the wearer happy. Clinique belongs to the Estée Lauder family, which pioneers the scientific art of creating region-specific skincare products. Clinique comes with high recommendations from dermatologists who vouch for the brand's efficacy. Most of their products are beyond affordable for the plebeian set―but then, beauty usually comes at a hefty price tag. Find it here: Clinique Every wannabe fashionista swears by Lancôme's Hypnôse Volumizing Mascara―its clump-free formula promises freakishly long lashes which give the illusion of anime-like expressive eyes. But that's not all. Lancôme's uber-expensive Visionnaire skincare range is an absolute delight to use―with equally delightful results that follow. It is formulated with their patented ingredient, and promises to leave your skin super-soft and blemish-free. Find it here: Lancôme Neutrogena products find favor with a lot of people, which explains the company's almost-7 billion USD turnover. This American brand was born in 1930, making some very affordable skincare products which gave users some stupendous results. Their moisturizers and anti-aging serums are magical, and are vouched for by a long list of celebrity clients including Vanessa Hudgens, Diane Lane, and Jennifer Garner among others. Find it here: Neutrogena The brand Nivea belongs to Beiersdorf, a German company set up way back in 1882. The company's earliest ventures were shaving creams and toners, following which they branched into manufacturing products comprising the entire skincare regimen. Their moisturizers which came in those blue tin jars are just as iconic even today. Nivea Skin Milk is another legend from their stables, and you're sure to find one in households across the world. Find it here: Nivea Avon is an American direct-selling cosmetics company which has a dominating presence in close to 140 countries. The 'Avon Lady' stands true of the brand's mantra―representing "a company that not only brings beauty to doors, but also opens them". Avon is marketed by over 6 million women around the world, for whom it is not only a means of income, but a mission to spread happiness, awareness, and optimism. Avon's long line of products are completely cruelty-free, which also instantly raises their appeal. Find it here: Avon Unilever-owned Dove is a market favorite, especially when one considers its brand value of over USD 4 billion as of 2013. The brand gives us body washes, lotions/moisturizers, facial care, and hair care products which are suitable for every imaginable skin and hair type; and what's more, Dove products never burn a hole in the pocket. Dove's success lies in the fact that it has provided its customers with high-quality beauty products which can always be trusted and purchased without any hesitation. Find it here: Dove Revlon can truly wear the crown of the grand dame of American cosmetics, not in terms of the year of establishment (the company was founded in 1932), but in terms of popularity. For instance, their Super Lustrous Lipstick in Love That Red first hit the stores in the 50s, but can still hold fort against most of these new-age entrants on the scene. Revlon's products remind us of old-school Hollywood, with their classic-yet-affordable vibe. Find it here: Revlon Olay is Procter & Gamble's superstar. Its massive popularity is in line with its equally-dominating market presence. The brand's USP lies in the fact that it cuts across all age and income barriers―you'll find an Olay product for a teen with modest means, as well as a middle-aged woman with a sizable bank balance. It's not easy to be a brand which can actually achieve these disparate ends, but Olay has indeed managed to pull it off with effortless ease. Find it here: Olay As hard as it was to compile an all-encompassing list of popular beauty products, we had to limit it to 10. There are innumerable beauty brands for us to choose from, and it is indeed tough to favor only a few. Think we missed out on your favorite? Feel free to let us know in the comments section below.