Glossary
Beauty and skincare terms, explained.
New to beauty? Here are the terms that come up most, in plain English.
- Undertone
- The subtle colour beneath your skin (warm, cool, neutral or olive) that stays constant even as your tan changes.
- Oxidation
- When foundation darkens or turns orange after it reacts with your skin's oils and the air.
- Flashback (white cast)
- A grey or white look that some powders and sunscreens leave, most visible in photos - especially on deep skin.
- Hyperpigmentation
- Patches of skin that are darker than the surrounding area.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
- Dark marks left behind after a spot, irritation or injury heals - common in melanin-rich skin.
- Ashiness
- A dull, grey appearance, often from dryness or a mismatched shade.
- Non-comedogenic
- Formulated not to clog pores.
- Colour corrector
- A coloured product (such as peach or orange) used to cancel out discolouration before foundation.
- Primer
- A base applied before makeup to smooth skin and help products last.
- Serum
- A lightweight, concentrated treatment applied before moisturiser.
- Niacinamide
- A gentle ingredient that helps even tone and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Hyaluronic acid
- An ingredient that draws water into the skin for hydration.
- Broad spectrum
- Sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
- T-zone
- The forehead, nose and chin - often the oiliest part of the face.
- Sebum
- The natural oil your skin produces.