Ariannita walks through a makeup routine at Sephora, demonstrating how shoppers talk about trying products, matching foundation, applying cosmetics, and paying with a coupon. The guided transcript focuses on practical retail and beauty language; product prices, promotions, store procedures, and personal skin-care claims reflect the original recording and may change or vary by person.
Read the full lesson summary
Makeup Vocabulary at Sephora is a guided community & services lesson for English learners who want to understand and use language in this real-life situation. The short description introduces the lesson; this expanded guide draws its details from the transcript and its phrase notes, so it focuses on what this particular video actually covers rather than a generic channel overview.
What the lesson covers
The lesson moves through Introducing makeup vocabulary and the store; Trying primer and describing its purpose; Choosing and matching foundation; Using concealer and application tools; Applying powder and describing shine; Choosing and applying blush; Highlighter and bronzer; and further related moments. Following that sequence helps learners connect each expression to what the speakers are doing, asking, or responding to, instead of memorizing vocabulary as a disconnected list. Listen for how the meaning changes with the situation and how the speaker's wording keeps the exchange moving.
Language to take away
enhance or alter our appearance — Change or emphasize aspects of how someone looks, often through makeup or styling. Neutral descriptive wording.Use it when: Explain the purpose of cosmetics, clothing, or another appearance-related choice.When it may not fit: Do not imply that changing one’s appearance is necessary or that everyone wants to do it.Example: “Some people use makeup to enhance or alter their appearance; others prefer not to.”
base coat — A preparatory layer applied before the main coat of paint or another product. Common in painting, nails, and product demonstrations; the precise use depends on the activity.Use it when: Describe an initial layer that prepares a surface for another layer.When it may not fit: Do not assume every product called a primer works identically; follow its directions.Example: “The instructions say to apply a base coat before the color.”
apply makeup — Put cosmetics onto the face or another area of skin. Neutral, standard beauty vocabulary.Use it when: Describe putting on makeup or explain how someone uses a product.When it may not fit: In a store, say try on makeup if you mean testing a product before buying it.Example: “She applies makeup in front of the mirror.”
A way to use this lesson
Notice one useful detail about introducing makeup vocabulary and the store. Replay the relevant moment, then adapt the language to a real conversation you expect to have. Keep the original situation in mind: the goal is not simply to repeat a sentence, but to choose wording that suits the people, purpose, and tone of the exchange.
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Transcript
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Select an expression for its meaning · 0:00
Introducing makeup vocabulary and the store
Hey everybody! It's Ariannita la Gringa, and welcome back to my YouTube channel. In today's video, we are going to learn about makeup vocabulary. But if you're a man you can still learn a lot of English vocab If you have a wife, girlfriend, or daughter who enjoys makeup, this vocabulary may come in handy. People of any gender can enjoy makeup. And in today's video, I will teach all of you makeup vocabulary at Sephora. What is Sephora? Sephora is one of the most common stores where you can buy and find a lot of makeup products. Also, I want to ask you... Do you guys have a Sephora in your city or country?
Try it: Notice one useful detail about introducing makeup vocabulary and the store.
Phrase cheat sheet
All phrases at a glance
Review each expression, hear it, save it, or jump to where it appears in the video.
30 phrases
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enhance or alter our appearance
Introducing makeup vocabulary and the store · expression
Change or emphasize aspects of how someone looks, often through makeup or styling.
Tone and use: Neutral descriptive wording. Explain the purpose of cosmetics, clothing, or another appearance-related choice.
May not fit: Do not imply that changing one’s appearance is necessary or that everyone wants to do it.
Example“Some people use makeup to enhance or alter their appearance; others prefer not to.”
base coat
Introducing makeup vocabulary and the store · collocation
A preparatory layer applied before the main coat of paint or another product.
Tone and use: Common in painting, nails, and product demonstrations; the precise use depends on the activity. Describe an initial layer that prepares a surface for another layer.
May not fit: Do not assume every product called a primer works identically; follow its directions.
Example“The instructions say to apply a base coat before the color.”
apply makeup
Trying primer and describing its purpose · collocation
Put cosmetics onto the face or another area of skin.
Tone and use: Neutral, standard beauty vocabulary. Describe putting on makeup or explain how someone uses a product.
May not fit: In a store, say try on makeup if you mean testing a product before buying it.
Example“She applies makeup in front of the mirror.”
before I buy it
Trying primer and describing its purpose · expression
Prior to deciding to purchase the item.
Tone and use: Neutral everyday shopping language. Explain that you want to test, inspect, or compare a product first.
May not fit: If you have already decided to purchase, say before I pay instead.
Example“Can I test the headphones before I buy them?”
wide range of colors
Choosing and matching foundation · collocation
Many different color options, often covering a broad spectrum.
Tone and use: Neutral retail and beauty language. Ask about or describe how many shades a product comes in.
May not fit: A wide range does not guarantee a shade will match every person; check the actual options.
Example“This brand offers a wide range of colors for its foundation.”
match it to my face
Choosing and matching foundation · expression
Compare a product’s color with the color of one’s face to find a suitable match.
Tone and use: Practical, conversational shopping language. Describe testing a foundation or concealer shade.
May not fit: Check the shade in suitable lighting and consider the face and neck rather than relying on a quick hand swatch.
Example“I’m trying to match the foundation to my face and neck.”
blends evenly
Choosing and matching foundation · expression
Spreads or mixes smoothly so there are no obvious streaks or uneven patches.
Tone and use: Common product-review and application language. Describe how makeup or another substance looks after it is applied.
May not fit: This is a personal observation, not a guarantee that the product will work the same for everyone.
Example“The tinted moisturizer blends evenly on my skin.”
dark circles
Using concealer and application tools · expression
Darker-looking areas beneath the eyes.
Tone and use: Common everyday and beauty vocabulary. Describe under-eye appearance or explain where someone may apply concealer.
May not fit: It is a descriptive phrase, not a diagnosis; people do not need to cover it.
Example“I use a little concealer under my eyes to cover dark circles.”
rub it in
Using concealer and application tools · phrasal verb
Spread a substance over a surface by moving your fingers or a tool across it.
Tone and use: Everyday instruction; in other contexts it can mean repeatedly reminding someone of a mistake. Explain how to spread cream, lotion, or makeup into the skin.
May not fit: For delicate skin or eye areas, follow product guidance and use gentle motions rather than rubbing hard.
Example“Pat the moisturizer in instead of rubbing it in roughly.”
less oily
Using concealer and application tools · expression
Having less oil or looking less shiny.
Tone and use: Neutral descriptive phrase. Describe a product’s intended finish or how skin looks.
May not fit: Skin types differ, and a product’s effect is not guaranteed; avoid treating natural oiliness as inherently bad.
Example“This powder gives my skin a less oily look by lunchtime.”
T-Zone
Using concealer and application tools · cultural reference
A beauty term for the forehead, nose, and chin, which together form a rough T shape on the face.
Tone and use: Common cosmetics and skin-care vocabulary. Describe where someone applies powder or another product on the face.
May not fit: It is a general term, not a diagnosis or a rule about everyone’s skin.
Example“I usually get shine around my T-Zone.”
tap it in
Applying powder and describing shine · phrasal verb
Apply or blend a small amount with light tapping motions.
Tone and use: Informal beauty instruction. Describe pressing powder or concealer into place with a brush or sponge.
May not fit: Use a clean tool and follow the product’s directions; vigorous rubbing is a different action.
Example“Tap the concealer in gently with a clean sponge.”
right above my cheekbones
Choosing and applying blush · expression
At a position just higher than the prominent bones in the cheeks.
Tone and use: Clear location language for makeup application. Explain where blush, highlighter, or another product is placed.
May not fit: Application placement is a personal style choice, not a universal rule.
Example“She applied a little blush right above her cheekbones.”
sun-kissed glow
Highlighter and bronzer · idiom
A warm, slightly bronzed appearance that looks as if the skin has been touched by sunlight.
Tone and use: Positive, promotional beauty language. Describe a warm or bronzed makeup look.
May not fit: It describes an appearance, not a health benefit or a reason to expose skin to harmful sunlight.
Example“The bronzer gives the makeup a subtle sun-kissed glow.”
around the edges of her forehead
Highlighter and bronzer · expression
Along the outer areas near the hairline and sides of the forehead.
Tone and use: Specific spatial description. Explain the placement of bronzer, powder, or another product.
May not fit: Do not assume this placement suits every face shape or preferred makeup style.
Example“She blended the color around the edges of her forehead.”
a neutral color
Choosing eyeshadow · collocation
A color that is muted or not strongly vivid, such as beige, taupe, or some browns.
Tone and use: Common style and makeup vocabulary; what counts as neutral depends on context and skin tone. Describe a subtle shade for everyday clothing or makeup.
May not fit: Neutral does not mean one specific shade; name the color when precision matters.
Example“I usually choose a neutral color for work.”
try it out
Applying eyeliner · phrasal verb
Test or use something briefly to see whether it works or suits you.
Tone and use: Conversational and common. Talk about testing a product, service, or idea before deciding.
May not fit: For a one-time sample in a shop, try it or test it may be more specific.
Example“I want to try out this foundation before I buy it.”
line your eyes
Applying eyeliner · expression
Apply eyeliner along the edge of the eyelids or lash line.
Tone and use: Common cosmetics instruction. Describe where eyeliner is applied.
May not fit: Use products as directed and keep applicators clean, especially near the eyes.
Example“She likes to line her eyes with a soft brown pencil.”
define your eyes
Applying eyeliner · expression
Make the eye area look more distinct or emphasized, often with eyeliner or mascara.
Tone and use: Common beauty language. Describe the visual effect a makeup product is intended to create.
May not fit: This is an aesthetic effect, not an objective improvement; results vary by look and person.
Example“A thin line of eyeliner can define your eyes.”
clean wand
Mascara and safe testers · collocation
A mascara applicator that has not been used by someone else or contaminated.
Tone and use: Practical hygiene language. Ask for or describe a fresh applicator when testing eye makeup.
May not fit: Do not share eye cosmetics or applicators; follow the store’s hygiene procedures.
Example“Could I have a clean wand to test the mascara?”
eye infection
Mascara and safe testers · collocation
An infection affecting the eye or the tissue around it.
Tone and use: Neutral health vocabulary. Explain why shared eye makeup or unclean applicators should be avoided.
May not fit: Do not diagnose symptoms from a phrase alone; seek medical advice if concerned.
Example“She threw away the old mascara after an eye infection.”
a bit of color
Lipstick and lip gloss · expression
A small or moderate amount of color.
Tone and use: Conversational and understated. Describe a subtle tint from makeup, clothing, or decoration.
May not fit: For an exact shade or intensity, describe it more specifically.
Example“The lip balm adds a bit of color without looking bold.”
on top of your lipstick
Lipstick and lip gloss · expression
Over the lipstick layer that is already on the lips.
Tone and use: Plain application instruction. Explain how to add gloss or another product as a finishing layer.
May not fit: Check that the products are compatible and that the effect is what you want.
Example“She added clear gloss on top of her lipstick.”
brand new
Lipstick and lip gloss · expression
Completely new and not previously used.
Tone and use: Common everyday phrase; often emphasizes that something is unused. Describe a sealed product or recently purchased item.
May not fit: Do not call a store tester brand new if customers have already used it.
Example“I bought a brand-new lipstick in a sealed package.”
false lashes
Removing makeup at the end of the day · collocation
Artificial eyelashes attached to or near the natural lash line.
Tone and use: Common beauty term; also called false eyelashes. Talk about temporary cosmetic lashes.
May not fit: Follow product directions and use suitable adhesive; avoid sharing eye products.
Example“She wore false lashes for the stage performance.”
wearing makeup
Removing makeup at the end of the day · expression
Having makeup applied to the face or skin.
Tone and use: Neutral everyday description. Describe a person’s current appearance or ask about an occasion’s dress expectations.
May not fit: Do not assume someone is wearing makeup or that they should wear it.
Example“I’m not wearing makeup today.”
makeup remover
Removing makeup at the end of the day · collocation
A product used to remove cosmetics from the skin.
Tone and use: Standard skin-care and retail vocabulary. Ask for or describe a product for taking off makeup.
May not fit: Choose a product suitable for the area and follow its directions; removal alone does not guarantee acne prevention.
Example“I use an oil-free makeup remover before washing my face.”
cotton pad
Removing makeup at the end of the day · collocation
A small, flat piece of cotton used to apply or remove a product.
Tone and use: Common bathroom and skin-care vocabulary. Describe a disposable pad used with cleanser or makeup remover.
May not fit: Use a fresh pad and avoid rubbing sensitive areas harshly.
Example“Put a little cleanser on a cotton pad.”
go to sleep with makeup
Removing makeup at the end of the day · expression
Fall asleep without first removing the makeup you are wearing.
Tone and use: Everyday phrasing; often used in skin-care discussions. Talk about a nightly routine or removing cosmetics before bed.
May not fit: For sensitive or acne-prone skin, follow reliable skin-care advice; personal results vary.
Example“I try not to go to sleep with makeup on.”
free gift
Using a coupon and wrapping up · collocation
An item given at no extra charge, often as part of a promotion or purchase.
Tone and use: Common retail and promotional language. Ask whether a purchase includes an extra item at no additional cost.
May not fit: Check the promotion’s terms; a gift may require a minimum purchase or have limited availability.
Example“They included a free gift with the order.”
Knowledge check
Practice the phrases you heard
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Use it in a sentence · “try it out”
You want to see whether a foundation suits you before deciding to purchase it. What sounds natural?