Doesn’t it seem like every day there is a new…
It’s important for us makeup lovers to at least try to make sense of it all. So I’ve compiled this glossary of makeup terms and definitions to help clear up the picture and you’ll soon be a pro on all things makeup!
Primer
This is a product that smoothens out your skin before applying foundation and reduces the appearance of pores for a flawless finish. Primer eases the application of makeup and is meant to create a barrier between the makeup and your skin helping your makeup last throughout the day.
BB Cream
BB stands for blemish balm. It’s an all in one product that can act as a foundation, moisturizer, primer and sunblock and has gained quite a following because of its light-weight formula.
Matte
You’ve probably heard of terms like ‘mattifying’ or ‘Matte finish’. Well what this simply means is - No shine. When you’re talking about a mattyfying primer or mattifying foundation, what it means is that there is no glimmer and no shimmer particles in that product. Such ‘mattifying’ products are great if you are looking to keep the shine away all day.
Baking
While chocolate chip cookies may come to mind (I don’t blame you!), this is actually the process of setting your powder by allowing it to sit or “cook” on your face for upwards of 10 minutes.
This allows the heat of your skin to set your foundation and concealer. You then dust off the powder for a flawless and crease-free finish.
Contouring
Contouring was made famous by Hollywood celebrity Kim Kardashian, referred to by some as the 'Queen of contouring'.
This technique is used to enhance or create the illusion of shape to one’s facial structure through the use of a dark (bronzer, foundation) and light (highlighter) makeup. For example, creating the appearance of higher cheekbones, a smaller forehead or a slimmer nose (skinny nose) and chin.
Highlighting
This is where things get fun. A highlighter is a shimmery powder (or cream) that brings light (well technically, it reflects light, giving an illuminated look) to your face.
It's usually applied on the high points of the face to accentuate them. For example, it's applied on the high points of the cheekbones to accentuate high cheekbones, on the forehead, bridge of nose, tip of nose and chin.
Bronzer
A powder that is a few shades darker than your skin. This is used for bronzing up the face (giving a sun kissed glow), or for contouring. Matte bronzers are used for contouring, while shimmery ones are used for bronzing up the face.
Tightlining
This is a pro technique of applying your eyeliner at the base of your lashes and not on top of your lids like you would normally do.
By filling your lash line, your eyes will appear bigger than before. It’s one of those “no-makeup makeup” looks that’s trending.
Finishing spray
A spray that goes on once your entire makeup look is complete. It sets everything in place, and sometimes, makes it waterproof!
And that's about it for this edition of terms commonly used in the makeup world. I'm sure they will come in handy.
Hugs, Ruthie.
Makeup and Model: Ruthie for Make-up by Ruthie
Photography: George Ndagu