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