Essential
Makeup Terms
You Must Know

Makeup is an incredibly diverse world with its own language. Therefore, you must have at least a basic knowledge of makeup terms if you want to be involved in the beauty industry. Knowing these will give you a better understanding of standard products and techniques.

Go the extra mile and learn about makeup theory here. We’ve gathered a list of basic makeup terms below that you should know. Read on!

The Importance Of Makeup Theory

If you’re into makeup, you probably already know it’s not just about products and tools. In order to create stunning makeup looks, you need to have a good knowledge of makeup theory.

If you want to pursue a career in the beauty industry, this knowledge is essential to being a successful MUA. By learning essential makeup terms, you’ll demonstrate that you understand what you’re doing and can communicate effectively.

11 Must-Know Makeup Terms

These are the terms you should start with:

1. Contouring: Using makeup to create the illusion of shadows on your face enhances your features
2. Highlighting: The opposite of contouring; using makeup creates the illusion of light on your face. Usually, you can use highlighters or shimmering eye shadows.
3. Makeup Blender: A tool used to apply and blend makeup, usually in the form of a sponge.
4. Cut Crease: A technique used to create a defined line between the eyelid and crease. You can do this with concealer, foundation, or an eyeshadow a few shades darker than your skin tone.
5. Halo Eye: A halo eye is an eyeshadow technique that uses a darker eyeshadow that radiates outward and a splash of sparkly color in the middle of the lid. This gives the appearance of larger, rounder eyes.
6. Hitting Pan: This term is used when you’ve used up most of the product in eyeshadow, blush, or powder compact, and you’re running out of it.
7. Foiling: A method of applying eyeshadow wet, which intensifies the color payoff. You can do this by spraying a setting spray on your brush before dipping it into the shadow or using a creamy eyeshadow.
8. Draping: A contouring technique that uses blush instead of bronzer or a darker powder. This is usually done on people with fairer skin tones.
9. Fallout: The eyeshadow, glitter, or other product that ends below your eye when applying makeup. This is usually caused by not using a primer or not tapping off the excess before applying it to your lid.
10. Transfering: When your lipstick or other makeup product rubs off on something else, like your teeth, glass, or straw.
11. Kabuki Brush: A short, dense brush that’s often used for powder products like bronzer or blush.

Find The Most Experienced & Professional Makeup Artists At The Beauty Bar In Yuma, AZ

We got you if you’re interested in working with exceptional makeup artists. At The Beauty Bar, we’ve been helping women feel and look like their best selves with our services since 2018.

We pride ourselves on being able to provide our clients with the best possible experience. Our team of experts is passionate about what they do and takes the time to get to know each client so that we can provide them with personalized service. Reach out to us now and learn more about The Beauty Bar!
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