Her creams came in heavy jars, her lipsticks in cool metal sheaths, to advertise their quality.

ECONOMIST: Est��e Lauder

But are Korean men with their new found interest in foundations, eyeliners and lipsticks in the brink of launching a new trend?

FORBES: South Korean Men Embracing Makeup, Driving Male Cosmetic Industry

When Avon, a cosmetics firm, noticed an influx of Koreans into Atlanta, Georgia, it hired some Korean women to sell its lipsticks and scents.

ECONOMIST: Over the rainbow | The

"There's lead acetate in hair dyes, lead in lipsticks, formaldehyde and 1, 4-dioxane in baby shampoos and other shampoos, " said Lisa Archer, co-founder and former director of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and current director for the environmental group Friends of the Earth.

CNN: Consumer advocates lead push for 'green' cosmetics

Will we start applying lipsticks?

FORBES: South Korean Men Embracing Makeup, Driving Male Cosmetic Industry