If you’re just starting out with makeup, learning all the beauty-related terms can feel overwhelming. Words like pigmented, base, or matte can sound confusing if you’ve never come across them before—I didn’t fully understand many of them until I looked them up myself! To make things easier, here’s a helpful guide to common makeup terms so you’ll know exactly what to look for when choosing products or trying new techniques.
1. Waterline
There are so many makeup terms related to the eyes—and even more ways to apply eyeliner—that the word waterline can definitely be confusing. The waterline refers to the inner rim of your eye, right along the lash line and closest to the eye itself. This is where eyeliner is often applied to make the eyes look more defined and intense, and it tends to stay in place better inside the eye.
2. Matte
So, what does matte actually mean? When I say I’m using a matte foundation, it simply means there’s no shine involved. Matte products contain no shimmer, glitter, or reflective particles. If your goal is to control shine throughout the day—especially if you have oily skin—matte foundation is an excellent option.
3. Original Glow
I honestly didn’t understand this term until I did some research myself. The main difference between original glow and regular glow lies in the finish. Original glow products are designed to add noticeable shine and radiance to your look. You can often find this finish in creams, highlighters, and especially bronzers. If you want extra sparkle and luminosity, original glow products are the way to go.
4. Shimmery
Do you know what “shimmery“ actually means? I didn’t—until I looked it up. A shimmery finish reflects light and adds a glow to the skin. While shimmer looks beautiful in person, it’s not always ideal for photos since it reflects flash. For photography, matte products are often better. I personally love shimmer, but when cameras are involved, matte is usually the safer choice 📸✨
“Enhancing your beauty doesn’t always mean choosing shine. More women are now embracing matte finishes. With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a flawless, soft glow without extra shine. These incredible matte makeup tutorials can help you master the look and enhance your natural complexion effortlessly.”
5. Pigmented
I wrote about beauty pigments not long ago, but do you know what a cosmetic pigment really is? Pigments are finely milled, highly concentrated color particles. The more pigmented a product is, the richer and longer-lasting the color will be. Pigments can be used to create vibrant eyeshadows, lipsticks, blushes, and more. The stronger the pigmentation, the better the color payoff.
6. Concealer
Most people know what concealer is, but many don’t realize how versatile it can be. While it’s commonly used to cover dark circles and under-eye bags, concealer can also hide acne, redness, scars, and even tattoos. With so many different formulas available, the key is finding one that works best for your skin type and needs.
7. Mineral
The final makeup term on our list is mineral. Mineral makeup is usually lightweight, often in powder form, and provides excellent coverage without clogging pores. It’s typically made from natural ingredients and is gentle on the skin. When you choose a quality brand, mineral makeup can even give your skin a more youthful appearance
