When it comes to the beauty world, there are many trendy phrases, makeup buzzwords, and technical skincare labels. Those can sometimes feel confusing, especially with people who aren’t familiar with the beauty world. Therefore, understanding beauty jargon can help you make smarter choices when shopping for beauty products.
Here are some of the most common beauty terms decoded in simple language.
1. Non Comedogenic
One of the most common pieces of beauty jargon, “non-comedogenic” means a product is formulated to avoid clogging pores. This term often appears on skincare and makeup products designed for acne-prone or oily skin. While it does not guarantee breakouts will never happen, it usually means the product is less likely to contribute to blocked pores.
Non-comedogenic skincare recommendations:
2. Patchy
The key to avoiding patchy makeup is having moisturized skin. This is because foundation application can cause uneven skin texture. In some cases, it can even cause dryness and flaking. To fix patchy foundations, try to keep your skin moisturized and use a primer.
3. Hyaluronic Acid
When it comes to the word “acid” many people are getting scared of it. However, hyaluronic acid is a normal ingredient to many beauty products. In fact, your body even makes hyaluronic acid naturally. Which is a naturally-occurring sugar that keeps your skin hydrated and fabulous. Since hyaluronic acid brings moisture to the surface of your skin. Therefore, if you want celebrity-level dewy skin, pick a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic Acid skincare recommendations:
4. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are commonly used as facial treatments to prevent acne caused by daily, long-term mask use. The technique involves chemical exfoliation. This treatment works to smooth and improve skin texture. Chemical peels can exfoliate dead skin cells and help regenerate skin that has been shown to slow down premature aging.
5. Fragrance-Free vs Unscented
These two beauty terms are often confused. “Fragrance-free” means no fragrance ingredients are added, while “unscented” means a product may still contain ingredients that mask odors. Understanding this beauty jargon can be especially helpful for sensitive skin.
Fragrance-free body care recommendations:
6. Creasing
Creasing typically occurs around smile lines, under the eyes, and on the eyelids. The term “creasing” refers to makeup cracking. It’s a common term. Makeup breakage on the eyelids can occur due to oily skin. On the face, it’s usually caused by foundation or concealer that hasn’t dried properly. As a result, your makeup is ruined, resulting in a smoky eye effect.
7. Paraben
Parabens are preservatives commonly used in skincare and cosmetics to prevent mold, bacteria, and other microbes from growing, helping products stay safe and last longer. However, they remain controversial due to concerns about possible hormone disruption, which is why many shoppers now choose paraben-free products as a precaution.
Paraben-free hair product recommendations:
8. Swatch
The term “swatch” refers to applying a makeup or skincare product to your hand. It’s used to determine which color and texture will match your skin tone. This term is more commonly used in makeup applications. A swatch is also a way to demonstrate the pigment of a product when applied to the skin.
9. Active Ingredients
Active ingredients are the components in skincare products that are specifically included to target a skin concern, such as acne, dark spots, or fine lines. Common active ingredients include retinol, niacinamide, salicylic acid, and vitamin C. Understanding this beauty jargon can help you choose products more effectively.
10. Matte Finish
A matte finish refers to a product that creates a shine-free, velvety look on the skin. This type of beauty jargon is commonly used for foundations, powders, lipsticks, and sunscreens designed for oily or combination skin types.
Those are common beauty terms actually mean. Understanding common beauty jargon can help you build a better beauty routine, shop smarter, and know exactly what you need. Once you decode beauty jargon, buying beauty products such as skincare or makeup can become much less confusing.