Makeup Glossary: Terms Every Makeup User Should Know

Makeup Definitions all Users Should Know

• Ablation: A surgical method that eliminates tissue by employing techniques of burning or freezing.
• Acne: A dermatological condition marked by the occurrence of pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads.
• Adult Acne: A form of acne prevalent in adults, often linked to hormonal shifts.
• Aerosol: A cosmetic product dispersed through a can as a fine mist.
• Ampoule: A tiny, one-time-use container filled with makeup product.
• Anti-aging: Refers to products or methods aiming to diminish visible signs of the aging process.
• Applicator: A broad term referring to instruments used for applying cosmetic products.
• Appliqué: A little decorative piece, often of fabric, affixed to a surface.
• Arched brow: The eyebrow shape that curves upward like an arch.
• Baking: A technique for applying foundation that results in a seamless, flawless complexion.
• Base makeup: The combination of foundation and concealer forming the initial layer of makeup.
• BB cream: A hybrid cream that fuses skincare benefits with makeup, offering hydration, sun defense, and some coverage.
• Beauty blender: A sponge designed for the application of foundation and concealer.
• Blackhead: A form of acne presenting as tiny black dots, typically from blocked pores.
• Blender: An egg-shaped, latex-free sponge for blending or dabbing makeup onto the face.
• Blush: A product meant to impart a natural rosy tone to the cheeks, available in various forms such as powder, cream, or liquid.
• Bronzer: A makeup product in powder, cream, or gel form, crafted to give the skin a naturally tanned look.
• Brow Gel: A product that shapes and secures eyebrow hairs, enhancing fullness, particularly in sparse areas.
• Brow pencil: An implement for filling and shaping the eyebrows.
• Brown sugar scrub: An exfoliating scrub utilizing brown sugar.
• Brush: An implement with bristles for applying various makeup products, differing in size and shape based on use.
• CC cream: A skin tone-evening product that may offer SPF protection and more coverage than BB cream, aimed at color correction.
• Concealer: A product for covering imperfections like blemishes and dark circles.
• Contouring: A makeup method that employs cosmetics to sculpt and define facial features.
• Cotton swab: A small stick with a cotton tip for makeup application or removal.
• Cream Blush: A type of blush providing a sheer, natural flush, enhancing the wearer’s inherent skin tone.
• Crow’s feet: Fine lines that fan out from the eye corners.
• Cupcake liner: A liner, typically of paper or foil, used to line cupcake molds before baking.
• Cut crease: A makeup style creating distinct eyelid crease definition with a darker eyeshadow shade.
• Dab: To gently press a substance onto a surface.
• Dead Skin Cells: The result of the natural exfoliation process known as epidermal turnover.
• Detox mask: A facial mask designed to extract impurities and remove dead skin cells.
• Disposable makeup wipes: One-time-use wipes for makeup removal.
• Double cleanse: A two-step skin cleansing method using oil-based followed by water-based cleansers.
• Drawstring bag: A pouch that cinches closed with a drawstring.
• Dressing Table Mirror: A mirror often attached to a dressing table, sometimes featuring built-in lights, magnification, and storage for makeup and accessories.
• Dupe: An affordable alternative to a more costly item.
• Eye Shadow Technique: Various methods prescribed for applying eyeshadow.
• Eyebrow pencil: A pencil form of makeup for filling in eyebrows.
• Eyebrow powder: Makeup specifically for defining eyebrows.
• Eyebrow stencil: A guide for achieving the perfect eyebrow contour.
• Eyelash curler: A hand-operated device to curl eyelashes for aesthetic purposes.
• Eyeliner: A cosmetic to outline the eyes, available in pencil, gel, or liquid variants.
• Eyeshadow primer: A product applied on the eyelids to enhance eyeshadow durability and color.
• Eyeshadow: A makeup applied to the eyelids and beneath the eyebrows to accentuate or beautify the eyes.
• Face mask: A cosmetic left on the face for a time before removal.
• Face mist: A spray used to refresh the skin or makeup.
• Face powder: A colored powder for reducing shine or covering imperfections, setting makeup, or for oily skin mattification.
• Face primer: Applied before foundation, it extends makeup longevity.
• Falsies: Artificial eyelashes for special occasion wear.
• Fan brush: A fan-shaped brush for gentle color application or excess product removal.
• Fine lines: Aging-related facial lines, commonly around eyes, mouth, or forehead.
• Finish: The last makeup application step, typically involving setting powder or spray.
• Flat brush: A brush with dense, flat bristles for foundation or concealer application.
• Foam brush: A brush with soft foam bristles, usually for liquid makeup.
• Foundation: A base cosmetic for an even skin tone and smooth makeup canvas.
• Full coverage: Makeup offering complete coverage.
• Gel liner: Eyeliner in a gel-based formulation.
• Glow up: The process of enhancing one’s appearance through beauty and style changes.
• Highlighter: A product designed to reflect light and give the skin a luminous, sculpted appearance.
• Holographic: Makeup with a shimmering, multi-dimensional finish.
• Hydrating: Describes products designed to increase skin moisture.
• Jade roller: A facial tool for massaging and promoting lymphatic drainage.
• Kabuki brush: A makeup brush with dense, short bristles for powder application.
• Lash extensions: Semi-permanent fibers attached to natural lashes for enhanced length and volume.
• Lash lift: A cosmetic treatment that curls and elevates lashes, typically lasting several weeks.
• Lip balm: A product for moisturizing and protecting the lips.
• Lip brush: A tool for precise lip color application.
• Lip gloss: A shiny or subtly tinted product for the lips.
• Lip liner: A pencil-like tool to outline and shape the lips before applying lipstick.
• Lipstick: A product that adds color, structure, and sometimes hydration to the lips.
• Liquid liner: Eyeliner in a fluid form.
• Liquid lipstick: A formula providing both color and gloss to the lips.
• Loose Powder: A finely milled setting powder for a seamless finish and makeup longevity.
• Makeup Mirror: Typically a dual-sided, hinged mirror for easy viewing angles.
• Makeup remover: A cleanser for removing makeup from the skin.
• Makeup Sponges: Tools for applying and blending foundation, concealer, and other face products.
• Mascara Wand: A tool for defining, separating, and enhancing eyelashes.
• Matte Finish: Makeup with a non-reflective, flat finish.
• Micellar water: A gentle makeup remover that doesn’t require harsh rubbing.
• Mineral makeup: Cosmetics made from natural minerals, often gentler on skin.
• Moisturiser: A product to hydrate and protect the skin.
• Natural eyelashes: Faux lashes that mimic the look of natural lashes.
• Natural makeup: A minimalist makeup style for a natural appearance.
• Non-comedogenic: Describes products formulated to not clog pores.
• Oil-based cleanser: A cleanser with oil to dissolve makeup or sunscreen.
• Ombre: A gradient style in makeup or hair, darker at the roots and lighter towards the ends.
• Paddle brush: A brush with dense, flat bristles for foundation or concealer application.
• Palette: In cosmetics, a collection of makeup colors or products in a single package.
• Parabens: Preservatives commonly found in makeup and skincare products.
• Peel-off mask: A mask that solidifies and is removed by peeling from the face.
• Pigment: The ingredient that imparts color to makeup products.
• Pinched cheeks: A makeup effect that mimics a natural flush.
• Powder Foundation: Makeup in powder form for varying levels of coverage.
• Powder puff: A soft applicator for powder.
• Pressed powder: A compact makeup for setting or touch-ups.
• Primer: A base for makeup or skincare for improved coverage and durability.
• Probiotics: Beneficial microorganisms, often ingested as supplements.
• Puffiness: Swelling or bloating, typically around the eyes.
• Redness: A skin condition characterized by reddened appearance.
• Ring light: Lighting used for even, bright illumination by makeup artists.
• Rouge: Cheek makeup for added color.
• Sensitive skin: Skin prone to irritation or inflammation.
• Setting powder: A product for securing foundation and concealer in place.
• Setting spray: A spray to extend makeup wear.
• Shea butter: A natural fat used in products for its moisturizing benefits.
• Silicone: A synthetic material used in beauty products for texture or as a binder.
• Smith’s Rosebud Salve: A multipurpose balm with a strong following, often used for lips and cuticles.
• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS): A surfactant that can be drying or irritating to the skin.
• Spoolie brush: A tool similar to a mascara wand for grooming brows and lashes.
• Stippling brush: A brush for applying makeup with a stippled effect for a natural look.
• Strobing: A technique that emphasizes a dewy, radiant complexion with highlighter.
• Sunscreen: A product to shield skin from damaging solar rays.
• Toner: A skincare step to cleanse the face post-washing, removing residual impurities.
• Translucent powder: A makeup product for setting or mattifying the face without adding color.
• Tweezers: A tool for plucking hairs or placing small beauty accessories.
• Under-eye bags: Swelling or puffiness found beneath the eyes.
• Vegan: Makeup free of animal-derived ingredients.
• Warm tones: Makeup utilizing warmer color shades for a sun-kissed effect.
• Water-based cleanser: A cleanser free from oils, often used to remove makeup.
• Waterproof: Makeup formulated to resist water exposure.
• Wig block: A rounded form for styling or maintaining wigs.
• Winged eyeliner: A type of eye makeup applied on the upper eyelid, using liquid eyeliner, pencil or gel and curved out to create a pointy wing.

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