Beauty Products Vocabulary in English for Learners and Teachers

Learning beauty products vocabulary is essential for anyone interested in English for beauty. Whether you want to talk about skincare, makeup, haircare, nails, body care, or beauty tools, knowing the right words makes your conversations more confident and natural.

This guide covers all the most common beauty products and tools, with clear examples, practical phrases, and sample conversations. You’ll also find tips for learners and classroom activities for teachers.

By the end, you’ll be able to describe your beauty routine, shop for products, and even give compliments in English with ease.

Whether you are a student, a beauty enthusiast, or an ESL teacher, this post will help you use beauty products vocabulary effectively in real-life situations.

Skincare Products Vocabulary

Skincare is an important part of beauty routines, and knowing these words in English will help you shop, watch tutorials, or talk about your routine. Here are the most common products:

Cleanser – a product used to wash the face.
Example: I use a gentle cleanser every night.

Toner – a liquid applied after cleansing to refresh the skin.
Example: She uses toner to keep her skin fresh.

Moisturizer – cream or lotion to keep the skin soft and hydrated.
Example: My moisturizer helps my skin stay smooth.

Sunscreen / Sunblock – cream or spray to protect the skin from the sun.
Example: Don’t forget to put on sunscreen before going outside.

Face Serum – a liquid with vitamins for skin care.
Example: This vitamin C serum makes my skin brighter.

Face Mask – a treatment product for deep care (clay mask, sheet mask).
Example: I do a clay mask once a week.

Exfoliator / Scrub – removes dead skin cells.
Example: Use an exfoliator gently, only twice a week.

Eye Cream – cream for the skin around the eyes.
Example: My eye cream helps reduce dark circles.

Makeup Remover / Micellar Water – removes makeup from the face.
Example: She uses micellar water before bed.

Face Oil – oil to hydrate and protect skin.
Example: A few drops of face oil make my skin glow.

👉 Tip for learners: Try describing your daily skincare routine in English. For example: “In the morning, I wash my face with a cleanser, use toner, and apply moisturizer with sunscreen.”

Makeup Products Vocabulary

Makeup is one of the biggest parts of beauty, and knowing the names of common products in English helps when shopping, watching tutorials, or at the salon. Here are the essentials:

Foundation – cream or liquid that makes the skin tone look even.
Example: She applies foundation before using other makeup.

Concealer – used to hide dark circles or spots.
Example: I need concealer to cover my pimples.

Primer – a base that helps makeup stay longer.
Example: She used primer before her foundation.

Setting Powder – powder to fix makeup and reduce shine.
Example: He used setting powder for a matte look.

Blush – color for the cheeks.
Example: A little blush makes my face look fresh.

Bronzer – used to give the skin a sun-kissed look.
Example: She applied bronzer to her cheeks and forehead.

Highlighter – adds shine to certain parts of the face.
Example: The highlighter makes her cheekbones glow.

Eyeshadow – color applied to the eyelids.
Example: She wore pink eyeshadow for the party.

Eyeliner – pencil or liquid to line the eyes.
Example: I like using black eyeliner every day.

Mascara – makes eyelashes darker and longer.
Example: Mascara makes my eyes look bigger.

Eyebrow Pencil / Gel – used to shape or color eyebrows.
Example: She filled in her eyebrows with a brow pencil.

Lipstick – color for the lips.
Example: Red lipstick is my favorite.

Lip Gloss – makes lips shiny and glossy.
Example: She wore lip gloss instead of lipstick.

Lip Liner – pencil to outline the lips.
Example: Lip liner helps lipstick last longer.

Setting Spray – spray to keep makeup in place.
Example: She used setting spray after finishing her makeup.

👉 Tip for learners: Try describing your friend’s or a celebrity’s makeup look in English. Example: “She has pink eyeshadow, black eyeliner, and red lipstick.”

Haircare Products Vocabulary

Haircare words are very useful in English for beauty, especially when you visit a salon or buy products. Here are the most common ones:

Shampoo – liquid used to wash hair.
Example: I use shampoo every other day.

Conditioner – product used after shampoo to make hair soft.
Example: Conditioner makes my hair smooth and easy to brush.

Hair Mask – deep treatment for dry or damaged hair.
Example: She applies a hair mask once a week.

Hair Oil – oil to keep hair shiny and healthy.
Example: A few drops of hair oil make my hair smooth.

Hair Spray – spray to keep a hairstyle in place.
Example: She used hair spray to fix her curls.

Dry Shampoo – powder or spray to clean hair without water.
Example: Dry shampoo is helpful when you don’t have time to wash your hair.

Heat Protectant Spray – spray that protects hair from heat tools.
Example: Always use heat protectant before straightening your hair.

Styling Gel / Mousse – products used to style hair.
Example: He used gel to hold his hairstyle.

Hair Serum – liquid that adds shine and smoothness.
Example: Hair serum helps control frizz.

If you’re also interested to learn about different hairstyles, read my post on talking about hairstyles.

👉 Tip for learners: Next time you go to the salon, try asking in English: “Can you use a hair mask for my dry hair?” or “I need a haircut and shampoo, please.”

Nail Products Vocabulary

Nailcare words are very useful in English for beauty, especially when you visit a salon or buy products. Here are the most common ones:

Nail Polish / Nail Varnish – colored liquid used to paint nails.
Example: She chose a red nail polish for the party.

Base Coat – clear polish applied before color to protect nails.
Example: The manicurist always starts with a base coat.

Top Coat – clear polish applied after color to add shine and protection.
Example: A top coat helps the polish last longer.

Nail Polish Remover – liquid used to take off nail polish.
Example: I need some remover to clean my old polish.

Nail File – tool used to shape and smooth nails.
Example: She used a nail file to make her nails round.

Cuticle Oil – oil used to soften and protect the cuticles.
Example: Cuticle oil keeps the skin around nails healthy.

Nail Buffer – tool to make nails smooth and shiny.
Example: A buffer gives natural nails a glossy look.

Press-on Nails – artificial nails you can glue on easily.
Example: She wore press-on nails for the wedding.

Acrylic / Gel Nails – popular artificial nails made in salons.
Example: I booked an appointment for gel nails tomorrow.

Nail Clippers – small tool used to trim nails.
Example: He cut his nails with nail clippers.

👉 Tip for learners: In our earlier post on English for Nails, we explored nail shapes and designs like almond, matte, or glitter finish. Now, try using product words together with design words. For example: “Can you apply a glitter top coat?” or “I’d like gel nails in almond shape.”

Body Care & Fragrance Vocabulary

Body care and fragrance words are very useful in English for beauty, especially when shopping or asking for products in a store. Here are the most common ones:

Body Lotion – cream or liquid used to keep skin soft and hydrated.
Example: She applies body lotion after a shower.

Body Wash / Shower Gel – liquid soap used for bathing.
Example: I prefer body wash with a fresh scent.

Scrub / Exfoliator – product with small grains to remove dead skin.
Example: He used a body scrub to make his skin smooth.

Deodorant – product that prevents body odor.
Example: I always use deodorant in the morning.

Perfume – scented liquid used to smell pleasant.
Example: She wore a light perfume to the party.

Eau de Toilette – lighter version of perfume with less fragrance.
Example: He bought an eau de toilette for daily use.

Body Mist / Body Spray – light spray to refresh the body.
Example: She used a body mist after gym class.

Hand Cream – cream to keep hands soft.
Example: My hands feel dry, so I need some hand cream.

Foot Cream – cream used to soften and refresh feet.
Example: She applies foot cream before bedtime.

Sunscreen / Sunblock – cream or spray that protects skin from the sun.
Example: Always use sunscreen before going outside.

👉 Tip for learners: Next time you shop, practice asking in English: “Do you have a lavender body lotion?” or “Can I try this perfume before buying it?”

Beauty Tools & Accessories Vocabulary

Beauty tools and accessories are very useful in English for beauty, especially when you want to talk about your routine or visit a salon. Here are the most common ones:

Makeup Brushes – brushes used to apply makeup like foundation, blush, or eyeshadow.
Example: She cleaned her makeup brushes yesterday.

Beauty Blender / Makeup Sponge – sponge used to blend foundation or concealer.
Example: I use a beauty blender for a smooth finish.

Eyelash Curler – tool used to curl eyelashes.
Example: She curls her eyelashes before applying mascara.

Tweezers – small tool used to pluck eyebrows or remove hair.
Example: I need tweezers to shape my eyebrows.

Cotton Pads / Cotton Swabs – soft cotton pieces used for makeup removal or applying products.
Example: Use a cotton pad to remove your nail polish.

Nail Clippers – small tool used to trim nails.
Example: He cut his nails with nail clippers.

Nail File / Nail Buffer – tools used to shape and smooth nails.
Example: A nail file helps make the edges neat.

Hairbrush / Comb – tools to detangle and style hair.
Example: Brush your hair gently to avoid breakage.

Headband / Hair Ties / Hair Clips – accessories to hold hair back.
Example: She used a hair tie to make a ponytail.

Makeup Bag / Cosmetic Case – bag used to organize and carry beauty products.
Example: Keep your brushes and lipstick in a makeup bag.

👉 Tip for learners: Try describing your daily beauty routine in English using tool words. For example: “I use a makeup sponge, eyelash curler, and tweezers every morning.”

Quick Reference Beauty Vocabulary Table

This table summarizes all the main beauty products and tools you’ve learned so far. It’s perfect for quick review or practice.

Skincare	Makeup	Haircare	Nails	Body & Fragrance	Tools & Accessories
Cleanser	Foundation	Shampoo	Nail Polish	Body Lotion	Makeup Brushes
Toner	Concealer	Conditioner	Base Coat	Body Wash	Beauty Blender / Sponge
Moisturizer	Primer	Hair Mask	Top Coat	Scrub / Exfoliator	Eyelash Curler
Sunscreen	Setting Powder	Hair Oil	Nail Polish Remover	Deodorant	Tweezers
Face Serum	Blush	Hair Spray	Nail File	Perfume	Cotton Pads / Swabs
Face Mask	Bronzer	Dry Shampoo	Cuticle Oil	Eau de Toilette	Nail Clippers
Exfoliator	Highlighter	Heat Protectant Spray	Nail Buffer	Body Mist / Spray	Nail File / Buffer
Eye Cream	Eyeshadow	Styling Gel / Mousse	Press-on Nails	Hand Cream	Hairbrush / Comb
Makeup Remover	Eyeliner	Hair Serum	Acrylic / Gel Nails	Foot Cream	Headband / Hair Tie / Clips
Face Oil	Mascara	–	–	–	Makeup Bag / Cosmetic Case
–	Eyebrow Pencil / Gel	–	–	–	–
–	Lipstick	–	–	–	–
–	Lip Gloss	–	–	–	–
–	Lip Liner	–	–	–	–
–	Setting Spray	–	–	–	–

👉 Tip for learners: Keep this table handy and practice saying the words aloud. Try creating sentences: “I use moisturizer and sunscreen every morning,” or “I need a base coat and top coat for my manicure.”

Common Phrases for Talking About Beauty Products

Knowing beauty products vocabulary is one thing, but using it naturally in conversation is another. These common phrases will help you talk about beauty products, give recommendations, and even compliment others.

Phrases for Describing Products:

• “This moisturizer is very hydrating.”
• “I love the scent of this body lotion.”
• “This foundation matches my skin tone perfectly.”
• “The serum made my skin glow.”
• “I need a top coat to protect my nail polish.”

Phrases for Asking About Products:

• “Can you recommend a good shampoo for dry hair?”
• “Do you have a perfume in a floral scent?”
• “Where can I find a good eyeshadow palette?”
• “Is this product suitable for sensitive skin?”
• “How often should I use this exfoliator?”

Phrases for Complimenting Products or Someone’s Look:

• “Your lipstick looks amazing!”
• “I love the way your nails are done.”
• “Your hair looks so shiny; what shampoo do you use?”
• “This blush really suits your skin tone.”
• “That perfume smells wonderful on you.”

These phrases also connect to our post on Giving Compliments About Beauty. You can combine product vocabulary with complimenting skills:

Example:

• “Your eyeshadow is beautiful! Which brand did you use?”
• “I love your manicure; the nail polish color is perfect!”

👉 Tip for learners: Practice these phrases with a friend or in front of a mirror. Try mixing vocabulary with compliments: “This highlighter looks amazing on your cheekbones!”

Sample Conversation: Two Friends Talking About Beauty Products

Lina: Hi Sarah! Your skin looks so fresh today. What moisturizer do you use?
Sarah: Thanks, Lina! I’ve been using a hydrating face cream with hyaluronic acid. It’s amazing.

Lina: Oh, I need something for my dry skin. Does it work for sensitive skin too?
Sarah: Yes, it’s gentle and fragrance-free. You should try it.

Lina: Great! By the way, I love your nails. What color is that?
Sarah: Thanks! It’s a red gel polish with a shiny top coat.

Lina: Wow, it looks perfect. Do you go to a salon for gel nails?
Sarah: Yes, I usually get them done at a local nail studio. They also use cuticle oil to keep the nails healthy.

Lina: I need to get my hair done too. Your hair looks so shiny. What shampoo do you use?
Sarah: I’m using a nourishing hair mask once a week and a smoothening serum. My stylist recommended it.

Lina: Sounds nice. I usually just wash my hair with shampoo and conditioner. I might try a hair mask.

Sarah: You should! Also, try a heat protectant spray if you use a straightener or curling iron.

Lina: Good idea. And your makeup looks flawless. Which foundation are you using?
Sarah: I mix a light foundation with a primer. Then I set it with setting powder for long-lasting coverage.

Lina: I really need to learn more about makeup products. Do you have any tips?
Sarah: Start with the basics: foundation, blush, mascara, and lipstick. Then try more like highlighter or eyeshadow.

Lina: Perfect! I’ll start practicing and maybe try some new products this weekend.

Sarah: That’s the spirit! Don’t forget to use moisturizer and sunscreen before makeup.

Tips for ESL Learners

Learning beauty products vocabulary is useful, but using it confidently in daily life is the real goal. Here are some tips to help you practice and remember the words:

1. Practice Daily Routines in English
Describe your skincare, makeup, or haircare routine in English.
Example: “In the morning, I use cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen.”

2. Watch Beauty Tutorials in English
Follow YouTube or TikTok tutorials. Pause and note new product names or phrases. Repeat them aloud.

3. Keep a Beauty Vocabulary Journal
Write down new words, example sentences, and phrases. Review them weekly.

4. Role-Play Conversations
Pretend you’re shopping for products or at a salon. Use product names and phrases like:
“Can you recommend a good nail polish?” or “Which foundation matches my skin tone?”

5. Mix Vocabulary with Compliments
Combine learning products with compliment phrases:
“Your lipstick looks amazing! Which brand is it?”

6. Practice with Friends or Classmates
Discuss your favorite products and routines. Ask questions and answer in English.

7. Label Your Products
If possible, write the English names on your own products at home. Seeing them daily reinforces memory.

8. Focus on Pronunciation
Some words can be tricky: mascara, serum, exfoliator, toner. Say them aloud multiple times.

9. Learn by Category
Group words by skincare, makeup, haircare, nails, body care, and tools. This helps your memory and usage.

10. Be Consistent
Even 5–10 minutes a day of practice can improve your confidence quickly.

Classroom Activity Ideas for Teachers

Teaching beauty products vocabulary can be fun and practical. Here are some activities you can try in your ESL classroom:

1. Beauty Bag Game

• Place pictures or real products in a bag.
• Students pick one and describe it in English: “This is a hydrating face cream. It protects my skin.”

2. Salon Role-Play

• Students act as customers and salon staff.
• Use phrases like: “I’d like a manicure with a red nail polish, please.” or “Do you have a moisturizer for dry skin?”

3. Matching Activity

• Provide cards with product names and pictures.
• Students match the name to the correct product category: skincare, makeup, haircare, nails, or tools.

4. Show & Tell

• Students bring one beauty product to class.
• They describe it: “This is a sunscreen. It protects skin from the sun. I use it every morning.”

5. Vocabulary Bingo

• Create bingo cards with product names.
• Call out descriptions instead of the names. Students mark the correct product: “This cream keeps your hands soft” → hand cream.

6. Daily Routine Descriptions

• Students write or present their morning or evening beauty routine using at least 5–10 product names.
• Encourage classmates to ask questions about the routine: “Do you use toner every day?”

7. Product Review Practice

• Students choose a product they like.
• They give a short review in English: “I love this lip gloss. It’s shiny and lasts long.”

8. Pronunciation Drill

• Focus on tricky words: exfoliator, mascara, serum, toner, highlighter.
• Repeat aloud as a group or individually.

Common Mistakes Learners Make

Even advanced ESL learners sometimes make errors when talking about beauty products. Being aware of these mistakes helps you speak and write more confidently.

1. Confusing Product Categories

• Mistake: “I use blush on my eyes.”
• Correct: “I use eyeshadow on my eyes and blush on my cheeks.”

2. Mispronouncing Product Names

• Mistake: “Ex-fol-ee-ator” (instead of *“ex-fol-lee-ator” for exfoliator)
• Tip: Break words into syllables and repeat aloud.

3. Using “cream” for Everything

• Mistake: “I use cream for my hair.”
• Correct: “I use hair serum or hair mask for my hair.”

4. Forgetting Countable vs Uncountable

• Mistake: “I bought three sunscreen.”
• Correct: “I bought three bottles of sunscreen.”

5. Mixing Up Tool and Product Names

• Mistake: “I apply mascara with a brush.”
• Correct: “I apply mascara directly with its wand. Brushes are for eyeshadow or foundation.”

6. Using Wrong Adjectives for Beauty Products

• Mistake: “This perfume is softly.”
• Correct: “This perfume has a soft scent.”

7. Overusing “nice” or “good”

• Mistake: “This lotion is good.”
• Correct: Use specific adjectives: “This lotion is hydrating and smooth.”

8. Confusing Nail & Hair Terms

• Mistake: “I put cuticle oil on my hair.”
• Correct: “Cuticle oil is for nails. Hair oil is for hair.”

9. Forgetting Routine Context

• Mistake: “I put moisturizer after makeup.”
• Correct: “Apply moisturizer before makeup.”

10. Not Linking Vocabulary to Compliments

• Mistake: “Your lipstick is red.” (plain statement)
• Correct: “Your lipstick looks amazing; the red suits you perfectly!”

👉 Tip for learners: Practice using specific product names and phrases, not just general words like cream, nice, or good. This makes your English sound more natural.

Conclusion

Learning beauty products vocabulary is essential for anyone interested in English for beauty. It helps you talk about skincare, makeup, haircare, nails, body care, and tools confidently. Using these words in daily routines, shopping, or salon visits improves both your vocabulary and conversational skills.

Remember to practice phrases, role-plays, and compliments alongside vocabulary to make your English sound natural. Over time, you’ll feel more confident discussing beauty products with friends, teachers, or in professional settings.

FAQs About Beauty Products Vocabulary

1. What is the difference between skincare and makeup products?
Skincare products focus on maintaining healthy skin, like cleansers and moisturizers. Makeup products are for enhancing appearance, like foundation and lipstick.

2. How can I remember all the beauty product names?
Use a vocabulary journal, label your products in English, and practice daily routines or role-plays.

3. Can I practice beauty vocabulary online?
Yes! Watch beauty tutorials in English, follow social media influencers, and repeat product names aloud.

4. How do I talk about beauty products in a salon?
Learn key phrases like: “Can you recommend a moisturizer for dry skin?” or “I’d like a manicure with red gel polish.”

5. What are some common mistakes learners make?
Mixing product categories, mispronouncing words, using vague adjectives like “good,” or confusing nail and hair terms.

6. How can I give compliments using beauty vocabulary?
Combine product words with compliments: “Your lipstick looks amazing! Which brand is it?”

7. Are all beauty tools named the same in English?
Most common tools like brushes, sponges, tweezers, and nail files have standard names. Always check product labels if unsure.

8. Can I practice with friends?
Yes! Role-play salon scenarios or describe your daily beauty routine using the vocabulary and phrases you’ve learned.

9. What’s the best way to learn pronunciation of tricky words?
Break words into syllables, repeat aloud, and listen to native speakers in tutorials or videos.

10. How can teachers make learning beauty vocabulary fun?
Use games, role-plays, matching activities, show & tell, and vocabulary bingo to engage students.