European Cosmetics - the best thing since sliced bread? Colipa, the European Trade Association representing the interests of the cosmetic, toiletry and perfumery industry has this statement on their web site:

Virtually every single person uses at least one of our industry's products every day and the average consumer spends the same amount on cosmetics and toiletries as he or she does for bread.

Read the full text here

4711 is one of the oldest brand families, first established in 1792 in the city of Köln in Germany.  Wilhelm Muelhens created the 4711 Echt Kölnich Wasser - probably the original cologne fragrance.

The Fa brand was established in 1954. It is sold in more than 50 countries. The Fa products - Luxury Bath Products - are manufactured by Schwartzkopf & Henkel, a Düsseldorf, Germany based company.