A Critical Discourse Analysis of Cosmetic Products for Women and Men

Abstract: By making a CDA the linguistic and semantic features in cosmetic products are going to be examined. For the purpose of this study, 99 products, from two companies, are analysed in order to find out if the marketing teams of the companies are using different linguistic and semiotic features in order to persuade their target group. Theories of masculinity and femininity are presented and the relationship between gender and language is analysed. Furthermore, Aristotle’s theory about the three proofs of persuasion ethos, pathos and logos is discussed. After analyzing and discussing the data that have been gathered in relation with the background theories, significant differences are noticed on the products for the two genders. In the research appears that the two genders are targeted in different ways and that different linguistic and semiotic features are used for each gender.