It’s Just Industry Talk: 10 Makeup Industry Terms and What They Mean

Every industry has its own lingo that only people in that industry are familiar with. These are 10 makeup industry terms that you should know if you’re interested in makeup….

#1. Baking

baking

Baking isn’t just for the kitchen! In fact, the drag community has used baking to set their foundation and concealer for years! In makeup, the term “baking” refers to the act of applying translucent powder over concealer and letting it sit for an average of five to ten minutes. This process allows concealer to set without creasing and leaves a flawless finish.

#2. Contour & Highlighting

 contour_highlighting

Contouring provides a more sculpted look. A sculpted look can be achieved by shading your face with colors that are darker than your skin tone (contouring). Most MUAs and beauty gurus contour cheekbones, jawlines and noses. You can apply contour wherever you want for a more chiseled look. Using lighter colors, highlighting (not just for notes in class) brings out features you want to enhance. You can also create a shiny or dewy look. The best way to apply highlight is to apply a lighter or glittery shade to the highest points of your face.

#3. Cut Crease

cut crease

No paper or scissors required for this look! Creating a “cut crease” is a technique that helps define the crease of the eye. This technique can be achieved through different processes. The cleanest and easiest way to accomplish a “cut crease” is to apply a darker eye shadow to the crease of the eye, apply a concealer or eye primer to the eyelid, then apply the lighter eye shadow on top of the concealed eyelid. This makes the eye look brighter and bigger.

#4. Overline
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Kylie Jenner will have nothing on you once you learn this tip. This term is used for overlining the lip area prior to applying a lipstick. The most effective way to overline lips is to only overline slightly; it creates a more natural, fuller look.

#5. Root Stamping
root stamping

Forget about the post office! Root stamping refers to carefully stamping mascara at the root of the eyelashes to achieve a thicker, fuller lash look. The easiest way to achieve this look is by using a curved wand; this makes it easier to follow the shape of your eye.

#6. Stippling

stippling

MAC Stippling Brush

Stippling is a really great application process to use for foundation and concealer. It helps hide imperfections such as acne scars, discolorations and blemishes. Put the foundation onto a flat surface, such as a mixing palette, gently dip the brush into the foundation, and then dot the foundation onto the skin. Following this, use the stippling brush in light buffing motions to work the product into the skin.

#7. Strobing
strobing
No, this has nothing to do with strobe lights. Strobing is the act of adding only highlights to the high points of your face. This is used to brighten parts of your face. It is the opposite of contouring. Strobing creates a natural looking glow with less emphasis on adding shadows to your face (contouring).

#8. Tightlining
tightlining

Tightlining helps add a more defined look to the eyes. The secret to tightlining is to, using waterproof eyeliner, gently line in between the top lashes. This creates a no-makeup makeup look and creates a fuller eyelash look.

#9. Waterlining
waterline

No water needed! Waterlining is gently applying waterproof eyeliner to the waterline. You can do this on both the top and bottom waterline. Waterlining creates the illusion of smaller eyes, and more intensity focused on the eye itself.

#10. Setting
setting2

For a lasting look, setting your makeup can help your makeup look fresh for hours after it has been applied. Setting makeup can be done with loose finishing powder, pressed powder, or setting spray. It depends on which type of look you may be going for; loose finishing powder and pressed powder will create a more matte look and setting spray will create a more dewy look.
  
Is there a term listed here that you didn’t know prior to reading this list? Is there something else you would like defined? Let us know in the comment section below!

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