From an outsider's point of view, the beauty industry can seem like a whimsical place where individuals intentionally apply snail slime to enhance their skin or use all kinds of strange lotions, potions and pigments to sculpt their face. And the beauty terms--oh, the terms!--they'd leave most in a tizzy. From strobing to SPF, there are thousands of mind-boggling beauty terms. We whittled the list down to 10 commonly used words we all need to understand for the sake of our skin and hair heath.
1. Humectants
Surely, you've heard this one in the same sentence as honey. Humectants are substances that absorb moisture from the environment and help retain it within. Humectants hold a great deal of value in hydrating products and are often seen in moisturisers and lotions.
2. Balayage
Everybody whose anybody is wearing balayage in their hair but what does it mean? Balayage is a French hair colouring technique from the 1970s in which hair colour is applied freehand to the lengths rather than by foiling. Balayage has become a preferred colouring technique for its effortless look and low-maintainence.
3. Microblading
Micro-blading a semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing technique carried out by a trained professional in which a tiny needle is used to deposit pigment under the surface of your skin. It is specifically done to enhance or reconstruct the appearance of the eyebrows.
4. Parabens
These are a type of preservative included in beauty products to prevent bacterial growth from the 1950s. Parabens can be deposited in the body over time and unfortunately, can disrupt estrogen production and pose a health risk. This has led to the widespread production of paraben-free beauty products.
5. Multi-masking
As the name suggests, multi-masking is a skincare technique in which different face masks are separately applied to certain sections of the face. This technique is best suited for combination skin, as it targets different problems like oiliness and dryness in one go.
6. Occlusive Agents
Occulsive agents are a skin care ingredient like jojoba oil and mineral oil that are most commonly found in moisturisers. On application, occlusive agents form a barrier on the skin which prevents water loss through the skin. While they can be highly effective for extremely dry skin, occlusive agents can also feel greasy.
7. Stippling
Any good makeup artist will tell you to "stipple" your foundation when applying it so what does it mean? Stipping is a makeup application technique in which a fibred stippling brush is used to dot and dab formula over the skin in small motions so that it creates natural looking coverage.
8. Light-reflecting particles
Often found in shimmer-heavy makeup products like highlighters and eyeshadows, light-reflecting particles are a minute ingredient within powder, cream and liquid formulas which act like a mirror to throw light back. They are responsible for giving such products their shimmering quality and luminescence when applied on the skin.
9. SLS
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, or SLS, is an emulsifier in many cleansing products like shampoos which makes the product lather and foam. During the manufacturing process, SLS is known to be contaminated by toxic by-products and hence, it said to be avoided as it is linked to cancer and neuro-toxicity.
10. Dusting
This is a hairstyling technique that's even more minute than a trim and only involves the cropping of the ends of the hair so that damage, split ends etc. is gone but not at the cost of the hair length.
Comments
What are the beauty terms you find incomprehensible? Tell us in the comments below and we'll make sure we include it in our next list!
