Makeup
Makeup & color cosmetics go beyond mere beauty, embodying the transformative power of lipstick, foundation, and eyeshadow. Designed to leave a lasting impression, each product reveals your authentic radiance and kindles your inner brilliance. In the quest for the ultimate mascara to elongate, thicken, or curl your lashes towards achieving your most enchanting flutter yet. And if you’re not sure what makeup product to use, you can count on me, your Independent Avon Representative to help. I believe in nurturing the one-on-one connections with my customers, to become both a trusted friend and beauty advisor.
The below collection of makeup terms are assembled to help you increase your vocabulary to help you talk about makeup and color cosmetics.
— A —
Acetone
A colorless organic chemical used in nail polish remover, acetone works by softening and dissolving polymer molecules in polishes, gels, and acrylics.
Angled Brush
An angled brush is a makeup brush with slanted bristles, designed for the precise application and blending of various makeup products, including eyeshadow, eyeliner, and brow pomades.
Application Techniques
Application techniques refer to the various methods and skills that makeup artists use to apply makeup products effectively and efficiently. These include blending, stippling, and building color.
Applicator
An applicator is a tool, such as a brush, sponge, or wand, used to apply makeup products to the face or body.
— B —
Bake / Baking
Putting a thick layer of loose translucent powder on your face for several minutes, causing your body heat to be trapped against your skin, which “bakes” (sets) the powder and any cream or liquid products under the powder. After baking, brush away excess powder.
Base
Refers to the skincare preparations and eyeshadow primer you apply before you begin makeup, or it can refer to the basic first layers of face makeup (primer, foundation, concealer, and brows).
BB Cream
A liquid or cream product with sheer coverage used over the entire face, typically in place of foundation. Similar to a tinted moisturizer.
Beauty Blender
A name-brand version of a makeup sponge. Because it is original and popular, many people call all makeup sponges “beauty blenders,” even if they aren’t by the Beauty Blender brand.
Blend
The act of blending out a powder or cream product onto the face to avoid harsh lines. You can blend foundation and face products into the skin with brushes or sponges. You can also blend eyeshadow on your eyelid, crease, and brow bone. Blending is important to achieve a seamless, gradient look.
Blush
A cream or powder that makes the cheeks a pink or reddish color.
Bronzer
Powder or cream product in a shade slightly darker than complexion that brings definition and warmth to the face.
Brows
Short for eyebrows. Help frame the entire face. Many products and styles are used to enhance brows.
Brow Gel
Used to lock eyebrow hairs into place. Can be clear or tinted.
Brow Pencil
Product resembling a pencil or pen that is filled with product designed to match hair color. Used to fill in eyebrows and draw fine hairs.
Brow Pomade
Small jar of cream product that is used to define eyebrows. Used with a brow brush (small, angled makeup brush) and spoolies.
Brushes
General term for all sorts of makeup brushes, including eyeshadow brushes, large powder brushes, spoolie brushes, and more.
— C —
Concealer
A liquid or cream (often in a stick form) that conceals or hides blemishes, freckles, dark spots, acne, etc.
Contour
Using a product several shades darker than your complexion to define areas of your face and create the illusion of shadows. Typically matte, the product is used below the cheekbones, on the nose, forehead, and jawline.
Color Correcting
Using a colored cream or liquid product, typically a concealer, with color theory in order to negate the effects of discolored skin. Example: green color corrector helps cover red inflammation or acne, since the colors are complimentary on the color wheel.
Cream
CC cream can mean “color correcting” cream, or can indicate a product similar to BB cream with slightly more coverage.
Crease (Eye)
Area of eyelid that curves above your eye and below your brow bone where the skin folds.
Cupid’s Bow
Area on the upper lip where there is two peaks and a small dip in the middle.
Cuticle pusher / Cuticle trimmer
Tools used to push back or trim the hard skin at the base of fingernails and toenails.
Cuticle scissors
Used to trim the cuticles.
Cut Crease
A style of eyeshadow where artists “cut” the eyeshadow color in a smooth, sharp line from the inner corner of the eye along the eye’s crease using concealer. Creates a large contrast between deeper shades in the crease and lighter shades on the eyelid.
— D —
Dewy
A finish that many liquid, cream, and spray cosmetic products are available in. May appear illuminating, dewy/wet, and shiny/shimmery, but can also look very natural.
Doe Foot
Type of spongey makeup applicator typically found in lipstick and lipglosses that has a slanted end.
Dupe / Duplicate
Dupe is short for duplicate. Dupes refer to makeup products that are very similar to another product, but are typically less expensive than the original. For example, you might look for a $20 dupe for an original $200 eyeshadow palette that has similar colors but is more affordable. Not the same as fake makeup.
— E —
Exfoliate
Removing the outer layer of dead skin cells with a scrub or chemical peel, helping your skin become smoother and creates a better base for makeup. Should only be done 1-2 times per week.
Eye shadow
A cream or powder that’s put on the eyelids to add color.
Eyelash curler
A small device operated using one’s hand that curls the upper eyelashes.
Eyeliner pencil
A pencil that is used to line and enhance the rim or contour of the eyes. It can be applied to either the top or bottom of the eye or both. (Eyeliner also comes in liquid form).
— F —
Face chart
A sketch or diagram of a makeup look is often used by makeup artists to plan and document their work.
Fake Makeup
Though “real” as in, physically exists, fake makeup refers to counterfeit products. Typically, it will be fake versions of high end products using cheaper packaging and ingredients in an attempt to scam customers. Sometimes contains harmful ingredients. To avoid fake makeup, make sure you purchase from authorized retailers.
False eyelashes (or Eyelash extensions)
Made of silk or synthetic hair and are used to make natural eyelashes look longer, thicker and fuller.
Flashback
When a makeup product causes a white cast on your skin when captured with flash photography. Often caused by SPF in foundation and powders.
Foundation
A liquid or cream that is the color of a person’s skin that is put on the face and neck to make the skin look like one smooth even color.
— G —
Glitter
Comes in many forms, such as liquids, pressed eyeshadows, and loose. Loose glitter is applied with a glue or glitter primer. It looks similar to craft glitter, but is finer and safe to use around the eyes. WARNING: Do not use craft glitter instead of cosmetic glitter near your eyes.
Gradient
A seamless transition between two colors. Typically refers to the blending between adjacent colors of eyeshadow, but can also be used to talk about the gradient of transparency of a product into a person’s natural skin tone.
— H —
Half Cut Crease
Style of eyeshadow similar to a “Cut Crease” where the “cut” line extends from the inner corner of the eye in the crease to the midpoint of the eyelid.
Halo Eye
Style of eyeshadow where the outer and inner corners of the eyelid are darker, and the center of the eyelid has a lighter (typically shimmery or glittery) shade.
Highlighter
Product lighter than your skin tone used to draw attention to the high areas of the face, such as cheekbones and tip of nose. Often shimmery or sparkly, in champagne, rosy, and gold tones. Can be used subtly for a natural glow or intensely for a “blinding” highlight that pops.
— I —
Illuminator
A product used to add a subtle glow or shimmer to the skin often applied to the cheekbones or brow bone.
Inner Corner
Small area next to the tear duct between the eye and the bridge of the nose.
Intensity
The level of pigmentation or color saturation in a makeup product, such as eyeshadow or lipstick.
Iridescence
A quality of certain makeup products that gives off a shimmering, rainbow-like effect in the light.
— J —
Jawline contouring
A makeup technique that involves using contouring products to define and sculpt the jawline for a more chiselled look.
— K —
Kabuki brush
A dense, short-handled brush used for applying powder makeup products to the face, such as blush, bronzer, and setting powder.
Kickback
The dusty powder product “kicked” up by a pressed powder (eyeshadow, blush, etc) when you swirl a makeup brush into it.
Kohl
A traditional eyeliner ingredient made from soot or charcoal.
— L —
Lash curler
A tool used to curl the eyelashes for a more open, lifted appearance.
Lash extensions
Semi-permanent or temporary eyelash enhancements that add length, fullness, and volume to natural eyelashes.
Lash glue
Glue specifically designed to adhere fake lashes to the eye. Lash glue is easy to apply, dries quickly, and doesn’t hurt much when removing. Is eye safe!
Lash primer
A product applied before mascara to help condition, lengthen, and volumize the eyelashes.
Lash tint
A semi-permanent dye is applied to the eyelashes to darken and enhance their natural color.
Layering
The process of applying multiple products or colours in a specific order to create a desired makeup effect.
Lip balm
A moisturizing product used to soothe and hydrate the lips.
Lip brush
A small, tapered brush designed for precise application of lipstick, lip gloss, or lip liner.
Lip gloss
A liquid that is applied to the lips to add a glossy or shiny appearance or color.
Lip liner
A pencil used to trace a line around the lips to define their shape and make them look fuller.
Lip plumper
A cosmetic product designed to temporarily increase the fullness of the lips using ingredients that stimulate blood flow or create a mild swelling effect.
Lip stain
A long-lasting, water-based or gel-based lip colour that provides a sheer, natural-looking tint.
Liquid foundation
A fluid makeup product that provides coverage and evens out the complexion; available in various finishes and coverage levels.
Liquid lipstick
A lipstick formula that goes on as a liquid and dries down to a matte or glossy finish.
Lipstick
A cream that is put on the lips to add color.
Locking spray
A finishing product used to set and prolong the wear of makeup, ensuring it stays in place throughout the day.
— M —
Makeup artist (MUA)
A professional who applies makeup and hairstyling techniques to create a desired look for clients, models, or performers.
Makeup brushes
Tools made from synthetic or natural fibres used to apply, blend, and shape makeup products on the face and body.
Makeup remover
A product designed to dissolve and remove makeup from the skin, often available in various forms such as liquids, wipes, or balms.
Makeup sponge
Tool used to apply many different cosmetic products, including liquids, creams, and powders.
Makeup station
A designated area where a makeup artist sets up their tools and products to apply makeup on clients or performers.
Makeup tester
A sample of a makeup product is provided for customers to try before purchasing the full-sized product.
Makeup wipes
Disposable, pre-moistened towelettes designed to remove makeup, dirt, and oil from the skin.
Matte
A finish that appears flat or dull (matte!) on the skin; any product that has no shimmer or sparkle. Liquid matte formulas are often preferred by people who have oily skin, but can be drying to those with dry skin.
Matte lipstick
A lipstick formula that dries down to a completely matte finish.
Mascara
A liquid substance that is applied to the upper and/or lower eyelashes to add color, darken and/or make eyelashes thicker and longer. It can also be applied to false eyelashes.
Mascara primer
A product applied to the lashes before mascara to enhance volume and length.
Micellar water
A gentle cleansing product that uses micelles to attract and remove makeup, dirt, and oil from the skin without stripping or irritation.
Microblading
A semi-permanent makeup technique that uses a fine blade to create hair-like strokes to fill in and shape eyebrows.
Mineral makeup
Makeup products that contain natural, mineral-based ingredients are often marketed as being better for the skin.
Moisturizer
A liquid or cream that adds moisture to the skin.
Multi-tasking products
Makeup and skincare products that serve multiple purposes, such as a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen or a lip and cheek tint.
— N —
Nail polish / Nail varnish / Nail lacquer
A liquid substance that is applied to the nails to add color and/or shine.
— O —
Outer Corner / V
Area of the eyelid just above the outermost part of the eye, sometimes referred to in a “V” or “7” shape following the outer lash line and into the crease of the eye.
— P —
Packing
Building up the pigmentation of a product by continually adding more product until it reaches the color or coverage you desire.
Perfume
A liquid fragrance that is sprayed on the body to make it smell pleasant. (perfume = for women; cologne = for men).
Pigment
The color or tint of a makeup product.
Powder
A dry substance that has very fine particles that is put on the face to make it less shiny and oily.
Pressed powder
A compact powder product that is used to set makeup or reduce shine.
Primer
The first step in the makeup process. Applied to entire face to minimize pores and wrinkles, and/or to help the makeup last longer.
— P —
Set / Setting the Face
Refers to putting a powder (typically loose & translucent) on top of a liquid or cream product to “set” it into the face so it lasts longer and doesn’t move. Baking also sets the face. Can also refer to using a setting spray to “set” the face at the end of the makeup application.
Setting Spray
Liquid product in a spray bottle that is used at the end of makeup application to lock in the makeup so it lasts longer. Especially helpful to sweat-proof/waterproof your makeup and make it appear more natural, like it was melted into your skin.
Sequin
A formula type used in pressed powder eyeshadows, where the base is matte and contains flecks of glitter. When applying sequin eyeshadow shades, blending with a brush will get rid of most of the glitter, whereas pressing it on with your fingertip will give a more glittery finish.
Shimmer
A product finish most often referring to an eyeshadow, but could also refer to a highlighter, blush, or bronzer. Has a sheen and sparkle when applied and reflects light well.
Smokey
A classic eyeshadow style where color is lighter higher towards the brow bone and gradually becomes deeper closer to the eyelashes and outer corner.
Spoolie
Also called a mascara wand. Used to apply mascara, brush brows, or apply brow products.
— Q —
Quads
Quads are makeup palettes that typically contain four complementary shades of eyeshadow, blush, or other makeup products. They are designed to create a cohesive look using a small, curated selection of colours.
Quartz
Quartz is a mineral that is sometimes used as an ingredient in makeup products, particularly in mineral makeup formulations. It can have various benefits, such as providing a natural glow and promoting skin health.
Quick Dry
Quick dry refers to makeup products that set or dry rapidly after application, such as fast-drying liquid eyeliners or nail polishes. These products are designed for convenient and efficient use.
— T —
T-Zone
Area of the face consisting of the forehead, nose, and chin, which forms the shape of an uppercase T. This is the most oily part of the face for most people.
Tightline
Area on the upper eyelid between the eye and upper eyelashes. Eyeliner or eyeshadow can be put here for added definition.
Tinted Moisturizer
A moisturizer with skin toned pigment, giving sheer to light coverage on the skin. In-between a moisturizer and a foundation.
Transition Shade
Used to describe a color of eyeshadow used to blend out other (typically more pigmented or brighter) shades. Often is the first color applied in the eyeshadow process, placed above the crease.
— W —
Waterline
Area below the eye but above the lower eyelashes. Can put eyeliner or eyeshadow here for added definition.
Wing / Winged Eyeliner
The act of flicking out the top eyeliner past the eye in a triangle shape. Typically done with black, liquid eyeliner.
Wooden manicure stick
A small tool used to push back base of the nails.
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