Background and Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychological and sociological factors influencing cosmetics usage by female students.

Methods: The statistical population comprised 250 female students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Isfahan University were selected using a simple random sampling method and were asked to respond to the research questionnaires. NEO Personality Inventory was used to assess personality characteristics. Sociological factors that were assessed were comprised of body management, media consumption, religiousness, socio-economic status and social acceptance.

Results: There was a significant association between body management, media consumption, religiousness, socio-economic status and social acceptance with cosmetics use. Regression analysis showed that predictive variables were able to predict 41% of attitude toward cosmetics use and body management was the best predictor of it.

Conclusion: Sociological, but not psychological, factors influence cosmetics use by female university students.