Lipsticks Elemental Analysis by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Used as Criminal Evidence

Abstract

Since ancient times, man has been interested in showing his appearance in the best shape and has used make-up materials including lipstick for this purpose. Four lipstick samples were selected for one brand with different colors (Lipstick-03, Lipstick-23, Lipstick-29 and Lipstick-51) as well as two different colors for the so-called magic lipstick (Luxe orang and Luxe yellow). Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) is an analytical technique was used for the elemental analysis for the selected six samples. These tests aims to explain that there are clear elemental differences for the selected samples which can be used to define the identity of each sample. Lipstick-51 has been selected to contaminate some substances that can be commonly used in homes, offices and others. The selected substances were (Plastic bottle, Plastic cup, Glass, Cigarette filter and Tissue paper). The elemental results indicate a partial match for the types of elements in lipstick contaminated with substances taken from the crime scene compared to the original Lipstick-51. Results could be more accurate when identifying the contaminated material and select the most concentrated positions for samples taken from the crime scene and for conducting tests.