Makeup Terms for Beginners
INTRDUCTION
The world of makeup has a lot of specific vocabulary that can be confusing when you're just starting out. Understanding the basic makeup terms will help you navigate products, tutorials, and makeup artist recommendations better.
Here are some common makeup terms explained:
Base products: These are products that create an even, smooth canvas before you apply other makeup. Base products include primer, foundation, color corrector, and concealer.
Primer: Primer creates a smooth surface for foundation, eyeshadow, lipstick, etc. and helps it last longer. There are different primers with different uses for your face, eyes, and lips.
Color corrector: Color correctors neutralize discolorations on your skin before foundation. For example: There are green correctors for redness, peach/orange for dark spots, and more.
Bronzer: A cosmetic used to add a sun-kissed look to the skin; comes in excess powder, cream, or gel form
Contouring: A makeup technique used to create the illusion of dimensional by using light and dark makeup shades.
Brow Gel: An eyebrow gel helps to tame and shape brow hairs and holds them in place too. They make brows look fuller even in sparse areas.
Cut crease: A makeup technique used to create definition in the eye area by cutting a crease in the lid and applying a darker shadow in the crease
Halo eye: An eye makeup technique where a lighter colour is applied to the centre of the eyelid, surrounded by darker shades, to create a halo effect.
Matte Finish: A term used to describe makeup with a non-shiny finish
Dewy Finish: A term used to describe makeup with a radiant or glowy finish
Natural Finish: Makeup that is designed to look like the wearer is not wearing any makeup at all, minimal to zero coverage.
Neutral Colors: Shades that do not have a strong undertone and work well for various skin tones and types, such as beige, taupe, mauves, and grey toned browns.
Lip stain A long-lasting, water-based or gel-based lip colour that provides a sheer, natural-looking tint.
Liquid lipstick: A lipstick formula that goes on as a liquid and dries down to a matte or glossy finish.
Setting powder: A type of powder that is typically translucent or has low color payoff that is used to set makeup in place; comes in loose or pressed form
Setting spray: A type of make up product that is sprayed on the face after makeup has been applied; helps mattify the face and makes makeup last longer
Finishing Spray: A type of make up product that is sprayed on the face after makeup has been applied; helps add hydration to the face to give a more dewy finish
This covers some of the key makeup terms you'll come across as you get more into makeup! Please feel free to comment and let me know if you need any clarification on these makeup product categories. Are there any new terms that you learned from this list?
