How To Say Makeup In French

Learning how to say “makeup” in French can be very useful, especially if you enjoy traveling, watching French films, or connecting with French-speaking friends. Makeup is a common topic, whether you’re talking about beauty routines or shopping for new products. In this article, we will explore different ways to say “makeup” in French, along with examples and explanations to help you understand each one.

By the end of this article, you will feel more confident when discussing makeup in French. From simple phrases to more detailed terms, you’ll have everything you need to express yourself clearly in everyday conversations. Let’s get started!

Ways to Say ‘Makeup’ in French

In French, there are several ways to say “makeup,” depending on the context. Below are some of the most common expressions, along with their meanings and example sentences.

1. Maquillage (Pronunciation: mah-kee-yahzh)

• Meaning: This is the general word for “makeup” in French.
• In a Sentence:
  • “J’ai besoin de maquillage pour ce soir.” (I need makeup for tonight.)
  • “Elle adore le maquillage.” (She loves makeup.)

2. Cosmétiques (Pronunciation: kohs-may-teek)

• Meaning: This term refers to “cosmetics,” which includes makeup and other beauty products.
• In a Sentence:
  • “Elle travaille dans une boutique de cosmétiques.” (She works in a cosmetics store.)
  • “J’ai acheté des cosmétiques hier.” (I bought cosmetics yesterday.)

3. Fard à paupières (Pronunciation: fahr ah poh-pyer)

• Meaning: This is the French term for “eyeshadow.”
• In a Sentence:
  • “J’aime beaucoup ce fard à paupières.” (I really like this eyeshadow.)
  • “Elle a mis du fard à paupières bleu.” (She put on blue eyeshadow.)

4. Rouge à lèvres (Pronunciation: roozh ah lev-ruh)

• Meaning: This is the French word for “lipstick.”
• In a Sentence:
  • “Elle porte un rouge à lèvres rouge.” (She’s wearing red lipstick.)
  • “Je cherche un rouge à lèvres mat.” (I’m looking for a matte lipstick.)

5. Fond de teint (Pronunciation: fohn duh tahn)

• Meaning: This means “foundation” (the makeup applied to even out skin tone).
• In a Sentence:
  • “J’ai besoin de fond de teint pour ma peau.” (I need foundation for my skin.)
  • “Elle a appliqué son fond de teint avant de sortir.” (She applied her foundation before going out.)

6. Mascara (Pronunciation: mahs-kah-rah)

• Meaning: This is the same word in French for “mascara.”
• In a Sentence:
  • “J’ai oublié mon mascara chez moi.” (I forgot my mascara at home.)
  • “Elle met toujours du mascara.” (She always wears mascara.)

7. Blush (Pronunciation: bluhsh)

• Meaning: This refers to “blush” or “rouge” (used to add color to the cheeks).
• In a Sentence:
  • “Elle met du blush tous les matins.” (She puts on blush every morning.)
  • “Le blush donne une belle couleur aux joues.” (Blush gives a nice color to the cheeks.)

8. Poudre de teint (Pronunciation: poo-druh duh tahn)

• Meaning: This is “powder foundation,” used to set makeup.
• In a Sentence:
  • “Elle utilise une poudre de teint légère.” (She uses a light powder foundation.)
  • “J’ai besoin de poudre de teint pour fixer mon maquillage.” (I need powder foundation to set my makeup.)

9. Crayon à lèvres (Pronunciation: kray-yon ah lev-ruh)

• Meaning: This means “lip liner.”
• In a Sentence:
  • “J’ai perdu mon crayon à lèvres.” (I lost my lip liner.)
  • “Elle a dessiné ses lèvres avec un crayon à lèvres.” (She outlined her lips with a lip liner.)

10. Vernis à ongles (Pronunciation: vair-nee ah ohn-gluh)

• Meaning: This means “nail polish.”
• In a Sentence:
  • “Je vais mettre du vernis à ongles rouge.” (I’m going to put on red nail polish.)
  • “Elle a acheté un nouveau vernis à ongles.” (She bought a new nail polish.)

11. Crayon à sourcils (Pronunciation: kray-yon ah soohr-seel)

• Meaning: This refers to an “eyebrow pencil.”
• In a Sentence:
  • “Je dois acheter un crayon à sourcils.” (I need to buy an eyebrow pencil.)
  • “Elle a dessiné ses sourcils avec un crayon à sourcils.” (She drew her eyebrows with an eyebrow pencil.)

12. Enlumineur (Pronunciation: ahn-loo-mee-nuhr)

• Meaning: This means “highlighter” (used to brighten certain areas of the face).
• In a Sentence:
  • “Elle met de l’enlumineur sur ses pommettes.” (She puts highlighter on her cheekbones.)
  • “J’aime cet enlumineur, il brille beaucoup.” (I love this highlighter, it shines a lot.)

13. Base de maquillage (Pronunciation: bahz duh mah-kee-yahzh)

• Meaning: This is “makeup primer,” applied before foundation to help makeup stay in place.
• In a Sentence:
  • “J’ai appliqué une base de maquillage avant mon fond de teint.” (I applied a makeup primer before my foundation.)
  • “Elle utilise une base de maquillage hydratante.” (She uses a hydrating makeup primer.)

14. Fixateur de maquillage (Pronunciation: feeks-ah-teur duh mah-kee-yahzh)

• Meaning: This means “setting spray,” which helps makeup last longer.
• In a Sentence:
  • “J’ai utilisé un fixateur de maquillage après avoir fini.” (I used a setting spray after finishing.)
  • “Le fixateur de maquillage la garde toute la journée.” (The setting spray keeps it on all day.)

15. Lait démaquillant (Pronunciation: lay day-mah-kee-yahn)

• Meaning: This is “makeup remover lotion.”
• In a Sentence:
  • “Elle utilise un lait démaquillant pour enlever son maquillage.” (She uses makeup remover lotion to take off her makeup.)
  • “J’ai besoin d’un lait démaquillant doux.” (I need a gentle makeup remover lotion.)

16. Serum de beauté (Pronunciation: ser-oom duh boh-tey)

• Meaning: This refers to a “beauty serum,” often used before makeup to moisturize.
• In a Sentence:
  • “Elle applique un sérum de beauté avant son maquillage.” (She applies a beauty serum before her makeup.)
  • “Le sérum de beauté hydrate ma peau.” (The beauty serum hydrates my skin.)

17. Trousse de maquillage (Pronunciation: troos duh mah-kee-yahzh)

• Meaning: This is a “makeup kit” or “makeup bag.”
• In a Sentence:
  • “J’ai tout dans ma trousse de maquillage.” (I have everything in my makeup kit.)
  • “Ma trousse de maquillage est pleine de produits.” (My makeup bag is full of products.)

18. Maquillage permanent (Pronunciation: mah-kee-yahzh pair-mah-nahnt)

• Meaning: This refers to “permanent makeup,” like tattoos for eyebrows or eyeliner.
• In a Sentence:
  • “Elle a fait du maquillage permanent sur ses sourcils.” (She got permanent makeup on her eyebrows.)
  • “Le maquillage permanent dure longtemps.” (Permanent makeup lasts a long time.)

19. Peau de pêche (Pronunciation: poh duh pesh)

• Meaning: This literally means “peach skin,” and is often used to describe a flawless, smooth complexion.
• In a Sentence:
  • “Son maquillage lui donne une peau de pêche.” (Her makeup gives her a peach skin look.)
  • “Elle aime avoir une peau de pêche avec son fond de teint.” (She likes to have a smooth complexion with her foundation.)

20. Crème hydratante teintée (Pronunciation: krem ee-drah-tahnt tan-tey)

• Meaning: This is a “tinted moisturizer,” a light makeup option with moisturizing benefits.
• In a Sentence:
  • “Elle utilise une crème hydratante teintée tous les matins.” (She uses a tinted moisturizer every morning.)
  • “La crème hydratante teintée est parfaite pour l’été.” (The tinted moisturizer is perfect for summer.)

21. Pinceau à maquillage (Pronunciation: pan-soh ah mah-kee-yahzh)

• Meaning: This is a “makeup brush.”
• In a Sentence:
  • “Je n’ai pas trouvé mon pinceau à maquillage.” (I can’t find my makeup brush.)
  • “Elle utilise un pinceau à maquillage pour appliquer son fond de teint.” (She uses a makeup brush to apply her foundation.)

22. Éponge de maquillage (Pronunciation: eh-ponj duh mah-kee-yahzh)

• Meaning: This is a “makeup sponge,” often used for applying foundation.
• In a Sentence:
  • “Elle applique son fond de teint avec une éponge de maquillage.” (She applies her foundation with a makeup sponge.)
  • “J’ai besoin d’une nouvelle éponge de maquillage.” (I need a new makeup sponge.)

23. Baume à lèvres (Pronunciation: bohm ah lev-ruh)

• Meaning: This is a “lip balm,” which can be used as a base before applying lipstick.
• In a Sentence:
  • “Je mets du baume à lèvres avant de mettre du rouge à lèvres.” (I put on lip balm before applying lipstick.)
  • “Le baume à lèvres hydrate mes lèvres.” (The lip balm moisturizes my lips.)

24. Eyeliner (Pronunciation: eye-liner)

• Meaning: This is the same word in French for “eyeliner.”
• In a Sentence:
  • “J’aime porter de l’eyeliner noir.” (I like to wear black eyeliner.)
  • “Elle a mis un eyeliner très fin.” (She applied a very thin eyeliner.)

25. Cils (Pronunciation: seel)

• Meaning: This means “lashes,” referring to the eyelashes.
• In a Sentence:
  • “Elle a de longs cils.” (She has long lashes.)
  • “J’utilise du mascara pour allonger mes cils.” (I use mascara to lengthen my lashes.)

26. Poudre libre (Pronunciation: poo-druh leebruh)

• Meaning: This means “loose powder,” often used for setting makeup.
• In a Sentence:
  • “Elle utilise de la poudre libre pour fixer son maquillage.” (She uses loose powder to set her makeup.)
  • “La poudre libre rend mon maquillage plus mat.” (Loose powder makes my makeup more matte.)

27. Crème solaire teintée (Pronunciation: krem so-lair tan-tey)

• Meaning: This refers to “tinted sunscreen,” which provides both protection and light coverage.
• In a Sentence:
  • “J’utilise une crème solaire teintée pour ma peau.” (I use tinted sunscreen for my skin.)
  • “La crème solaire teintée protège et hydrate.” (The tinted sunscreen protects and hydrates.)

28. Pinceau à blush (Pronunciation: pan-soh ah bloosh)

• Meaning: This is a “blush brush,” used for applying blush to the cheeks.
• In a Sentence:
  • “Elle utilise un pinceau à blush pour un look naturel.” (She uses a blush brush for a natural look.)
  • “Le pinceau à blush est doux et facile à utiliser.” (The blush brush is soft and easy to use.)

29. Palette de maquillage (Pronunciation: pah-let duh mah-kee-yahzh)

• Meaning: This is a “makeup palette,” which contains various colors of eyeshadow or other products.
• In a Sentence:
  • “J’ai acheté une palette de maquillage avec plusieurs couleurs.” (I bought a makeup palette with several colors.)
  • “Elle aime utiliser sa palette de maquillage pour les yeux.” (She likes to use her makeup palette for eyes.)

30. Maquillage des yeux (Pronunciation: mah-kee-yahzh day zuh)

• Meaning: This refers to “eye makeup,” including eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara.
• In a Sentence:
  • “Elle adore le maquillage des yeux.” (She loves eye makeup.)
  • “Je vais me concentrer sur le maquillage des yeux ce soir.” (I’ll focus on eye makeup tonight.)

Other ways to say “Makeup” in French

Here is the table with 4 columns: “Other ways to say,” “Pronunciation,” “Meaning,” and “Example sentences.”

Other ways to say	Pronunciation	Meaning	Example Sentences
Maquillage léger	mah-kee-yahzh lay-zhay	Light makeup (a more natural look)	“Elle préfère un maquillage léger pour tous les jours.” (She prefers light makeup every day.)”Je porte toujours un maquillage léger pour le travail.” (I always wear light makeup for work.)
Maquillage artistique	mah-kee-yahzh ar-tees-teek	Artistic makeup (used for performances or art)	“Le maquillage artistique était incroyable pour le défilé.” (The artistic makeup was amazing for the fashion show.)”Elle a appliqué un maquillage artistique pour Halloween.” (She applied artistic makeup for Halloween.)
Maquillage de scène	mah-kee-yahzh duh sen	Stage makeup (used for theater or performances)	“Le maquillage de scène est très prononcé pour être visible sous les projecteurs.” (Stage makeup is very bold to be visible under the lights.)”Il porte toujours un maquillage de scène pour ses spectacles.” (He always wears stage makeup for his performances.)
Maquillage des lèvres	mah-kee-yahzh day lev-ruh	Lip makeup (lip products like lipstick or lip gloss)	“Elle met du maquillage des lèvres avant de sortir.” (She applies lip makeup before going out.)”Le maquillage des lèvres est essentiel pour un look complet.” (Lip makeup is essential for a full look.)
Maquillage bio	mah-kee-yahzh bee-oh	Organic makeup (makeup made with natural ingredients)	“Elle préfère le maquillage bio pour sa peau.” (She prefers organic makeup for her skin.)”Le maquillage bio est plus doux pour la peau.” (Organic makeup is gentler on the skin.)
Maquillage mat	mah-kee-yahzh mat	Matte makeup (makeup that doesn’t have shine)	“Je cherche un fond de teint maquillage mat.” (I’m looking for matte foundation makeup.)”Elle aime le maquillage mat pour éviter la brillance.” (She likes matte makeup to avoid shine.)
Maquillage glamour	mah-kee-yahzh glam-oor	Glamorous makeup (bold and dramatic makeup)	“Elle a appliqué un maquillage glamour pour la soirée.” (She applied glamorous makeup for the evening.)”Le maquillage glamour est parfait pour un événement spécial.” (Glamorous makeup is perfect for a special event.)
Maquillage frais	mah-kee-yahzh freh	Fresh makeup (a natural, dewy look)	“Ce maquillage frais est parfait pour l’été.” (This fresh makeup is perfect for summer.)”Elle aime le maquillage frais pour un look naturel.” (She likes fresh makeup for a natural look.)
Maquillage complet	mah-kee-yahzh kohm-pleh	Full makeup (complete makeup application)	“Elle a fait un maquillage complet pour la fête.” (She did a full makeup for the party.)”Il préfère un maquillage complet pour un look chic.” (He prefers full makeup for a chic look.)
Maquillage de tous les jours	mah-kee-yahzh duh too lay zhoor	Everyday makeup (light makeup for daily use)	“Elle porte un maquillage de tous les jours pour aller au travail.” (She wears everyday makeup to go to work.)”Mon maquillage de tous les jours est simple et rapide.” (My everyday makeup is simple and quick.)
Maquillage waterproof	mah-kee-yahzh wah-ter-proof	Waterproof makeup (makeup that resists water)	“Ce maquillage waterproof ne coule pas, même sous la pluie.” (This waterproof makeup doesn’t run, even in the rain.)”Elle utilise du maquillage waterproof pour les jours humides.” (She uses waterproof makeup for rainy days.)
Maquillage de mariage	mah-kee-yahzh duh ma-ree-ahzh	Bridal makeup (makeup for weddings)	“Elle a fait un maquillage de mariage magnifique.” (She did a beautiful bridal makeup.)”Le maquillage de mariage est souvent très délicat et naturel.” (Bridal makeup is often very delicate and natural.)
Maquillage professionnel	mah-kee-yahzh pro-feh-syon-el	Professional makeup (done by a makeup artist)	“Le maquillage professionnel qu’elle a fait était impeccable.” (The professional makeup she did was flawless.)”Je vais chez un expert pour un maquillage professionnel.” (I go to an expert for professional makeup.)
Maquillage lumineux	mah-kee-yahzh loo-mee-nuhs	Radiant makeup (makeup that gives a glowing look)	“Elle aime le maquillage lumineux pour sa peau.” (She likes radiant makeup for her skin.)”Le maquillage lumineux donne un effet de peau éclatante.” (Radiant makeup gives a glowing skin effect.)
Maquillage sophistiqué	mah-kee-yahzh soh-fees-tee-kay	Sophisticated makeup (elegant and refined)	“Son maquillage sophistiqué la rend encore plus belle.” (Her sophisticated makeup makes her even more beautiful.)”Le maquillage sophistiqué convient à une soirée formelle.” (Sophisticated makeup is perfect for a formal evening.)
Maquillage pour les yeux	mah-kee-yahzh poor lay yuh	Eye makeup (specifically for the eyes, including eyeshadow, eyeliner, etc.)	“Le maquillage pour les yeux est important pour un look complet.” (Eye makeup is important for a complete look.)”Elle a mis un maquillage pour les yeux très dramatique.” (She applied very dramatic eye makeup.)
Maquillage de nuit	mah-kee-yahzh duh nwee	Nighttime makeup (makeup for evening wear)	“Elle porte un maquillage de nuit plus foncé.” (She wears darker makeup for the night.)”Le maquillage de nuit est souvent plus audacieux.” (Nighttime makeup is often bolder.)
Maquillage de fête	mah-kee-yahzh duh fet	Party makeup (bold makeup for parties)	“Elle a fait un maquillage de fête pour la soirée d’anniversaire.” (She did party makeup for the birthday party.)”Le maquillage de fête est souvent plus brillant et coloré.” (Party makeup is often brighter and more colorful.)
Maquillage de mode	mah-kee-yahzh duh moh-d	Fashion makeup (makeup for photoshoots or runway)	“Le maquillage de mode est très créatif.” (Fashion makeup is very creative.)”Elle travaille dans l’industrie du maquillage de mode.” (She works in the fashion makeup industry.)

Response to ‘Makeup’ in French

When someone talks about makeup in French, there are various ways you can respond, depending on the conversation. Here are a few common phrases and responses to help you join the discussion:

1. “J’aime beaucoup ton maquillage!”

• Pronunciation: zhaym boh-koo tohn mah-kee-yahzh
• Meaning: “I really like your makeup!”
• Response:
  • “Merci! J’ai utilisé des produits naturels.” (Thank you! I used natural products.)
  • “C’est gentil, j’adore essayer de nouveaux looks.” (That’s kind, I love trying new looks.)

2. “Tu as un maquillage superbe!”

• Pronunciation: too ah uh mah-kee-yahzh soo-perb
• Meaning: “You have gorgeous makeup!”
• Response:
  • “Merci, j’ai utilisé un fond de teint léger.” (Thank you, I used a light foundation.)
  • “C’est un maquillage très simple, mais j’aime le résultat.” (It’s a very simple makeup, but I like the result.)

3. “Quel maquillage utilises-tu tous les jours?”

• Pronunciation: kel mah-kee-yahzh yoo-teel-eez too too lay zhoor
• Meaning: “What makeup do you use every day?”
• Response:
  • “Je porte un maquillage léger avec du mascara.” (I wear light makeup with mascara.)
  • “J’utilise une crème hydratante teintée pour le maquillage quotidien.” (I use a tinted moisturizer for my daily makeup.)

4. “Tu as quel type de maquillage aujourd’hui?”

• Pronunciation: too ah kel teep duh mah-kee-yahzh oh-zhoor-dwee
• Meaning: “What type of makeup are you wearing today?”
• Response:
  • “Aujourd’hui, j’ai choisi un maquillage naturel.” (Today, I chose natural makeup.)
  • “Aujourd’hui, je porte un maquillage plus glamour pour la soirée.” (Today, I’m wearing more glamorous makeup for the evening.)

5. “Ce maquillage te va très bien!”

• Pronunciation: suh mah-kee-yahzh tuh vah treh byan
• Meaning: “This makeup suits you very well!”
• Response:
  • “Merci, je suis content(e) que tu aimes!” (Thank you, I’m glad you like it!)
  • “C’est le maquillage que j’ai fait pour un événement spécial.” (This is the makeup I did for a special event.)

6. “Est-ce que tu te maquilles souvent?”

• Pronunciation: ehs kuh too tuh mah-kee sooh-vahnt
• Meaning: “Do you wear makeup often?”
• Response:
  • “Oui, je me maquille tous les jours.” (Yes, I wear makeup every day.)
  • “Non, je préfère un maquillage naturel pour tous les jours.” (No, I prefer natural makeup for everyday use.)

7. “Pourquoi as-tu choisi ce maquillage?”

• Pronunciation: poor-kwah ah too shwah-zee suh mah-kee-yahzh
• Meaning: “Why did you choose this makeup?”
• Response:
  • “Je voulais quelque chose de léger pour l’été.” (I wanted something light for the summer.)
  • “J’ai choisi ce maquillage parce qu’il est parfait pour un dîner.” (I chose this makeup because it’s perfect for a dinner.)

8. “Tu te maquilles bien!”

• Pronunciation: too tuh mah-kee byan
• Meaning: “You do your makeup well!”
• Response:
  • “Merci, j’apprends avec des tutoriels en ligne.” (Thank you, I’m learning with online tutorials.)
  • “C’est gentil, je pratique chaque jour!” (That’s kind, I practice every day!)

9. “Je n’aime pas me maquiller.”

• Pronunciation: juh nem pah muh mah-kee-yay
• Meaning: “I don’t like wearing makeup.”
• Response:
  • “C’est OK, chacun ses préférences!” (That’s okay, everyone has their preferences!)
  • “Parfois, je me maquille juste pour des occasions spéciales.” (Sometimes, I wear makeup just for special occasions.)

10. “Tu préfères quel style de maquillage?”

• Pronunciation: too pray-fehr kel steel duh mah-kee-yahzh
• Meaning: “What style of makeup do you prefer?”
• Response:
  • “J’aime le maquillage naturel et frais.” (I like natural and fresh makeup.)
  • “Je préfère un maquillage glamour et audacieux.” (I prefer bold and glamorous makeup.)

11. “J’adore ton look de maquillage!”

• Pronunciation: jah-door ton look duh mah-kee-yahzh
• Meaning: “I love your makeup look!”
• Response:
  • “Merci beaucoup! C’est un maquillage rapide que j’ai fait ce matin.” (Thank you very much! It’s a quick makeup I did this morning.)
  • “C’est super gentil! J’ai essayé un nouveau style.” (That’s so kind! I tried a new style.)

12. “Tu as une belle peau, tu n’as pas besoin de maquillage.”

• Pronunciation: too ah oon bel poh, too nah pah beh-zwen duh mah-kee-yahzh
• Meaning: “You have beautiful skin, you don’t need makeup.”
• Response:
  • “Merci! J’aime quand même mettre un peu de maquillage.” (Thank you! I still like to wear a bit of makeup.)
  • “C’est gentil, mais j’aime utiliser un peu de maquillage pour me sentir bien.” (That’s kind, but I like to use a bit of makeup to feel good.)

13. “Comment fais-tu pour faire tenir ton maquillage toute la journée?”

• Pronunciation: koh-mohn feh too poor fehr tuh-neer ton mah-kee-yahzh toot lah zhoor-nay
• Meaning: “How do you make your makeup last all day?”
• Response:
  • “J’utilise un fixateur de maquillage pour qu’il reste en place.” (I use a setting spray so it stays in place.)
  • “Je commence avec une bonne base de maquillage.” (I start with a good makeup base.)

14. “Tu préfères le maquillage léger ou plus intense?”

• Pronunciation: too pray-fehr luh mah-kee-yahzh lay-zhay oo plooz ahn-tahns
• Meaning: “Do you prefer light makeup or something more intense?”
• Response:
  • “Je préfère un maquillage léger pour tous les jours.” (I prefer light makeup for everyday wear.)
  • “Pour les occasions spéciales, je choisis un maquillage plus intense.” (For special occasions, I choose more intense makeup.)

15. “Ce maquillage te donne un look parfait!”

• Pronunciation: suh mah-kee-yahzh tuh dohn uh look par-fay
• Meaning: “This makeup gives you a perfect look!”
• Response:
  • “Merci! Je suis content(e) que tu l’aimes.” (Thank you! I’m glad you like it.)
  • “C’est mon maquillage de tous les jours, mais je l’adore aussi.” (It’s my everyday makeup, but I love it too.)

16. “Quel produit utilises-tu pour ton fond de teint?”

• Pronunciation: kel proh-dwee yoo-tee-leez too poor ton fohn duh tahn
• Meaning: “What product do you use for your foundation?”
• Response:
  • “J’utilise un fond de teint liquide, c’est plus léger.” (I use liquid foundation, it’s lighter.)
  • “Je préfère un fond de teint en poudre pour une couverture plus forte.” (I prefer powder foundation for a stronger coverage.)

17. “Ton maquillage met vraiment en valeur tes yeux!”

• Pronunciation: ton mah-kee-yahzh meh vreh-moh ahn vah-loor tay zuh
• Meaning: “Your makeup really highlights your eyes!”
• Response:
  • “Merci, j’ai mis beaucoup de mascara et d’eyeliner.” (Thank you, I used a lot of mascara and eyeliner.)
  • “J’adore accentuer mes yeux avec du fard à paupières.” (I love accentuating my eyes with eyeshadow.)

18. “Ce maquillage est très subtil!”

• Pronunciation: suh mah-kee-yahzh eh tray soob-teel
• Meaning: “This makeup is very subtle!”
• Response:
  • “C’était exactement ce que je voulais pour aujourd’hui.” (It was exactly what I wanted for today.)
  • “Oui, je préfère un maquillage discret pour tous les jours.” (Yes, I prefer subtle makeup for everyday wear.)

19. “As-tu un conseil pour appliquer le maquillage?”

• Pronunciation: ah too uh kohn-say poor ap-lee-kay luh mah-kee-yahzh
• Meaning: “Do you have any tips for applying makeup?”
• Response:
  • “Oui, il est important de bien préparer sa peau avant le maquillage.” (Yes, it’s important to prep your skin well before makeup.)
  • “Utilise toujours une base pour que le maquillage tienne mieux.” (Always use a primer so the makeup lasts better.)

20. “Quel est ton produit préféré pour le maquillage des yeux?”

• Pronunciation: kel eh ton proh-dwee pray-feh-ray poor luh mah-kee-yahzh day zuh
• Meaning: “What is your favorite product for eye makeup?”
• Response:
  • “Mon produit préféré est un fard à paupières crémeux.” (My favorite product is a creamy eyeshadow.)
  • “J’adore utiliser un eyeliner liquide pour définir mes yeux.” (I love using liquid eyeliner to define my eyes.)

Exercise to practice success ‘makeup’ in French.”

Here are 12 fill-in-the-blank sentences using the phrases we’ve discussed so far. Each sentence will be in French, and the task is to fill in the missing word or phrase from the list of ways to say “makeup” in French. 

Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise:

1. Elle a acheté un __________ pour sa peau. (She bought a __________ for her skin.)
2. Avant de sortir, elle a mis du __________ sur ses yeux. (Before going out, she put __________ on her eyes.)
3. J’utilise un __________ pour fixer mon maquillage toute la journée. (I use __________ to set my makeup all day.)
4. Ce soir, je vais me maquiller avec du __________ pour un look audacieux. (Tonight, I’ll wear __________ for a bold look.)
5. Elle adore le __________ car il hydrate sa peau tout en la couvrant. (She loves __________ because it hydrates her skin while covering it.)
6. Pour un maquillage naturel, je préfère utiliser du __________. (For a natural makeup look, I prefer to use __________.)
7. Avant de mettre du maquillage, elle applique toujours une __________. (Before putting on makeup, she always applies __________.)
8. Il a acheté une nouvelle __________ pour ses yeux. (He bought a new __________ for his eyes.)
9. J’aime beaucoup ce __________, il donne un aspect lumineux à mon visage. (I really like this __________, it gives a radiant look to my face.)
10. Le __________ est parfait pour donner un effet mat et léger. (The __________ is perfect for giving a matte and light effect.)
11. Elle a utilisé un __________ pour créer un look plus dramatique. (She used __________ to create a more dramatic look.)
12. Après le maquillage, elle applique un __________ pour tout fixer. (After makeup, she applies __________ to lock everything in place.)

Answers:

1. fond de teint (foundation)
   • Elle a acheté un fond de teint pour sa peau. (She bought a foundation for her skin.)
2. fard à paupières (eyeshadow)
   • Avant de sortir, elle a mis du fard à paupières sur ses yeux. (Before going out, she put eyeshadow on her eyes.)
3. fixateur de maquillage (setting spray)
   • J’utilise un fixateur de maquillage pour fixer mon maquillage toute la journée. (I use setting spray to set my makeup all day.)
4. maquillage glamour (glamorous makeup)
   • Ce soir, je vais me maquiller avec du maquillage glamour pour un look audacieux. (Tonight, I’ll wear glamorous makeup for a bold look.)
5. crème hydratante teintée (tinted moisturizer)
   • Elle adore le crème hydratante teintée car il hydrate sa peau tout en la couvrant. (She loves tinted moisturizer because it hydrates her skin while covering it.)
6. maquillage léger (light makeup)
   • Pour un maquillage naturel, je préfère utiliser du maquillage léger. (For a natural makeup look, I prefer to use light makeup.)
7. base de maquillage (makeup primer)
   • Avant de mettre du maquillage, elle applique toujours une base de maquillage. (Before putting on makeup, she always applies makeup primer.)
8. crayon à sourcils (eyebrow pencil)
   • Il a acheté une nouvelle crayon à sourcils pour ses yeux. (He bought a new eyebrow pencil for his eyes.)
9. enlumineur (highlighter)
   • J’aime beaucoup ce enlumineur, il donne un aspect lumineux à mon visage. (I really like this highlighter, it gives a radiant look to my face.)
10. poudre de teint (powder foundation)

• Le poudre de teint est parfait pour donner un effet mat et léger. (The powder foundation is perfect for giving a matte and light effect.)

11. eyeliner (eyeliner)

• Elle a utilisé un eyeliner pour créer un look plus dramatique. (She used eyeliner to create a more dramatic look.)

12. fixateur de maquillage (setting spray)

• Après le maquillage, elle applique un fixateur de maquillage pour tout fixer. (After makeup, she applies setting spray to lock everything in place.)

Conclusion

Learning how to say “makeup” in French opens up many possibilities for conversations about beauty, skincare, and personal care. Whether you’re discussing makeup products, techniques, or simply complimenting someone’s look, knowing the right terms will help you feel confident while speaking French.

By practicing the different words and phrases in this article, you can easily talk about makeup in French and understand when others do the same. Whether it’s a simple “maquillage” for makeup or specific terms like “fard à paupières” (eyeshadow) or “fond de teint” (foundation), you’ve now got a rich vocabulary to express yourself.

Keep practicing these terms, and soon you’ll be able to discuss beauty topics in French just as easily as you do in English!