For many people, talking about makeup is like speaking another language. If you're a fan of makeup, or perhaps an expert, you might use some of these phrases to describe the science and art ofcosmetics(another word for makeup).

Things you do with makeup

There are several phrases for the makeup process. The two most common areput on makeup, anddo (someone's) makeup. For example, you might say:

It takes me about five minutes to do my makeup.

A more formal verb isapply. You can say "apply lipstick" or "put on lipstick" — the meaning is the same.

An important note: "makeup" is not a verb; it's a noun. It's incorrect to say "I makeup" or "I makeup my face." However, if someone is wearing noticeable makeup, you can say:

She lookedall made up.

You might hear or read the phraseput (someone's) face on.This means to put on makeup — usually a full face of it. It's not a common phrase and is often a bit of a joke.

Phrases for quick cosmetic fixes

For some people, makeup is all about solutions. They want to fix theirimperfectionsorflaws— those little things that make us less than perfect.

Some people want to hide certain parts of their skin, like scars or acne. Makeup that helps with this willconcealorcover (up)these imperfections.

Maybe you don't have anything to cover up, but you feel like you look tired or pale. Many people call this lookingwashed out— like all the color has been washed out from your face!Lipstickandblushare popular fixes for this. They can give you ahealthy glow, which means that you look well-rested and youthful.

If your forehead is a little more tan than your cheeks, you might choose afoundationortinted lotiontoeven outyourskin tone.

Someanti-aging productssay they willtightenyour skin. That is, they make your skin tighter, less wrinkled, and younger-looking. A similar verb (also an adjective) issmooth.

If you have very light lips or eyebrows, you may want tofill them inwith a bit of color.

Bringing out your best

On the other hand, some cosmetics emphasize our best features.

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