Make Up Glossary: What It Is and How To Use It

Do you know what make up glossaries are? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on a make up glossary, including its definition, usage, example sentences, and more!

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What is a make up glossary?

A make up and skin care glossary is a list of definitions of makeup terms. Look at the below from Allure and Beauty Brains Blush.

  • Antioxidant – Any ingredient that reduces free-radical damage to the skin
  • Differin – An over-the-counter, full-face acne treatment containing the retinoid adapalene 0.1 percent, it normalizes cell turnover to minimize pore-clogging and fights inflammation.
  • Brushes – General term for all sorts of makeup brushes, including eyeshadow brushes, large powder brushes, spoolie brushes, and more.
  • Botox – The trademark name for one of the forms of botulinum toxin used in injections targeting facial wrinkles. Botox paralyzes facial muscles, such as those that cause frown lines, in order to soften wrinkles.
  • Eyeshadow – Colorful pigments used on the eye and surrounding area. Can be neutral colors or bright rainbow colors. Available in many finishes (matte, shimmer, glitter, etc) and forms (cream, powder, etc). Bought as single eyeshadows or multiple together in an eyeshadow palette.
  • Bronzer – Powder or cream product in a shade slightly darker than complexion that brings definition and warmth to the face. Can put on cheekbones or use under jaw to create shadows.
  • Amino Acids – The building blocks of the proteins that make up collagen and elastin — substances that give the skin its structural support. Aging and a combination of external factors (including UV light and environmental toxins) reduce the level of amino acids in the body; creams containing amino acids may help restore them.
  • Acetone – A colorless, strong-smelling solvent found in many nail polish removers for fingernails and toenails, it works by softening and dissolving the polymer molecules in polishes, gels, and acrylics. Because it’s drying to the nails and skin, many removers containing it are also spiked with moisturizers, like glycerin.
  • Glucosamine – Found throughout the human body, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory ingredient has long been used as an oral supplement to relieve arthritis. Research shows that topical application may reduce hyperpigmentation and boost hyaluronic acid production, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles and fine for sensitive skin.
  • 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.
  • Comedone – A broad term for a pore, or hair follicle, that’s blocked by sticky dead skin cells and the sebum that can’t drain properly. When the follicle remains open, the sebum’s pigment darkens from air exposure, forming a blackhead. When P. Acnes bacteria invade the clogged pore, the resulting inflammation creates a whitehead.
  • Mascara – A dark, thick liquid applied to the eyelashes to make them appear darker, longer, or more voluminous. Typically applied with a spoolie, though some makeup artists use mascara brushes. Can be colored, but is typically black. Sometimes use an eyelash curler to curl lashes before applying.
  •  Benzoyl Peroxide – An acne medicine that kills pimple-causing bacteria and exfoliates pores. It can be found in concentrations up to 10 percent in over-the-counter products.
  • Eyeliner – Product (black, white, nude, or colorful) used to outline the perimeter of the eye, both on the eyelid, waterline, and used to draw winged eyeliner. Comes in many forms, such as pencil, pen, liquid, cream, and gel.
  • Collagen – This protein makes up 80 percent of the skin, and its fibers give skin its firmness and strength. Collagen naturally breaks down over time, but certain ingredients, such as retinol and peptides (including Matrixyl), can stimulate new collagen production. The most abundant protein in the human body, it makes skin thick, strong, and smooth. Laser treatments and retinoids build it up; UV rays and free radicals tear it down.
  • 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.
  • Foundation – Skin tone product used over entire face to even out complexion and cover blemishes. Available in many different forms such as liquids, creams, sticks, and powders. There are many finishes (matte, dewy) and levels of coverage (sheer to full coverage) of foundation.
  • Filler – Injectable dermal fillers, made from FDA-approved hyaluronic acid or a biostimulatory (collagen-growing) materials, restore fullness to the face. They can be used to plump lips, minimize wrinkles and scars, smooth under-eye hollows, and contour cheeks, temples, noses, and jaw lines.
  • Elastin – Stretchy structural proteins that allow skin to snap back into place, elastin is particularly vulnerable to sun damage.
  • Crease (Eye) – Area of eyelid that curves above your eye and below your brow bone where the skin folds.
  • Blackhead – A skin blemish that forms when the sebum (oil) draining from a pore becomes blocked by a clump of dead skin cells. Its color results from the sebum’s pigment, which darkens when exposed to air.
  • Blush – Also called rouge. Comes in many shades, commonly in pink, peach, orange, and brown tones. Applied to the cheeks to give a flushed & rosy appearance.
  • Beauty Blender – Name-brand version of 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.
  • Lipstick – Comes in a standard tube as a cream product, or in another form such as a liquid lipstick that dries with a matte finish. Comes in a range of colors, most commonly worn in red, berry, pink, brown, and nude shades.
  • CC Cream – CC cream can mean “color correcting” cream, or can indicate a product similar to BB cream with slightly more coverage.
  • Base – Can refer to the skincare preparations and eyeshadow primer you apply before you begin makeup, or can refer to the basic first layers of face makeup (primer, foundation, concealer, and brows).
  • 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.
  • Concealer – Skin-toned product used to cover blemishes, redness, and more. Often in a liquid form that is higher coverage than foundation.
  • Lipgloss / Gloss – Lip product worn on its own or layered on top of a lip liner or lipstick. Can be tinted or clear, opaque or sheer. Give a shiny look to the lips. Many variations have shimmer or glitter finishes.
  • Lipliner – Pencil-like product in shades similar to lipstick, used for outlining the lips before applying lipstick or lipgloss. Helps keep other lip colors from feathering.

Overall, a makeup glossary is a list of make up terms and their definitions.

Sources:

  1. Skin Care Glossary – Every Term You Need to Know, Decoded | Allure 
  2. Glossary of Makeup Terminology | Beauty Brains Blush 
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Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.

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