Final answer:
A practitioner should not select a hard, durable wax when applying it over cosmetics as it may not adhere well and can disrupt the makeup. Instead, waxes that match the skin tone, are translucent, or cream-based are preferable for smooth application.
Step-by-step explanation:
When applying wax on top of previously applied cosmetics, a practitioner should NOT select a hard, durable wax. The reason behind this choice is that a hard wax may not adhere smoothly over the cosmetic layer and can lead to an uneven application that potentially disrupts the underlying makeup. Therefore, alternatives such as a wax color matching the skin tone, a translucent wax, or a cream-based wax are typically preferred because they can be applied more smoothly and are less likely to cause disruptions to the cosmetics already on the skin.
Wax has diverse applications in both arts and cosmetics. For example, colored pigments in wax are used for products like crayons, and cosmetics like lipstick and mascara often blend various fats and waxes with pigments. These wax-based products need to balance durability with ease of application and compatibility with other substances applied to the skin.