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Most Useful English Words for Cosmetics

Most Useful English Words for Cosmetics

International English Test Editorial Team·13 Dec 2023·3 min read

Navigating cosmetics and makeup discussions can be tricky due to the multitude of terms. Here’s a list of vocabulary and phrases to ease the conversation.Previously, I covered the topic of hair and hairstyles in English. Now, let’s delve into some useful words and phrases related to cosmetics and makeup in English. This will enhance your confidence when discussing makeup and cosmetics, enabling you to identify different products while shopping or browsing online in various countries.

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Names of Makeup Products in English

Begin by reviewing this compilation of English vocabulary words. It includes the names of fundamental products associated with makeup that are commonly used by individuals.

  •         concealer
  •         liquid eyeliner
  •         eyeshadow
  •         face tint, tinted moisturizer
  •         highlighter, brightener, illuminator
  •         blush, rouge
  •         bronzer
  •         powder
  •         brow gel
  •         lip gloss
  •         lip liner
  •        makeup
  •         cosmetics
  •         beauty
  •         makeup base, primer
  •         mascara
  •         face cream, moisturizer
  •         lipstick
  •         nail polish
  •         tanning lotion, fake tan
  •         facial cleanser
  •         toner

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English Phrases & Vocabulary About Cosmetics

Now, I’ll provide you with beneficial English phrases connected to everyday skincare and makeup.Master these phrases and incorporate them into your conversations. Enhance your vocabulary!

Phrases and vocabulary cleansing and caring for skin:

  •         to rinse off all the dirt and makeup
  •         to exfoliate skin
  •         to rejuvenate the complexion
  •         to cleanse skin
  •         gently rub the cream in
  •         to smooth out wrinkles
  •         to remove makeup

Phrases about makeup

  •         a lot of makeup
  •         to apply the bronzer all over the face, neck and décolleté
  •         to hide spots and flaws or blemishes of the skin
  •         types of mascara: volumizing, lash-defining, waterproof, lengthening, and curling
  •         to use eyelash curlers
  •         to use a lip balm
  •         skin glowing with health

Engaging in regular physical activity is an effective method for enhancing your skin’s condition. Likewise, maintaining a well-balanced diet is equally advantageous. Therefore, incorporate exercise, increase your water intake, attend to your skin, and opt for high-quality cosmetics.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A highlighter, also called a brightener or illuminator, adds light and glow to areas of the face, while a bronzer adds warmth and a sun-kissed tone. The vocabulary list groups blush and rouge together as the same product, and treats highlighter, brightener, and illuminator as interchangeable terms you will see on packaging in different countries.
For colour and coverage you have concealer, foundation alternatives like face tint and tinted moisturizer, blush or rouge for the cheeks, bronzer for warmth, and powder to set the look. A makeup base, also known as primer, goes on first to help everything stay in place before you apply the rest.
The post lists five main kinds you should be able to name: volumizing, lash-defining, waterproof, lengthening, and curling mascara. Each describes a different effect, so knowing these terms helps you choose the right product when shopping abroad or reading labels in English.
Useful skincare phrases include to rinse off all the dirt and makeup, to cleanse skin, to exfoliate skin, to rejuvenate the complexion, to gently rub the cream in, to smooth out wrinkles, and to remove makeup. These verbs and collocations let you describe a full skincare routine naturally in conversation.
You can say to apply the bronzer all over the face, neck and décolleté, or to hide spots and flaws or blemishes of the skin. Other handy expressions are to use eyelash curlers, to use a lip balm, and describing skin glowing with health, which all help when discussing how you put on or talk about makeup.
Lipstick gives solid colour and coverage to the lips, lip gloss adds shine and a wet-looking finish, and lip liner is used to outline and define the shape of the lips before colour goes on. All three appear in the makeup product list, so learning them together makes shopping for lip products clearer.
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International English Test Editorial Team

ALTE Associate Member · UK English assessment provider · Est. 2023

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