Makeup Definitions




It can be helpful to understand your makeup definitions. What does it all mean? Confused by the terms on your makeup products? Here’s how to break through the lingo.





Albumin

• Forms a film which lifts wrinkles to the level of surrounding skin. Found in egg whites. As Albumin dries, it shrinks and contracts the skin.

Acne

• An inflammatory skin condition that causes clogging of the pores and oil glands in the face, arms, back and chest. Also known as pimples.

Algae

• Claimed to help tighten and moisturize skin, algae is derived from ocean vegetation and is hydrophylic.

Aloe Vera Gel

• Comprised of juice from the Aloe plant, this natural gel has been used for years to calm and soothe minor irritations. Helps soften the skin’s surface and enhance the natural healing process

Alpha Hydroxy Acid

• A sophisticated compound used to relieve dry skin and loosen cell bonds.

Benzoyl Peroxide

• An antibacterial ingredient commonly used in acne treatments.

Blemish

• An inflamed pore, whitehead or blackhead that can make skin appear irritated and uneven.

Citrus Extracts

• These natural extracts provide a cooling sensation while mildly toning. Particularly effective on oily skin. Family includes: lime, Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit and Mandarin Extracts.

Collagen

• Protein substance found in connective tissue. Frequently used to moisturize.

Dry Skin

• Skin characterized by no oily areas and susceptibility to flaking. Skin is tight and drawn. Complexion is dull. Pores are small.

Elasticity

• The degree of flexibility or tightness in the skin. Reflects the ability of youthful skin to keep its shape.

Exfoliate

• To remove dead, top layers of skin in order to reveal fresh, newer layers of skin.

Folic Acid

• A member of the Vitamin B Complex which is used as a nutrient and emollient. Aids in cell formation.

Glycolic Acid

• Water absorbing acid used to control PH balance.

Hyaluronic Acid

• Forms a water-retaining film to help keep skin hydrated. Smoothes surface irregularities.

Irritant

• An ingredient that causes an undesirable short-term result, such as redness and/or swelling, to the skin.

Jasmine

• Naturally derived skin softening agent.

Lactic Acid

• Extremely gentle yet effective skin freshener.

Liposomes

• Time release capsules which protect the skin. Help maintain skin’s natural moisture balance.

Marine Minerals

• Assorted minerals and trace elements derived from the sea which stimulates the skin and quicken the metabolism. Help to free trapped waste and makes skin smoother.

Normal Skin

• Skin characterized by no apparent signs of oily or dry areas, normal pore size and very few fine lines or wrinkles.

Oily Skin

• Skin characterized by the appearance of shine on the skin and no dry areas. Persons with oily skin generally have enlarged pores.

Papaya Enzymes

• Known for its use as a gentle exfloliante and oil absorbing agent.

PH

• Refers to the percentage of hydrogen and is used to measure acidity levels in cosmetic preparations and in the skin. The higher the skin’s pH value, the more susceptible the skin becomes to bacterial growth and infections

Pore

• The small opening of the sebaceous glands in the skin. Large pores are caused by genetics and age.

Retinyl Palmitate

• A deep penetrating Vitamin A derivative which softens skin as it moisturize.

Retinol

• An acid derived from Vitamin A and often found in milk, eggs and liver. Retinol is used in cosmetics to give skin a more youthful appearance by accelerating skin turnover and temporarily increasing collagen production.

Revitalin

• Derived from an aqueous extract, Revitalin helps to strengthen against pollutants and irritation caused by the sun.

Rosemary Extract

• Extract known to soften, revitalize and stimulate the skin.

Salicylic Acid

• A pharmaceutical treatment that helps dissolve layers of dead skin and prevent follicle clogging. Often used in acne treatment products.

Sea Salt

• Rich in Marine Minerals which stimulate the skin and draw out impurities.

Sensitive Skin

• A skin type that is susceptible to irritants and is often red and blotchy. This type of skin can be prone to allergic reactions to beauty products and is usually sensitive to the sun, wind and cold weather.

Sesame Oil

• Natural oil derived moisturizer particularly effective in makeup removal products.

Shea Butter

• Natural Oil derived from the nut of an East African tree. Extremely emollient and non-comedeogenic.

SPF

• SPFAcronym for Sun Protection Factor. A higher SPF means more protection from the sun. Measured in multiples of the skin’s natural protection. SPF 15 is equal to 15 times the skin’s natural sun defense. Generally, SPF 15 is considered the minimum recommended sun protection.

Toner

• A toner product used after cleansing the skin to help control surface oils and normalize the skin’s pH level to provide defense against bacteria.

T-Zone

• The area across the center of the forehead and along the nose where most of the oil glands on the face are located.

Vitamin E

• Protective antioxidant which guards against environmental stress. Works synergistically with vitamin C.

Wiper

• A plastic insert located at the top of a mascara tube that regulates the amount of mascara deposited onto the brush. Can also be found in other liquid-based products such as liquid concealer, foundation, lipcolor or lip gloss

Witch Hazel

• A natural astringent made from leaves of Hamamelus Virginiana. This extract is gently antiseptic and acts as a non-drying natural astringent. Mildly tightens the tones.


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