Beauty Dictionary: 5 Beauty slangs explained

Beauty Dictionary: All the latest beauty terms you need to know

Nur Syazana H.

13 Aug 2015

updated the 6 October 2015 à 22:53

1/5
Clown Contouring
From geometric lines to a seamlessly blended face of makeup, clown contouring is one of the latest beauty trends to arise from the Internet. Essentially, it's the strategic placement of your contour, highlight and blush on your face and mapped in the way a clown does their makeup. Everything is then blended out with a damp sponge or stippling brush. Others have even begun to do the same by drawing on the faces of skulls, cats and other quirky characters on their face in good fun before blending it all out.
Photo credit: BellaDeLune
2/5
Strobing
The name of this makeup technique has been popping up everywhere and still, we're not quite sick of it. Although it may be just a new name for highlighting, strobing is the usage of highlighting powder or cream excessively on the high points of the face (particularly the cheekbones, tip of the nose and cupid's bow) with minimal usage of contouring. The result is a dewy finish for a youthful glow.
Photo credit: Ania Milczarczyk
3/5
Baking
We've covered this one previously, and if you didn't catch that story, don't fret. To get the best lasting power of your foundation and concealer, try your hand at baking - the strategic application of excessive loose powder under the eyes, nose bridge and above the lip with a damp sponge and letting set, before dusting it all off for a brightening effect.
Photo credit: Nikkitutorials
4/5
Cut Crease
This detailed eyeshadow technique is not for the faint-hearted. However, those with smaller eyes can rejoice - whether you have a natural crease or not, you can create your own without fussing with double eyelid glue. A cut crease is a sharp line where one marks where their eyelid crease should be, by using a dramatic colour like black or dark brown to fake larger eyes (think Lana Del Rey). Blending outwards and not disturbing that defined line is key to this look.
Photo credit: Aurora Torres
5/5
Squinching
A term invented by photographer and YouTuber Peter Hurley, 'squinch' is the combination of the words 'squint' and 'pinch'. It's the simple technique of bringing the lower eyelid higher to meet the midway point of the eye, and simultaneously pinching that portion towards the centre. It creates a sultry effect that oozes confidence and sexiness in photos, and is adopted by models and celebs from the world over.
Photo credits: Getty Images

You no longer have to raise an eyebrow every time someone brings up strobing, baking and clown contouring at your next conversation. Here’s the guide you need on decoding all these unique beauty terms.

The times have changed and makeup is way more than just mascara, foundation and what used to be called, ‘rouge’. With all the technology we have, there’s nothing quite out there that hasn’t been done – remember those oscillating mascaras by Lancôme and even airbrushed foundation?

The beauty industry is always on the lookout for new ways to use makeup products, and how to market them in a way that seems revolutionary and new. Beauty slangs are no exception, so with all the quirky beauty terms and slangs popping up from the likes of social media platforms, new-age makeup artists and the obsession over who does makeup for the Kardashians and Jenners, we thought it was appropriate to round up a beauty dictionary to get you in the know.

Scroll through our slideshow above for the explanations of beauty terms such as strobing, cut crease, baking and more – all of which has set our heads in a whirl.

Nur Syazana H.

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Beauty Dictionary: All the latest beauty terms you need to know

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