Presenting The ABCs Of Beauty

Study up.

By Marissa DeSantis

October 1, 2015

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Keeping up with the beauty world can be an arduous task. With a neverending (and constantly changing) list of It ingredients, trending styles, and must-have products, being in the beauty know is a full-time job – our full-time job to be precise. To keep you up on all the latest, we put together this list of beauty essentials from A to Z — because knowledge is power (and so is a bold lip).
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A
Antioxidants – As important in your skincare as they are in your diet, antioxidants can reduce wrinkles, discoloration, and dullness while promoting cellular repair for improved skin.

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B
Baking – This has nothing to do with sweet treats, but instead refers to the makeup technique of applying a translucent powder over your undereye concealer and letting it sit (or "bake") for 5 to 10 minutes. Dust it off, and your eyes will be crease-free and completely covered all day.
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C
Contouring – The makeup magic that lets you create chiseled cheekbones, a structured jawline, and a slimmer nose with strategically placed (and carefully blended!) shades of foundation and bronzer.

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D
Darby Clip – The ultimate hair clip for sectioning hair while you blow it dry or holding a finished updo in place.
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E
Eyeliner – The makeup basic has been getting some major upgrades as of late. Keep it classic with a pencil line, master the liquid cat eye, or go graphic with double-lined, Egyptian-inspired eyes.

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F
Freckles – Embrace the fresh-faced beauty look and let your natural skin peek through like model Gigi Hadid or Demi Lovato, who have both been spotted showing off their frex.
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G
Goth-glam – The perfect combination of vampy lips or kohl-rimmed eyes and tousled hair with red carpet-worthy clothes. See masters of the look like Shay Mitchell and Kristen Stewart.

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H
Hadid Sisters – Yes, you know Gigi, but have you seen little sis, Bella, working the runway (and editorial spreads), too? With Gigi's all-American style and Bella's darker, edgier look, they couldn't be more different in the modeling world, yet they're a duo we're always beyond excited to see.
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I
Insta-worthy – When your hair and/or makeup game is so strong it deserves its own selfie (and carefully chosen filter) to be documented on Instagram.

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J
Jewel Tones – Whether in the form of full blue-green eyeshadow or a pop of bold liner, jewel-toned makeup has been taking over spring/summer 2016 fashion week.
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K
Korean Skincare – If it's big in skincare, chances are it started in Korea. You can thank their beauty markets for your BB creams, cushion compacts, sheet masks, and more.

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L
Lob – As in the longer-than-a-bob-shorter-than-your-shoulder cut that's been taking over the red carpet (and probably your school hallways).
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M
Matte – Lips, nails, hair – you name it, the lusterless finish is still going strong.

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N
Negative Space – Nail art-like designs created by letting your natural nails show through. Use the technique to create cool patterns, or keep it closer to the cuticle for a longer-lasting mani.
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O
Overspray – Hairstylist lingo for that excess hair, gel, or shine spray that misses your locks and somehow always finds its way to junking up your freshly cleaned mirror.

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P
Parted plaits – The coolest way to part your hair as demonstrated on the runway at Victor Alfaro and on celebs ahead of the beauty curve like Perrie Edwards and Kate Bosworth.
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Q
Q-tips – They're nothing new, but we can't stress enough how solid they are when you're in the middle of a makeup crisis. Use them to touch up liquid liner, clean up cuticles, or dab on concealer.

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R
Rainbow Bright – The hair trend that won't quit, with possibilities that are endless. Go permanent or temporary with hair chalks, and make your color as neon or pastel as you please.
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S
Strobing – The same tried-and-true makeup artist technique of using illuminators to highlight the face and give a lit-from-within glow...just with a new, fancier name.

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T
Texturizing Spray – The secret spray behind effortless, cool girl hair. Dry texturizing spray can make even the thinnest strands volumized and ready for easy waves, messy braids, and mussed up ponytails.
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U
Undone Hair – Long and loose styles with barely-there waves for a natural, windblown look, as well as messy knotted styles are replacing perfectly coiffed curls and updos.

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V
Val Garland – The makeup genius behind some of the most glammed up and transformative beauty looks on Taylor Swift, Cara Delevingne, and Kate Moss. If you're a magazine subscriber, you've got at least one cover or ad featuring Val's handy work lying around.
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W
Wigs – Obviously nothing new, but lately, celebs like Kylie Jenner and Zendaya have been opening up about wearing the faux hair to go from long and pastel to short and neutral looks with ease.

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X
"X" – The criss-crossing bobby pin method to keep tiny twists and oversized top knots locked in place.
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Y
YouTube Beauty Vloggers – For step-by-step beauty tutorials, beauty vloggers like Lisa Eldridge are using YouTube to break down beauty, share their favorite products and, in [Em Ford]'s (https://youtu.be/WWTRwj9t-vU) case, take a stand against online bullying.

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Z
Zzz – Adopt a bedtime skincare routine and get plenty of rest to keep skin looking bright and to ward off undereye circles.

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Freelance Writer

KeywordsBeauty skin care Makeup