Makeup Glossary: Makeup Terms You Should Know in 2024

What do we mean by eyeshadow technique? If you have come across some makeup glossary or terminology and you are wondering what they mean, then you have come to the right place.

Make up is tricky isn’t it? Especially if you are a newbie in the beauty community who can’t quite understand the different terms and slangs other more experienced patrons use.

As someone who loves makeup, I'm always exploring new makeup application, products and techniques. But even I get overwhelmed by all the makeup lingo out there. What is contouring? What is BB cream? And what the heck is a beauty blender? 

Don't worry, I'm here to help.

I have compiled a list of makeup terms and their definitions so that you can feel confident about your knowledge and the makeup and beauty industry It will also let you know the name of skin care products in the market.

 

Top Makeup Terminologies Makeup Artist Should Know

 

Ablation: A medical procedure where tissue is removed by burning or freezing it

 

Acne: A skin condition that causes pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads

 

Adult acne: Acne that occurs in adults; typically associated with hormonal changes

 

Aerosol: A type of makeup that is sprayed from a can 

 

Ampoule:  A small, single-use vial of makeup product 

 

Anti-aging: Products or treatments that help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles or other signs of ageing

 

Appliqué: A small piece of fabric or other material applied to a surface

 

Arched brow: A type of eyebrow shape that is slightly curved, like an arch

 

Baking: Baking is the process of apply foundation to your skin creating a flawless finish.

 

Base makeup: The foundation and concealer used to create a makeup base

 

Beauty blender: A makeup sponge used to apply foundation and concealer

 

Blackhead: A type of acne that appears as a small black dot on the skin; typically caused by clogged pores

 

Blush: A cosmetic used to add colour to the cheeks; comes in powder, cream, or gel form

 

Bronzer: A cosmetic used to add a sun-kissed look to the skin; comes in excess powder, cream, or gel form

 

Brown sugar scrub: A type of sugar scrub that uses brown sugar as an exfoliant

 

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.

 

CC cream: A type of makeup that is a cross between foundation and concealer; typically used to even out skin tone

 

Concealer: A cosmetic used to cover up blemishes, dark circles, or other imperfections

 

Contouring: A makeup technique used to create the illusion of dimensional by using light and dark makeup shades.  Read more about how to contour your face.

 

Cotton swab: A small cotton-tipped stick used for applying or removing makeup

 

Crow's feet: Fine lines that radiate out from the corners of the eyes

 

Cupcake liner: A small paper or foil cup used to line a baking tin before baking cupcakes

 

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

 

Cream Blush: Cream blushers are a type of blush that give a more translucent, natural-looking flush that awakens and flatters the users natural skin tone.

 

Dab: To lightly press something onto a surface

 

Detox mask: A type of face mask that helps draw out impurities from the skin; it removes dead skin cells too.

 

Dead Skin Cells: a result of the skin's natural repair and renewal process called epidermal turnover.

 

Disposable makeup wipes: Makeup wipes that are meant to be used once and then thrown away

 

Double cleanse: A method of cleansing the skin that involves using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser

 

Drawstring bag: A small bag that closes with a drawstring

 

Dressing Table Mirror: A dressing table mirror is a type of mirror that is typically attached to a dressing table. Some dressing table mirrors also come with additional features such as built-in lights, magnification, or storage compartments for makeup and accessories. They are commonly found in bedrooms, dressing rooms, and makeup studios and are called Hollywood dressing table mirrors.

 

Dupe: A cheaper alternative to a more expensive product

 

Eyebrow pencil: A type of makeup pencil used to fill in eyebrows

 

 Eyebrow pomade: A type of makeup used to fill in and shape eyebrows

 

Eyebrow powder: A type of makeup used to fill in eyebrows.

 

Eyebrow stencil: A template used to help achieve the perfect eyebrow shape

 

Eyelash curler: A tool used to curl eyelashes

 

Eyeliner: A cosmetic used to line the eyes; comes in pencil, gel, or liquid form

 

Eye Shadow: A cosmetic used to add colour or definition to the eye area; comes in powder, cream, or liquid form

 

Eye Shadow Technique:Eye shadow techniques are the different prescribed ways you could follow to apply an eye shadow.

 

Face mask: A type of makeup that is applied to the face and left to sit for a period of time before being removed

 

Face mist: A product that can be sprayed on the face to refresh makeup or skin

 

Face primer: A type of makeup that is applied before foundation to help makeup last longer. Learn more about primers here.

 

Face powder:A coloured cosmetic powder used for minimising shine or covering blemishes on the face. It is used mainly for setting makeup or mattifying oily skin.

 

Falsies: Fake eyelashes; typically used for special occasions

 

Fine lines: Lines that appear on the face as we age; usually around the eyes, mouth, or forehead

 

Finish: The final step in applying makeup; typically used to set makeup with powder or spray

 

Flat brush: A type of make up brush with dense, flat bristles; typically used for applying foundation or concealer

 

Foam brush: A type of make up brush with soft, foam bristles; typically used for applying liquid makeup products

 

Foundation: A cosmetic used to even out skin tone and create a smooth canvas for the rest of makeup.

 

Full coverage: A term used to describe makeup that provides complete coverage

 

Gel liner: A type of eyeliner that comes in a gel form

 

Glow up: The process of improving one's appearance, typically through makeup, fashion, and skincare routine changes

 

Highlighter: A cosmetic used to add shimmer or glow to the face; comes in powder, cream, or liquid form

 

Holographic: A type of makeup that has a shimmery, iridescent finish 

 

Hydrating: A term used to describe products that help add moisture to the skin

 

Jade roller: A tool that can be used to massage the face and promote lymphatic drainage

 

Kabuki brush: A type of makeup brush with dense, short bristles; typically used for applying powder makeup products

 

Lash lift: A beauty treatment that involves curling and lifting the eyelashes; typically lasts 6-8 weeks

 

Lip balm: A type of makeup or skincare product that is applied to the lips to hydrate and protect them from the elements

 

Lip gloss: A type of makeup that is applied to the lips for shine and/or colour

 

Lip liner: Natural lip line is a type of makeup that is used to outline the lips; typically used before applying lipstick

 

Lipstick: A type of makeup that is applied to the lips for colour and/or hydration

 

Liquid lipstick: A liquid lip makeup formula that brings colour and sheen to the lips.

 

Liquid liner: A type of eyeliner that comes in a liquid form

 

Loose Powder:A finely milled powder formula designed for setting the makeup and blur on your skin. It holds together foundation, concealer, and other face makeup.

 

Liquid Product:any type of makeup lipstick, foundation, or powder that comes in liquid form.

 

Makeup Sponges:A beauty blender for correcting or applying products like foundation, concealer, powder, primer, cream blush, and cream contour, or light makeup and setting your face.

 

Makeup Mirror: A makeup mirror is usually a two-sided mirror that sits on a stand and is hinged on each side, so the user can use either side with ease.

 

Matte Finish: A term used to describe makeup with a non-shiny finish

 

Mascara Wand:A mascara wand is typically used to define, brush, or add volume and length to lashes to make them appear fuller.

 

Micellar water: A type of makeup remover that helps remove makeup without harsh rubbing or scrubbing

 

Mineral makeup: A type of makeup that is made from natural minerals; typically considered to be more gentle on the skin than traditional make up products

 

Moisturiser: A type of skincare product that is applied to the skin to hydrate and protect it

 

Natural eyelashes:faux eyelashes that are produced with materials that make them look closely similar to human lashes.

 

Natural makeup: A type of makeup that uses minimal make up products to create a more 'natural' look

 

Oil-based cleanser: A type of cleanser that contains oil; typically used to remove makeup or sunscreen

 

Ombre: A type of makeup or hair colour that is darker at the roots and gradually gets lighter towards the ends

 

Paddle brush: A type of makeup brush with dense, flat bristles; typically used for applying foundation or concealer

 

Parabens:A type of preservative that is commonly used in makeup and skincare products

 

Peel-off mask: A type of face mask that dries on the face and can be peeled off in one piece

 

Pigment: A substance that gives makeup its colour

 

Pinched cheeks: A type of makeup look where the cheeks are slightly 'pinched' to create a flushed effect

 

Powder: A type of makeup that can be used to set makeup or add colour or definition to the face; comes in loose or pressed form

 

Powder Foundation: a pressed or loose powder formula containing pigments and minerals. It provides full, light, or medium coverage.

 

Pressed powder: A type of makeup that comes in a compact; typically used to set makeup or as a touch-up throughout the day

 

Primer: A type of makeup or skincare product that is applied before foundation or concealer to help makeup last longer

 

Probiotics: Microorganisms that are beneficial to the body, typically consumed in the form of yogurt or supplements

 

Puffiness: The appearance of swelling or bloating, often around the eyes

 

Redness: The appearance of redness on the skin, often due to irritation

 

Ring light: A type of lighting that is often used by makeup artists and bloggers; creates a bright, even light

 

Rouge: A type of makeup that is applied to the cheeks for colour

 

Sensitive skin: Skin that is easily irritated or inflamed

 

Setting powder: A type of translucent powder 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 makeup last longer

 

Shea butter: A type of natural fat that is derived from the nut of the shea tree; often used in skincare and make up products for its moisturizing properties

 

Silicone: A type of synthetic polymer that is often used in skincare and make up products as a binding agent or to create a smooth texture

 

Smith's Rosebud Salve: A type of lip balm that has a cult following; often used as an all-purpose balm for lips, cuticles, etc.

 

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS): A type of surfactant that is commonly used in skincare and makeup products; can be drying and irritating to the skin

 

Sponge: A type of makeup applicator that is often used to apply foundation or concealer; can be made from different materials, such as latex or foam

 

Stippling brush: A type of makeup brush with dense, flat bristles; typically used for applying foundation or concealer and to blur harsh lines.

 

Sunscreen: A type of skincare product that is applied to the skin to protect it from the sun's harmful rays

 

Toner: A type of skincare product that is applied to the face after cleansing; helps remove any remaining makeup, dirt, or oil

 

Translucent powder: A type of makeup that is used to set makeup in place or to mattify the face; comes in loose or pressed form

 

Under-eye bags: The appearance of swelling or puffiness under the eyes

 

Vegan: A type of makeup that does not contain any animal-derived ingredients

 

Warm tones: A type of makeup look where warmer shades are used to create a more 'sunny' effect

 

Water-based cleanser: A type of cleanser that does not contain any oil; typically used to remove makeup or sunscreen

 

Wig block:a round-topped head-shaped block used for making, dressing, or holding a wig in place while work is done on it.

 

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.

 

There you have it. A list of the top makeup terms every makeup artist should know even if you are not a professional makeup artist.

Check out this page for a full list of makeup and beauty glossary terms.