Makeup Glossary
The terms every professional makeup artist knows — short, clear definitions.
- Pigment
- Pure colored particle that gives a product its color. Higher pigment percentage means more opaque, more vivid color.
- Matte
- Flat, non-reflective finish. Common in lipsticks, powders and single shadows; reads as clean, modern and chic.
- Shimmer
- Fine reflective particles that catch the light. Used to highlight cheekbones, nose bridge or lid center for a 3D effect.
- Satin
- A texture between matte and shimmer. Soft glow without visible glitter. A signature of the B Cosmic line.
- Concealer
- A product to cover blemishes, dark circles and uneven tone. Comes in multiple shades and sometimes corrective colors (green to neutralize redness).
- Primer
- A makeup base that separates the skin from the colored makeup, smooths the texture and improves wear.
- Halo
- Central area: forehead, nose bridge, cheekbone edges — often highlighted with shimmer or highlighter.
- Highlighter
- A shimmery / metallic product that brings out chosen areas of the face. Similar to shimmer but usually richer.
- Contour
- A darker product paired with blush to shade areas, sculpt face structure and define cheekbones.
- Tint
- A translucent or semi-translucent color for lips and cheeks. Differs from lipstick — dyes the tissue from within.
- Gloss
- A liquid or semi-liquid lip product for shine. May include light pigment for color effect.
- Lip Liner
- A professional pencil to outline lips, prevent feathering and define shape.
- Palette
- A package with multiple shades — eyeshadows, lipsticks or contour. Lets you build a full look from one source.
- Eyeliner
- A product to draw on the lash line: liquid, gel, cake (wet powder) or pencil.
- Mascara
- A lash product — volume, length and separation. Comes in black, brown, or white/blue for special effects.
- Baking
- A makeup technique: heavy powder on key areas (under eyes, forehead, chin), wait 5–10 minutes and dust off excess. Creates a smooth, glowing finish.
- Strobing
- An intense highlighting technique — heavy use of highlighter on halo points for a pronounced 3D effect.
- Cut Crease
- An eye-makeup technique: sharp line in the eyelid crease using concealer and pigment. Especially common in bridal makeup.
- Blending
- Softening the transitions between shades with a fluffy brush. One of the most important skills in makeup.
- Transition Shade
- First shade on the lid that creates the foundation for depth in the look. Usually a soft beige-brown.
- Skin Prep
- Preparation before makeup: cleanse, tone, serum and moisturize. Prepared skin holds makeup better and looks more natural.
- Baseline
- The foundation base color — the neutral shade that should match the skin tone so it doesn't look taken-on.