Glossary: Product Types

A

Ampoules

Skincare
A higher concentration of an Essence, with much more active ingredient. Ingredient blend is dependant on skincare goal.

B

Blush

Cosmetics
A colour cosmetic used on the cheeks and face to add colour and warmth. Can be cream, liquid or powder with a matte or metallic finish.

C

Chemical Exfoliant

Skincare
The use of enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells from the skin with no scrubbing.

Colour Correct

Cosmetics
To cover up a specific colour issue on the skin with an opposite colour on the colour wheel to cancel out the initial problem colour. This helps to neutralise the skin and create an even toned base once foundation or concealer are applied.

Concealer

Cosmetics
A colour cosmetic used to conceal blemishes and impefections such as discolouration, acne, dark circles etc. It can also be used to brighten the face. It can be cream or liquid with a variety of finishes from matte to satin.

Contour

Cosmetics
A colour cosmetic used to create shadow and shading on the face to give more definition to areas that would cast a shadow such as cheekbones and jawline. It can be cream, liquid or powder and is usually matte.

E

Emmolient

Skincare
A type of skincare product used to hydrate and moisturise the skin whilst creating a protective barrier. Usually consisting of oils, it helps to soften and soothe skin issues.

Essence

Skincare
Essence is a concentrated formula that targets wrinkles, fine lines and dull complextion. Working at a cellular level it will have a specific active ingredient depending on the type of Essence, that will work to increase cell turnover. They can come in a variety of textures depending on their function.

Eyebrow Gel

Cosmetics
A colour cosmetic that is used to hold eyebrow hairs in place. They are usually transparent but can have colour. They come in mostly natural shades and are usually a tube and wand applicator with a spoolie or comb tip.

Eyebrow Pencil

Cosmetics
A colour cosmetic that is used to enhance and fill in eyebrows. They are also used to draw in individual hairs. They come in mostly natural shades and are in the form of a pencil applicator.

Eyebrow Pomade

Cosmetics
A colour cosmetic that is used to enhance and fill in eyebrows. They are used to fill in the brows softly. They come in mostly natural shades and are usually a cream texture.

Eyebrow Powder

Cosmetics
A colour cosmetic that is used to enhance and fill in eyebrows. They are used to fill in the brows softly. They come in mostly natural shades and are a powder texture.

Eyeliner - Gel

Cosmetics
A colour cosmetic used to line the eyes. This product can be used on the lid or the waterline and must be applied with a brush. This is a gel consistency and usually dries down to be long-wearing and highly pigmented.

Eyeliner - Kohl

Cosmetics
A colour cosmetic for lining the eyelids and waterline. This product is usually in the form of a stick or a pencil applicator and has a good texture for smudging. The consistency is firm, but blendable.

Eyeliner - Liquid

Cosmetics
A colour cosmetic used to line the upper lash line. This product is a liquid that is applied with an inbuilt applicator such as a felt tip or brush, or a cosmetic brush. This product is not for the waterline due to its liquid consistency.

Eye Primer

Cosmetics
A cosmetic product that is used as a base to ensure longevity of eyeshadow. It is designed to be applied prior to eyeshadow to minimise creasing and increase vibrancy. This can come in liquid or cream consistency and although natural shades are most common, coloured primers are available.

F

Filler

Cosmetic Surgery
A Surgical cosmetic procedure where injectables are injected under the skin to target wrinkles, fine lines and change the contours of the body from within.

Foundation

Cosmetics
A colour cosmetic that matches the skin tone to give a smooth and even coloured base. This is to even texture, colour and cover blemishes. It is used as a base for all other cosmetics to go onto.

Fragrance

Fragrances
Fragrances are scents added to products to make them smell a certain way and can be used stand alone as a perfume.

L

Lotion

Skincare
A type of skincare emmolient with a liquidy texture used to help sooth dry or flakey skin, and to provide moisture to all skin types. Usually consisting of oils they create a protective barrier and soften the skin.

M

Mascara

Cosmetics
A colour cosmetic used to enchance eyelashes by adding coats of product to the lashes via a spoolie, bush or comb applicator. There are waterbased and waterproof variations and mascara comes in many different colours. It is a liquid consistency with many different formulations for different results, and similarly different wand applicators for different results.

Micellar Water

Skincare
A cleanser that is made of soft water with micelles (small balls of cleansing oil mollecules). The oil attracts dirt, dead skin and particles, and the water helps to dissolve and remove the products. The texture of the product is like water but feels very different on the skin. It is highly moisturising without leaving a sticky residue and does not need to be rinsed off.

Moisturiser

Skincare
An emmolient used to add moisture to the skin and to provide a protective barrier. Also used to help soothe irritated or dry skin. Can help with softening the skin and antiaging.

Microdermabrasion

Skincare
A cosmetic procedure that uses fine crystals to exfoliate the skin. Used in conjunction with a vacuum, a tool is passed over the skin. Can help with fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, and scarring.

Microneedling

Anti-aging / Cosmetic Procedure
A cosmetic procedure that uses fine needles to puncture the skin in the attempt to stimulate collagen and elastin production. This is believed to help signs of aging and scarring.

O

Occulsives

Skincare
A type of ingredient added to skincare to help create a moisture barrier and keep moisture within the skin. These work by preventing epidermal moisture loss. These can be oils, waxes, silicones etc. and can be natural and synthesized.

P

PH Control

Skincare
The act of balancing the PH of your skin to normal range, or the addition of ingredients to ensure the PH of a product is within appropriate limits. This is also added to ensure that the PH stays stable over time.

Powder (Cosmetic)

Cosmetics
A colour cosmetic type, a product that is used on the face to set the foundation below, as a stand alone cosmetic. It can come as loose or pressed and is applied with a brush, sponge or a powder puff.

Primer

Cosmetics
A type of colour cosmetic used prior to any application of colour cosmetics. It is usually transparent or has a slight tint, as it is not meant to be seen and this ensures it is universal. The product acts as a base to ensure cosmetic longevity and smooth application.

S

Serum

Skincare
Serum is a concentrated formula that depending on its ingredients targets a specific skincare need. This can be for antiaging, hydration, brightening, smoothing, pigmentation etc. It is usually a liquid formula and requires small doses.

Sheet Mask

Skincare
A cellulose sheet with eye and moth holes, impregnated with serums and active ingredients to target different skincare needs. Worn on the face for a set amount of time, it delivers a high level of skincare ingredients.

Soap

Skincare
A staple in skincare, used to cleanse the skin of dirt, oils, and surface pollutants. Used in conjunction with water to clean the skin. Can be liquid or bar form.

Sunscreen

Skincare
A skincare product used to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays. This is to prevent damage to the skin that can cause long term effects such as sunburn, pigmentation, aging and cancers. Sunscreen has many forms from liquid to solid, and can be chemical based or mineral based. They are rated with an SPF which is a Sun Protection Factor.