Makeup Artist flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Disinfection contact time

The labeled dwell time a disinfectant must stay wet on a surface to kill target pathogens. Hospital-grade products commonly require about 10 minutes; re-wetting is needed if it dries early.

Single-use porous items

Sponges, cotton, wooden sticks, and lash strips cannot be disinfected because pathogens penetrate the material. They are discarded after one client or one use.

Blood exposure procedure

Stop the service, glove, wash the area with soap and water, apply antiseptic, cover the wound, disinfect tools, and discard contaminated disposables. Document the incident.

Patch test timing

Apply a small amount of tint, adhesive, or high-sensitizer product 24-48 hours before the service. A positive reaction (redness, swelling, itching) means do not proceed.

Stratum basale

The deepest epidermal layer where keratinocytes divide and melanocytes reside. Melanin produced here determines skin color and protects against UV damage.

Dermis components

Collagen provides strength, elastin provides recoil, and glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronic acid hold water. UV exposure degrades all three over time.

Fitzpatrick scale

A six-level classification of skin response to UV. Types I-II burn easily and tan poorly; III-IV tan gradually; V-VI rarely burn but remain at risk of hyperpigmentation.

Undertone vs surface tone

Undertone is the persistent hue beneath the skin (warm, cool, neutral, olive). Surface tone is the visible color that shifts with flushing, tanning, or product use.

Skin barrier function

The stratum corneum plus lipids and natural moisturizing factor retain water and block irritants. Over-exfoliation or harsh products compromise it, causing redness and sensitivity.

Complementary color correction

Opposite hues cancel: green neutralizes redness, peach corrects blue-purple circles, yellow corrects purple bruising, lavender corrects sallow yellow. Apply only where needed.

Foundation match triad

A correct match requires depth (value), undertone (hue), and chroma. Matching only depth produces a mask-like result that reads grey or orange.

Oxidation test

Oil-based foundations darken and warm as they mix with sebum and air. Swatch on the jaw, wait 10-15 minutes, then judge the final dried color.

Olive undertone

A green-tinged undertone that standard warm and cool labels misread. Choose neutral-olive shades or add a green adjuster to avoid orange or pink casts.

Contour and highlight rule

Dark recedes and shortens; light brings forward and lengthens. Place contour at the outer perimeter to narrow and highlight down the center to elongate.

Round face correction

Contour temples, cheek hollows, and jaw corners to reduce apparent width. Add vertical highlight on the nose and forehead center to lengthen the face.

Nose correction

Darken the sides and tip to shorten or narrow; highlight the bridge to lengthen. Blend edges fully, because visible lines read as stripes rather than shadow.

Hooded lid placement

Apply shadow with the eyes open and above the natural crease. Avoid heavy shimmer on the hood, which emphasizes texture and disappears when the eye opens.

Natural vs synthetic brushes

Natural hair holds powder and blends; synthetic fibers suit creams, liquids, and detail work and are easier to sanitize. Choose by product form and hygiene needs.

Brush washing

Wash with gentle soap, reshape, and dry flat or bristles-down. Standing bristles-up lets water enter the ferrule and loosen the glue.

Cream over powder risk

Powder over cream sets and blends; cream over powder can pill or drag. Apply cream products first, then set with powder for a smooth finish.

Brow mapping points

Start at the inner corner vertically, arch at the outer edge of the iris, and tail at the outer corner aligned with the nostril. Match the brow hair color.

Strip lash sizing

Trim the band from the outer end to fit the eye. An oversized band lifts at the corners, irritates the lid, and looks unnatural in photos.

Lash adhesive tack time

Apply adhesive to the band and wait 15-30 seconds until tacky. Placing the band too soon slides it; too late and it will not bond.

Bridal trial timing

Schedule the trial 4-8 weeks before the wedding. Start skin prep 3-6 months out and avoid new products, acids, or waxing within 48-72 hours of the event.

Editorial lighting test

Editorial makeup is built for camera and lighting. Test contour, shine, and color under the shoot's actual lighting and photograph the final face for continuity.

Bruise color progression

Fresh bruises read red-purple, then blue-black at 1-2 days, green-yellow at 3-5 days, and yellow-brown at 5-10 days. Layer in that order for realism.

Prosthetic edge blending

Blend silicone or gelatin edges with isopropyl alcohol or acetone, then seal with a matching sealer before paint. Patch test all adhesives and paints first.

Aging makeup technique

Stipple and shade where gravity and expression create lines (nasolabial, crow's feet, neck), then highlight bone. Flat drawn lines read as costume, not age.

Consultation intake

Cover goal, occasion, skin analysis, allergies and contraindications, reference images, budget, and timeline. Confirm the plan in writing before starting the service.

Pricing components

Quote flat rate, hourly, or day rate plus travel, kit fee, and assistant fees. State the deposit and cancellation policy in writing before booking.

Scope of practice

Makeup artists apply cosmetics; they do not diagnose skin disease, prescribe, or perform medical treatments. Refer suspicious lesions to a physician.

Professional liability insurance

Coverage for allergic reactions, injury, and property claims arising from services. Confirm the policy covers each service type, including SFX adhesives and lash work.