Basic color theory and cosmetic terminology

Primary Colours: Red, blue, and yellow; cannot be made from mixing other colours.
Secondary Colours: Green, orange, and purple; made by mixing two primary colours.
Tertiary Colours: Created by mixing a primary colour and a secondary colour.
Complementary Colours: Colours which are directly opposite one another on the colour wheel. They can make each other look more vibrant when placed side-by-side.
Analogous Colours: Colours are next to each other on the colour wheel. Usually match well and create serene and comfortable designs.
Warm and Cool Colours: Warm colours include reds, oranges, and yellows. They are associated with warmth and energy. Cool colours such as blues, greens and purples tend to have a calming effect.
Neutral Colours: Include black, white, gray, and sometimes brown. They’re often used as background or secondary colors.

Primer: A product applied after moisturising but before applying makeup. It provides a smooth base for makeup.
Foundation: A skin-coloured makeup applied to the face to create an even and uniform complexion, cover flaws, and sometimes change the natural skin tone.
Concealer: Used to mask dark circles, age spots, large pores, and other small blemishes visible on the skin. It is similar to foundation, but thicker.
Contouring: The method of using a matte powder, cream, or pencil product that’s two shades darker than your skin tone to shape, define, and enhance features such as the nose, forehead, jawline, and cheekbones.
Highlighter: Used to attract light, creating the illusion of brightness and height, hence the “highlight” effect.
Setting Spray: A product applied as a mist to the face, keeping the applied makeup in place for long periods of time.
Blending: The process of seamlessly merging different colours of makeup together.
Pigment: Refers to a material’s inherent colour. The term is used in the cosmetic world to refer to coloured particles in makeup.
Dewy Look: A look that’s shiny, fresh and moist, often achieved by using highlighters and luminous foundation.
Matte Look: A look that appears smooth, even, and without shine, typically achieved through products such as matte foundation and setting powder.