Shopping for Makeup Products
A person is at a beauty store or cosmetics counter, asking for advice on choosing foundation shades, lipstick colors, or discussing different makeup brands and application techniques with a sales associate.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
foundation
A type of makeup liquid or cream applied to the face to even out skin tone and cover imperfections. In beauty shopping, ask for it when you want base makeup.
overwhelmed
Feeling confused or unable to decide because there are too many choices. Use this when shopping and seeing many options, like 'I'm overwhelmed by the colors.'
shade
The specific color tone of a makeup product that matches your skin. Important for foundation or lipstick; say 'What shade suits me?' to get advice.
coverage
How much a makeup product hides skin flaws: light, medium, or full. Ask 'What coverage do you recommend?' based on your needs.
skin type
The condition of your skin, like normal, oily, dry, or combination. Tell a salesperson your skin type to get the right product suggestions.
buildable
A makeup feature where you can apply more layers for stronger effect without looking heavy. Useful for versatile products; say 'I want something buildable.'
T-zone
The oily area of the face including forehead, nose, and chin. Mention it if your skin gets oily there, like 'My T-zone is oily.'
swatches
Small samples of makeup tested on the skin to check color. In stores, say 'Can I see swatches?' to try before buying.
lipstick
A colored product for the lips. Common in beauty talks; ask for 'everyday lipstick' for daily use.
finish
The texture or shine of makeup, like matte (no shine), satin (smooth shine), or gloss (wet look). Choose based on preference: 'I like a satin finish.'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
I'm looking for a new foundation but I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the options.
This sentence introduces your shopping need and expresses confusion. Useful for starting a conversation in a store. 'Looking for' means searching for; 'overwhelmed by' shows too many choices. Use it when you need help deciding.
Can you help me find the right shade and formula?
A polite request for assistance. 'Can you help me' is a common way to ask for aid. 'Shade' is color, 'formula' is product type. Great for beauty counters to specify what you need help with.
What kind of coverage are you looking for? And what's your skin type?
This is a question to gather customer info. Use 'what kind of' for options, and 'and' to connect questions. Salespeople use this to recommend products; learners can practice asking about preferences.
I'm looking for something buildable, maybe medium to full coverage.
Describes product preferences with qualifiers like 'maybe' for suggestions. 'Buildable' means layerable; 'medium to full' shows range. Useful for explaining needs clearly in shopping.
Would you mind if I test a few swatches on your jawline?
Polite way to ask permission. 'Would you mind if' is conditional for requests. 'Swatches' are tests, 'jawline' is jaw area. Essential for service interactions to check color match.
That actually blends in really well with my neck!
Expresses positive feedback. 'Blends in' means mixes smoothly; 'actually' adds surprise. Use this to confirm a good match and continue the conversation.
For a natural look, I'd suggest something with a hint of a nude or a soft rose.
Gives recommendations with reasons. 'I'd suggest' is advisory; 'hint of' means a little. 'Natural look' is everyday makeup. Helpful for suggesting options in sales or advice-giving.
What kind of finish do you prefer – matte, satin, or gloss?
Asks for preference with examples. Dash (–) lists options. 'Prefer' means like best. Use this structure to offer choices in conversations about products.
I prefer something more on the satin or perhaps a subtle gloss side.
States preference with alternatives. 'More on the...side' means leaning towards; 'perhaps' softens suggestion. 'Subtle' means not too much. Good for expressing nuanced likes without being firm.
You're very welcome! I think you'll love these.
Polite response to thanks, with encouragement. 'You're welcome' answers gratitude; 'I think you'll love' predicts positive reaction. Ends service interactions nicely.