Confused by beauty jargon? We’ve got you covered! Discover clear, easy definitions from A to Z and level up your skincare, haircare, and makeup game.
A
AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid): Water-based exfoliant that removes dull skin cells for a glow.
Antioxidant: Protects skin from pollution and sun damage.
Ampoule: Concentrated serum that boosts hydration or radiance.
Argan Oil: Nourishing oil for soft, shiny hair.
Aftershave: Soothes skin after shaving.
Algae Extract: Hydrates and strengthens skin barrier.
Acne: Inflammatory skin condition causing pimples.
Alcohol-Free: Skincare or makeup free from drying alcohols.
Aloe Vera: Soothes and hydrates skin naturally.
Anti-Aging: Products or treatments that reduce visible signs of aging.
B
BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid): Oil-soluble exfoliant that unclogs pores.
BB Cream: Lightweight product combining moisturizer, SPF, and tint.
Baking: Makeup technique to lock foundation with powder.
Barrier Cream: Strengthens skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Blush: Adds color to cheeks.
Bronzer: Gives skin a sun-kissed glow.
Brightening: Ingredients or products that make skin radiant.
Brush Cleaner: Cleans makeup brushes.
Brow Gel: Defines and sets eyebrows.
Body Lotion: Hydrates skin all over the body.
C
Clean Beauty: Products made without harmful chemicals or toxins.
Collagen: Protein that keeps skin firm and youthful.
Contour: Makeup shading technique for sculpted features.
Comedogenic: Ingredients likely to clog pores.
Cleanser: Removes dirt, makeup, and excess oil from skin.
Concealer: Covers blemishes, dark circles, or imperfections.
Cushion Compact: Liquid foundation in a compact with sponge applicator.
Cuticle Oil: Moisturizes and strengthens nail cuticles.
Clay Mask: Absorbs excess oil and detoxifies skin.
Color Correcting: Neutralizes unwanted tones in skin with makeup.
D
Double Cleansing: Washing face with oil cleanser then foam cleanser.
Dewy Finish: Glowy, radiant look in makeup or skin.
Dry Shampoo: Absorbs excess oil for refreshed hair.
Dermarolling: Micro-needling to boost collagen.
Detox Mask: Removes impurities from skin.
Dermatologist-Tested: Evaluated for safety by skin experts.
Dimethicone: Silicone that smooths skin or hair.
Day Cream: Moisturizer used during the day, often with SPF.
Dark Circles: Discoloration under the eyes.
Drying Lotion: Spot treatment for acne.
E
Exfoliation: Removes dead skin cells for smoother skin.
Essence: Lightweight step that preps skin for serums.
Emollient: Softens and soothes rough or dry skin.
Eye Cream: Hydrates delicate under-eye area.
Evening Primrose Oil: Nourishing oil for skin balance.
Elasticity: Skin’s ability to stretch and bounce back.
Eye Serum: Concentrated treatment for under-eye concerns.
Enzyme Mask: Gentle exfoliant using natural enzymes.
Eyebrow Pencil: Fills and defines brows.
Essential Oil: Natural oil with therapeutic properties for skin or hair.
F
Foundation: Base makeup that evens out skin tone.
Face Oil: Locks in moisture and adds glow.
Frizz: Hair strands that appear dry or unruly due to humidity.
Full Coverage: Makeup finish that hides all imperfections.
Foaming Cleanser: Lathers to remove dirt and oil.
Face Mist: Hydrating spray to refresh skin.
Foundation Brush: Tool to apply foundation evenly.
Facial Roller: Tool to massage and improve circulation.
Faux Tan: Temporary self-tanning product.
Ferulic Acid: Antioxidant that boosts vitamin C and E.
G
Glycolic Acid: AHA that brightens and refines texture.
Glass Skin: Clear, luminous, poreless skin trend.
Gua Sha: Stone tool that lifts and promotes circulation.
Glow: Healthy, radiant skin appearance.
Gel Cleanser: Gel-textured cleanser for oily or combination skin.
Green Tea Extract: Antioxidant-rich ingredient for skin soothing.
Glycerin: Moisture-binding ingredient for hydration.
Gloss: Shiny lip or cheek product.
Grainy Scrub: Physical exfoliant with small particles.
Ginger Root: Ingredient to stimulate scalp circulation.
H
Hyaluronic Acid: Attracts and retains skin moisture.
Highlight: Brightens high points of the face.
Heat Protectant: Protects hair from styling damage.
Hydration: Refers to skin’s water content.
Hair Serum: Adds shine and smoothness to hair.
Highlighter Brush: Tool to apply highlighter.
Honey Mask: Hydrating and antibacterial mask.
Hair Mask: Intensive treatment for hair repair.
Hair Oil: Nourishing oil to improve hair texture.
Hair Gel: Styling product for hold and shine.
I
Illuminator: Adds shimmer and light reflection to skin.
Inflammation: Redness or irritation response in skin.
Ingredient List: Displays all formula ingredients in order.
Ice Roller: Tool to reduce puffiness and inflammation.
Illuminating Primer: Prepares skin and adds subtle glow.
In-Shower Moisturizer: Hydrating product applied in shower.
Intense Mask: Deep treatment for hydration or repair.
Inner Lip Tint: Light color applied inside lips for natural look.
Instant Brow Gel: Quick-setting brow product.
Iso-Biotic Cream: Probiotic-infused skincare to balance skin.
J
Jade Roller: Facial tool that helps depuff and soothe.
Jojoba Oil: Natural oil that balances skin’s sebum.
Juicy Skin: Trend describing plump, hydrated skin.
Jelly Cleanser: Soft, gel-like cleanser.
Jumbo Lipstick: Large stick for bold color.
Japanese Beauty: Skincare philosophy emphasizing minimalism and hydration.
Jelly Mask: Hydrating mask with jelly texture.
Jet Black Mascara: Deep black mascara for dramatic lashes.
Juice Cleanse for Skin: Topical antioxidant treatment using fruit extracts.
Jade Soap: Soap infused with jade powder for glow.
K
K-Beauty: Korean skincare emphasizing hydration and layering.
Keratin: Protein that strengthens hair and nails.
Kohl: Traditional eye cosmetic similar to eyeliner.
Kaolin Clay: Gentle clay that absorbs excess oil.
Key Ingredients: Main active ingredients in a product.
Kickstart Serum: Energizing serum for dull skin.
Knockout Mask: Intensive mask for skin repair.
Kombucha Extract: Fermented ingredient that soothes skin.
Kneading Massage: Technique to improve blood circulation.
Kit: Collection of skincare or makeup products sold together.
L
Lactic Acid: Gentle exfoliant that smooths and hydrates.
Leave-In Conditioner: Moisturizing treatment left in hair.
Lip Tint: Long-lasting color stain for lips.
Light Coverage: Natural, sheer foundation finish.
Loose Powder: Fine powder to set makeup.
Luminous: Radiant, glowing skin appearance.
Lip Balm: Moisturizes and protects lips.
Lash Serum: Promotes lash growth and thickness.
Lip Liner: Defines lip shape and prevents feathering.
Liquid Highlighter: Creamy product for a natural glow.
M
Micellar Water: Gentle cleanser removing makeup and dirt.
Matte Finish: Shine-free makeup look.
Moisturizer: Hydrating product that seals in moisture.
Mineral Sunscreen: Uses zinc oxide for sun protection.
Mask: Treatment for skin or hair concerns.
Makeup Primer: Prepares skin and extends makeup wear.
Makeup Remover: Cleanses off makeup effectively.
Mattifying Powder: Reduces shine for oily skin.
Microdermabrasion: Exfoliation treatment for smoother skin.
Magnesium Oil: Mineral oil that improves skin barrier.
N
Niacinamide: Brightens skin and reduces redness.
Non-Comedogenic: Won’t clog pores.
Nude Makeup: Minimal, natural makeup look.
Nourishing Oil: Hydrates and repairs hair or skin.
Nail Strengthener: Protects and strengthens nails.
Night Cream: Hydrating and repairing moisturizer for nighttime.
Natural Extract: Ingredient sourced from plants or herbs.
Neutral Tone: Balanced undertone suitable for all skin.
Nutricosmetic: Oral supplement promoting skin, hair, or nail health.
Nano-Emulsion: Ultra-fine formula for better skin absorption.
O
Oily Skin: Skin that produces excess sebum.
Ombre: Gradient color technique for hair or makeup.
Organic Beauty: Uses certified organic ingredients.
Overnight Mask: Applied at night for hydration and repair.
Olive Oil: Nourishing oil for skin and hair.
Oil-Free: Products without oil for lighter texture.
Oxidation: Change in product color due to air exposure.
Obagi: Skincare brand known for medical-grade products.
Oat Extract: Soothes and calms sensitive skin.
Open Pores: Enlarged pores visible on skin surface.
P
Paraben-Free: Made without chemical preservatives.
Peptides: Amino acids that promote collagen production.
Primer: Smooths skin before makeup.
Pore Minimizer: Reduces visible pores.
Powder Foundation: Compact powder base for coverage.
Physical Sunscreen: Blocks UV rays with minerals like zinc oxide.
Perfume: Fragrance product for body or hair.
Plumping Lip: Adds volume and hydration to lips.
Patch Test: Checking product for skin reaction before use.
Professional Brush: High-quality tool for makeup application.
Q
Quercetin: Antioxidant that calms redness and irritation.
Quick-Dry: Formula that sets or dries fast.
Quinoa Extract: Nourishing, protein-rich ingredient.
Quartz Roller: Facial tool for massage and lifting.
Queen Bee Mask: Honey-infused mask for hydration.
Quality Seal: Certification for tested, high-standard products.
Quenching Serum: Intense hydration serum.
Quick-Absorb Cream: Moisturizer that penetrates rapidly.
Quilted Sheet Mask: Sheet mask with textured surface for better absorption.
Quench Mist: Hydrating facial spray.
R
Retinol: Vitamin A that boosts skin renewal.
Rosehip Oil: Brightens and evens skin tone.
Rejuvenation: Restoring youth and vitality to skin.
Radiance: Glow and brightness of skin.
Rosacea: Redness-prone skin condition.
Refining Scrub: Exfoliant for smoother texture.
Root Lifting Spray: Adds volume at hair roots.
Recovery Cream: Restorative moisturizer for damaged skin.
Rose Water: Hydrating and soothing facial mist.
Resurfacing Acid: Chemical exfoliant for renewal.
S
Serum: Concentrated treatment targeting specific skin concerns.
Sunscreen: Protects skin from harmful UV rays.
Sheet Mask: Pre-soaked mask for hydration and treatment.
Setting Spray: Locks makeup in place.
Scrub: Physical exfoliant to remove dead skin.
Silicone-Free: Product without silicone ingredients.
Split Ends: Damaged hair tips needing trimming.
Shampoo: Cleanses hair and scalp.
Soft Focus Powder: Blurs imperfections for a smooth look.
Sun Protection Factor (SPF): Indicates sunscreen’s UVB protection level.
T
Toner: Balances skin pH and preps for serum.
Texture: The feel and appearance of skin or hair.
Temporary Hair Color: Washable color for hair styling.
Tinted Moisturizer: Lightweight product with hydration and slight coverage.
Thermal Spray: Heat protectant for styling tools.
Trichology: Study of hair and scalp health.
Translucent Powder: Colorless powder to set makeup.
Tea Tree Oil: Natural antiseptic for acne-prone skin.
Tinted Lip Balm: Hydrates lips while adding color.
Touch-Up Kit: Compact set for on-the-go makeup fixes.
U
UV Protection: Shields skin from UVA/UVB rays.
Under Eye Gel: Reduces puffiness and dark circles.
Ultra-Hydrating: Deeply moisturizes and nourishes skin.
Undertone: Subtle hue under skin affecting foundation match.
Unfragranced: Product free from artificial scents.
Updo: Hairstyle where hair is pinned up.
Ultra-Light Serum: Fast-absorbing lightweight treatment.
Uplifting Mask: Energizes and brightens dull skin.
Underarm Cream: Soothes and hydrates sensitive underarm skin.
Universal Shade: Makeup shade suitable for all skin tones.
V
Vitamin C: Brightening antioxidant that evens skin tone.
Volumizing Shampoo: Adds body and thickness to hair.
Vegan Beauty: Products without animal ingredients or testing.
Velvet Finish: Smooth, soft makeup look.
Vitamin E: Antioxidant that protects and repairs skin.
Volumizer: Product that adds fullness to hair or lashes.
Vial Ampoule: Single-use concentrated serum.
Velour Lipstick: Matte yet soft-textured lipstick.
Visibly Clear: Promotes clearer skin appearance.
Vaporizer: Device for hydrating mist application.
W
Wash-Off Mask: Mask removed with water after use.
Water-Based Cleanser: Gentle cleanser for all skin types.
Whitening Cream: Brightens skin tone and reduces spots.
Wet-Look Gel: Hairstyling product for glossy finish.
Warming Mask: Activates circulation and deep cleansing.
Waxing: Hair removal using wax strips or hot wax.
Wickless Candle Mask: Spa mask that warms without flame.
Water Cream: Lightweight moisturizer with water-based formula.
Wrinkle Filler: Reduces appearance of fine lines.
Wrist Test: Patch test to check skin reaction.
X
Xanthan Gum: Thickening agent in skincare and makeup.
Xerosis: Extremely dry skin condition.
Xylitol: Sugar alcohol used in lip balms for hydration.
Xerophytic Extract: Plant-based ingredient for dry skin.
Xenobiotic-Free: No synthetic pollutants or harmful chemicals.
X-Boost Serum: Enhances skin regeneration.
Xylocare: Ingredient blend to soothe and protect skin barrier.
X-Foil Sheet Mask: Sealing mask to maximize absorption.
X-Glow Cream: Illuminating moisturizer for radiant skin.
Xpert Eye Gel: Targeted treatment for dark circles and puffiness.
Y
Ylang Ylang Oil: Fragrant oil with balancing properties for skin and hair.
Yeast Extract: Supports skin renewal and hydration.
Yellow Undertone: Skin tone with warm, golden base.
Yogurt Mask: Hydrating and soothing facial mask.
Youth Serum: Anti-aging treatment promoting elasticity.
Yarrow Extract: Calms irritation and redness.
Yoga for Face: Facial exercises to tone muscles.
Yeast Ferment: Boosts skin texture and moisture retention.
Y-Brush: Specialized brush for precise makeup application.
Yellow Clay: Detoxifying clay for oily skin types.
Z
Zinc Oxide: Mineral sunscreen ingredient protecting from UVA/UVB.
Zero Waste Beauty: Eco-friendly products with minimal packaging.
Zesty Face Mask: Mask with citrus extracts for brightening.
Zoom Brow: Eyebrow gel for instant lift and hold.
Zinc PCA: Controls oil and prevents breakouts.
Zinc Soap: Anti-inflammatory soap for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Zebra Stripes Contour: Makeup technique using light and dark shades.
Zymase Extract: Enzyme-based ingredient for gentle exfoliation.
Zeolite: Mineral used to detoxify skin.
Zinc Sulfate: Ingredient for acne treatment and skin soothing.
Beauty terms can feel confusing — but now you can shop, read, and care for your skin like a pro! Want a term added? Submit it below!
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