Makeup Terms Explained: A Beginner’s Guide to Beauty Lingo

The world of makeup can feel overwhelming, especially when beauty tutorials and product descriptions are filled with jargon. From “BB cream” to “baking” to “cut crease,” the terms can sound like a foreign language to beginners.

This guide breaks down the most common makeup terms, helping you understand the language of beauty so you can confidently follow tutorials, shop for products, and experiment with different looks.

Base Makeup Terms

Base makeup refers to the products that create a smooth canvas for the rest of your look. Common terms include:

• Primer – A product applied before foundation to help makeup last longer.
• Foundation – Evens out skin tone; available in liquid, powder, or cream formulas.
• BB Cream (Beauty Balm) – Lightweight foundation with skincare benefits.
• CC Cream (Color Correcting) – Helps neutralize redness or dullness while providing coverage.
• Concealer – Used to hide blemishes, dark circles, or imperfections.
• Setting Powder – Locks foundation in place and reduces shine.

Eye Makeup Terms

Eye makeup has its own unique language:

• Eyeliner – Defines the lash line; can be pencil, gel, or liquid.
• Tightlining – Applying eyeliner to the upper waterline for a fuller lash look.
• Mascara – Darkens and lengthens lashes.
• Cut Crease – An eyeshadow technique that defines the crease for dramatic contrast.
• Smokey Eye – Blended eyeshadow for a sultry effect.
• Winged Liner – A flick of eyeliner extending past the outer corner of the eye.

Lip Makeup Terms

Lips are a major focus in makeup terminology:

• Lip Liner – Outlines lips to prevent feathering and define shape.
• Matte Lipstick – A shine-free finish, long-lasting but can feel dry.
  
• Gloss – Adds shine and hydration.
• Lip Tint – Sheer color that stains lips for a natural look.
• Overlining – Drawing lip liner slightly outside natural lip shape for fuller lips.

Highlighting and Contouring Terms

These techniques add dimension to the face:

• Contour – Dark shades applied to sculpt cheekbones, jawline, and nose.
• Highlight – Light-reflecting product to accentuate high points of the face.
• Strobing – Using highlighter only (without contour) for a glowing look.
• Bronzer – Adds warmth to skin tone, often with a sun-kissed effect.

Brow Makeup Terms

Defined brows frame the face, and the terms are everywhere:

• Brow Pencil – Fills in sparse areas with hair-like strokes.
• Pomade – Creamy brow product for bold, defined brows.
• Brow Gel – Sets hairs in place; comes in clear or tinted formulas.
• Feathered Brows – A natural, brushed-up style.

Popular Makeup Application Techniques

Makeup tutorials often mention techniques like:

• Blending – Softening edges for a seamless finish.
• Buffing – Circular motions to blend foundation or powder.
• Baking – Applying excess powder under eyes or on the T-zone, then dusting off for crease-free finish.
• Layering – Building up product gradually for more coverage or intensity.

Makeup Finishes and Textures

Products often come in different finishes:

• Matte – No shine, flat finish.
• Dewy – Glowy, radiant effect.
• Satin – A balance between matte and dewy.
• Sheer – Light coverage or color payoff.
• Pigmented – Strong, bold color.

Trendy Makeup Terms You’ll See Online

Social media has created new beauty vocabulary:

• Glass Skin – A Korean beauty trend focusing on clear, luminous skin.
• Soft Glam – Neutral tones with blended edges for a polished look.
• No-Makeup Makeup – Minimal products for a natural appearance.
• Full Glam – Bold, dramatic makeup often used for events or photoshoots.

Tools and Accessories Terms

Understanding tools is as important as products:

• Beauty Blender – A sponge used to blend foundation seamlessly.
• Kabuki Brush – Dense brush for applying powder or bronzer.
• Spoolie – Brush for combing brows or lashes.
• Angled Brush – Slanted bristles for eyeliner or brow products.

Setting and Longevity Terms

These terms relate to keeping makeup in place:

• Setting Spray – Mist that locks in makeup and adds hydration.
• Fixing Spray – Stronger version, designed for all-day wear.
• Transfer-Proof – Won’t smudge onto clothing or skin.
• Long-Wear – Formulated to last many hours without fading.

Conclusion

Learning makeup terms is like learning a new language—but once you understand the basics, you’ll feel more confident shopping for products and following tutorials. From base makeup to trendy techniques, this glossary of beauty lingo will help you navigate the world of cosmetics with ease.

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refresh your knowledge, these terms are the foundation for building your skills and experimenting with makeup artistry.

FAQs 

1. What does “baking” mean in makeup?
 

It’s a technique where you apply extra setting powder to areas like under the eyes and let it sit before dusting off, preventing creasing.

2. What’s the difference between primer and foundation?
 

Primer preps the skin for makeup, while foundation provides coverage and evens out skin tone.

3. What does “pigmented” mean?
 

It describes a product with strong, vibrant color payoff.

4. What’s the difference between matte and dewy finishes?
 

Matte is shine-free, while dewy gives a radiant, glowing effect.

5. What does “cut crease” mean?
 

It’s an eyeshadow technique that defines the crease with a sharp contrast for dramatic eye looks.

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