The Beauty Glossary - 30+ Terms All Makeup Lovers Need To Know

New to makeup?

How many times have you read an article or watched a makeup tutorial and been so confused about what the people were saying. This is where I come to help. This article contains a list of terms used in the world of makeup with an explanation of what they mean. Refer to this list when you are unsure of a word or use it as a beginners guide to beauty.

Bake/Baking

When you let a translucent powder sit on your face for 5 minutes after applying your foundation and concealer, You then dust off the powder which leaves a flawless finish.

Base

Any product applied after the primer to create a smooth base for the rest of your powder products (blush, bronzer etc.

Beauty Blender

A teardrop shaped sponge that is bounced on the face to apply makeup

Bullet

The shape of a lipstick which is not a liquid but a solid from a tube

CC (Colour Correcting)

Products that focus on preventing issues like redness and dark circles

Complexion

The colour and appearance of a person's facial skin

Contour

A makeup technique that uses bronzing products to define and enhance the structure of your face

Cut Crease

A makeup technique used to define the crease of an eyelid by using a contrasting eyeshadow to 'cut' along it. This is done with minimal blending.

Cupid's Bow

The V in the middle of your lips

Dabbing

The motion of patting the skin with a sponge to apply makeup

Dewy

A moist appearance on the skin after the makeup look is completed

Doe Foot

The kind of sponge tip applicator used for concealers an lip glosses

Dupes

An abbreviation of duplicates, a cheaper or similar alternative to a makeup product

Falsies

Fake eyelashes that are applied on top of your natural eyelashes with eyelash glue

Fan Brush

A brush with a flat fan shape that allows for an even distribution of product with a soft finish

Foil

To apply eyeshadow after wetting the brush for extra shimmer and colour

Illuminating

A product that gives the skin a glow or shimmer to the skin

Kickback

The excess product that leaves the powder when a brush is tapped into it

Matte

When the complete product of a makeup look does not have any oil or shine

Pan

The individual section that a powder is located in within a palette

Pigment

The colour of the makeup product

Set/Setting

To preserve the makeup look for long periods of time using powder or spray

Spoolie

An eyebrow shaping tool also used as a mascara wand

Tightline

Using eyeliner to make your eyelashes look thicker

Transition Shade

An eyeshadow colour that gives depth to the eyeshadow look and blends the other colours together

Waterline

The area that separates the base of your lashes to your eyeball

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What other makeup terms are you unsure about? Let me know in the comments below.

- xoxo Miss Makeup