Derived from algae plants, this ingredient is a mixture of proteins, minerals and carbohydrates. It helps protect skin from free radical damage and binds moisture to skin for a healthy, supple look.

A group of substances that include glycolic acid (derived from sugar), lactic acid (from milk), malic acid (from apples) and tartaric acid (from wine). Collectively known as AHAs, they help to exfoliate the surface of the skin to even out rough areas. 

The superheroes of skincare! These ingredients help protect skin from free radical and oxidative damage caused by sun, stress and pollution. Examples include Vitamins C and E, green tea extract, rosemary extract, caffeine and others.

This oxygen-releasing ingredient penetrates into pores to target and eliminate acne-causing bacteria at the source. An effective treatment for controlling and healing acne breakouts.

An alternate name for Salicylic Acid. Helps to exfoliate the surface of the skin to even out rough areas. 

The result of dead skin cells and sebum (a.k.a. oil) sticking together and becoming trapped inside pores. When exposed to oxygen, the dead skin and sebum take on a darkened appearance. 

A sunscreen that protects skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Broad spectrum formulas help to prevent both sunburn and signs of aging caused by sun exposure.

An eyeliner technique where liner starts at the inner corner of the top lashline and is winged upward at the outer corner to create a chic, cat-like effect. Best achieved with a liquid or cream liner.

The natural process by which skin cells regenerate and renew themselves. 

A makeup technique that subtly sculpts and highlights certain areas of the face, creating the illusion of depth and definition just where you need it. Examples include enhancing cheekbones, defining the jawline, and shaping the nose.

The curved area of the middle of the upper lip (technically known as the philtrum) said to resemble the archer’s bow belonging to Cupid, the Roman god of love. Can be accented with a highlighting product or defined with lipliner.

Skin that has a radiant, illuminated and glowy finish with optimum levels of moisture and hydration. Can be achieved with moisturizers, hydrating foundations and liquid illuminators.

One of the building blocks of healthy cells, fatty acids are an essential part of skin’s natural moisture barrier. Fatty acids are used as emollients in makeup, moisturizers and cleansers to help to heal, repair and hydrate skin.

Unstable molecules that form when skin is exposed to sun, stress and pollution. These molecules can damage skin on a cellular level, leading to hyperpigmention, wrinkles and other signs of damage. Antioxidants can help counteract the visible, damaging effects.

Related to sugar, helps to exfoliate skin to even out rough areas. 

A humectant ingredient that draws moisture from the environment and binds it to skin’s surface, helping to maintain a plump, healthy, hydrated look.

Accenting a certain area of the face, such as cheeks, brow bones or Cupid’s bow, with an illuminating product to add a youthful glow and create a subtle contouring effect.

Moisture-binding ingredients that attract and hold water in skin’s outer layer, helping skin to stay supple, healthy and hydrated. Common humectants include glycerin, hyaluronic acid and algae extract.

This natural humectant draws water from the environment and binds it to skin, helping skin to retain optimum moisture levels.

Dark patches, discoloration or brown spots that develop when excess melanin forms deposits in the skin. Excess melanin production can be triggered by unprotected sun exposure or also by hormonal changes. Choosing a broad spectrum sunscreen is a key to helping to prevent hyperpigmentation.

A rich source of fatty acids, jojoba oil is a plant derived emollient that helps to bolster skin’s natural moisture barrier.

A rich, creamy, highly pigmented eyeliner that can be used to create bold or subtle looks. Ideal for creating a smoky eye.

A plant extract with skin soothing properties. Also used to improve the look of dark spots and brown patches caused by hyperpigmentation.

A natural pigment produced by our skin cells, melanin is responsible for eye, hair and skin color. Those with deeper complexions have more melanin, those with paler complexions have less. When skin overproduces melanin, hyperpigmentation can occur.

Composed primarily of lipids (a.k.a. fats), the moisture barrier binds surface cells together, helps skin retain moisture and keeps out irritants. 

A product formulated specifically to not cause or increase the incidence of acne breakouts. Ideal for oily or acne-prone skin types.

Natural or synthetically derived proteins that help to trigger skin’s natural production of collagen and elastin, enabling skin to maintain a firm, supple and healthy look.

Straight from tastemakers in Korea: An eyeliner technique that slopes slightly downward at the outer corners, following the natural shape of your eyes and creating a bigger, rounder look. Like a cat eye, best achieved with liquid or cream liner.

A stringent test done on human participants' skin to assess the potential of skin sensitization of a particular product by repeated topical applications. 

A skin condition that can cause skin to appear red, and inflamed, possible with visible blood vessels or acne-like bumps. More common in people with fair skin. 

Helps exfoliate the surface of the skin to even out rough areas. 

The category your skin falls into based on moisture and sun sensitivity level. The most common categories are dry, combination, and oily. Acne-prone is also considered a skin type. 

Quantifies the protection that a product is able to offer in terms of exposure time in relation to sunburn when compared to unprotected exposure. SPF refers ONLY to a product’s ability to protect from burning UVB rays, not aging UVA rays.

Derived from olives, this ingredient is an effective emollient that moisturizes without a greasy feeling.

The T-shaped area of the face that includes the forehead, nose and chin. Typically the most oil-prone zones of the face, which can be controlled or minimized with powder or mattifying lotion.

The different types of ultra violet radiation emitted by the sun. UVB rays, which have shorter wavelengths, cause skin to burn. UVA rays, which have longer wavelengths, can lead to signs of skin aging such as wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.

Also known as Ascorbic Acid and is an antioxidant. Helps to prevent the formation of free radicals. 

Also known as Tocopherol and is an antioxidant. Helps to prevent the formation of free radicals. 

Any makeup, typically including foundation, concealer or eye shadow/eye liner, with the ability to resist smudging, running or smearing when it comes in contact with water.