Encapsulated fluorescent whitening compositions for improved surface appearance

Microparticles containing an effective amount of at least one fluorescent whitening agent, wherein said fluorescent whitening agent is entrapped in a transparent or translucent matrix polymer that has been formed from a blend of monomers comprising a first monomer which is an ethylenically unsaturated ionic monomer and a second monomer which is an ethylenically unsaturated hydrophobic monomer which is capable of forming a homopolymer of glass transition temperature in excess of 50 DEG C, wherein secondary particles are distributed throughout the matrix, which secondary particles comprise a hydrophobic polymer that has been formed from an ethylenically unsaturated hydrophobic monomer which is capable of forming a homopolymer having a glass transition temperature in excess of 50 DEG C and optionally other monomers, which hydrophobic polymer is different from that of the matrix polymer, exhibit improved shatter resistance. They are useful in a personal care or cosmetic compositions, for example in masking or reducing the appearance of skin imperfections.