Have you ever browsed a beauty website, watched a makeup tutorial, or gone to a makeup counter and felt like the voice on the other end was speaking a different language?

If you're new to the makeup world, it can feel like makeup has its own language and it can be difficult to know what all of the different popular makeup terms mean. Luckily, that is where we are here to help! In this blog, we'll get into all the common and not-so-common makeup terms so that you can feel confident when pressing 'add to basket' and then applying them to yourself at home.

Tip: The terms are in alphabetical order however, you can press CTRL + F to bring up a small box where you are able to type in what you are looking for to search for that term within this blog. If you still can't find it, please let us know and we will update the blog!

Let's get started!

Base

Your base is whatever you use directly on your complexion after primer. This may be a tinted moisturiser, CC cream, BB cream, foundation or a selection of products.

Baking

Baking is where a thick layer of loose translucent powder is applied to your skin (usually under the eyes, forehead, and underneath contour*). The powder is left there for a few minutes in order for the product to 'bake' with your body heat. Afterwards, the excess powder is brushed away and the skin should look airbrushed.

BB Cream

BB Creams are light makeup products and are either shortened for Blemish Balm Creams or Beauty Balm Creams. They are very sheer in coverage and usually act as a moisturiser, sunscreen, and foundation all in one.

A related blog regarding the difference between different bases here

Blush

An abbreviated name for the traditional 'blusher'. Blush is applied to the cheek area to give a rosy, flushed appearance. Shades can vary from pink, peach, orange, and brown hues. Available in both powder and cream blush. Cream products are ideal for dry skin.

A related blog regarding which blush and shade will suit you best here

Bronzer

A product that works to mimic what the sun would achieve. Bronzer adds warmth to the skin where the sun naturally hits you. Think across the forehead, top of the cheeks, and nose. Available in both powder and cream formats.

Cat Eye

A popular makeup look in the 50s, this is an eye makeup look that relies on eyeliner. The eyeliner is applied from the inner corner all the way to the outer corner of the eye and flicked out and upwards to create a winged eyeliner.

CC Cream

CC Creams are shortened for Colour Correcting Creams. CC Creams help to colour correct uneven skin tone, redness, and pigmentation. They can be worn alone or prior to applying foundation for an even base. We love CLINICCARE Dermo Corrective CC Cream SPF50++.

Colour Corrector

A method used to correct skin discolouration when the skin is not the desired tone. Jane Iredale Enlighten Concealer effectively diffuses small areas on the skin like darkness under the eye, excess redness, bruises, hyperpigmentation, and scarring. Whereas, Rosalique is great for Rosacea skin types.

Contouring*

A makeup technique that uses a matte product a couple of shades darker than your skin tone (or use your bronzer) to define your complexion and create areas of illusion with shadows. Typically used along certain features such as the cheekbones, forehead, nose, and jawline to create higher cheekbones, a smaller nose, or a sharper jawline. You can use the baking technique to enhance the finished look too.

Cupid's Bow

The centre area of the upper lip. Along your natural lip line, there are 2 peaks (these are more prominent on some people than others) and a small dip in the middle.

A related blog regarding how to create fuller-looking lips here

Dewy Skin

Dewy skin is referring to the finish on your complexion. Dewy skin is illuminated, glowy, and has a healthy shine.

Doe Foot

A tool with a small makeup sponge. It is usually found at the bottom of makeup products with applicators such as concealer, liquid lipstick, or lip gloss.

Draping

Draping is very similar to contouring when it comes to the technique however, you use a blusher instead for a softer and more natural-looking appearance.

Eyelid Crease

Your eyelid crease is usually referred to when you apply eyeshadow. The crease can be located in a number of ways. One way is to lightly press an eyeshadow brush just above the top of your eyelid but below your eyebrow bone, you should be able to feel where the eye 'falls in'. This is your eyelid crease.

Flashback

Certain makeup products (loose powder or foundation are usually the culprits) can cause a white cast on the skin when a photograph is taken with the flash on.

Kabuki Brush

A kabuki brush typically has a short handle and dense, compact bristles making them great to easily build coverage on the skin when using powder foundation. PRIORI Large Kabuki Brush is perfect for touching up makeup on the go.

Lip Stain

A makeup item that is applied to the lips and then temporarily leaves a soft stain to naturally colour the lips all day long. Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip & Chain Stain is our favourite.

Matte Skin

Matte skin is referring to the finish on your complexion. A matte makeup product has no shine making it ideal for oily skin types.

Monochromatic Makeup

The makeup term 'monochromatic makeup' is created when the same colour, tone, or hue is used across your eyes, lips, and cheeks. It has been a popular trend for a few years and shows no sign of slowing down.

No Makeup Makeup Look

A makeup look that makes the face look naturally flawless, as if you have nothing on. Most of the focus goes into the skin and perfecting it.

Pilling

Pilling looks like tiny little bobbles on your skin after applying makeup. It can happen for a number of reasons. You may need to exfoliate more regularly, you may have applied too many skincare products or too many incompatible products together and your skin can't absorb them properly.

Primer

Primer is used prior to applying makeup in order to prep the skin. It helps to increase longevity, wear, application, and overall finish.

A related blog regarding primer and whether you need it is here

Setting Spray

A spray that can be used after applying makeup to set it in place and enhance longevity. It can also be used if the face looks overly powdered or throughout the day to refresh the complexion.

Stippling Brush

A makeup brush that is used to apply complexion products such as foundation, powder, and bronzer. Unlike traditional brushes, stippling brushes have 2 layers of bristles. The top layer picks up the product and the bottom layer is denser helping to blend the product to avoid any unwanted harsh lines.

Tightline/Tightlining

A fine line underneath the upper lash line. You can get to it by very slightly lifting up the eyelid. Applying eyeliner here can help to add extra intensity and definition to looks while also making the natural eyelashes look thicker.

Waterline

The same as a tight line but on the lower lash line. Applying eyeliner here can help to add intensity and definition to looks, especially a smoky eye.

Skin Undertone

Your undertone is the colour from underneath the surface of your skin that affects your overall hue. You are either a cool, warm, or neutral undertone.

A related blog regarding finding out what your skin undertone is here

Have You Learnt Anything New?

Now that you know the basics of makeup terms, you can shop for all of your products with confidence. If there’s a term that you still don’t quite understand, be sure to get in contact with us for full clarification! We love helping people find the perfect products for their needs and we want to make sure that you have all the information you need before making your next purchase.

So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring our selection of makeup here right now and become a beauty expert in no time.

If you need some more help regarding makeup, feel free to ask us! All products recommended above are available to purchase at Dermacare Direct with free tracked delivery via Royal Mail. We can help with our expert advice and top tips making your makeup shopping stress-free. You can contact us by live chat, email via [email protected], or pick up the phone now and call us on phone number 0116 251 4848 to speak directly with a friendly advisor.