How to Pronounce Beauty Brand Names
How to Pronounce Every Beauty Brand You're Too Afraid to Say Out Loud
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You never truly know the beautiful nuances that are beauty brand names until you pronounce them the wrong way at a cocktail party. To keep you sounding smart, we broke down the trickiest, most accented, and/or French makeup labels out there. Go forth, and be cultured.
Anastasia Beverly Hills
How to pronounce: Ana-STA-sia Beverly Hills
Claim to fame: The brand, owned by mother-daughter duo Anastasia and Claudia Soare, put unicorn on the map with the iridescent Anastasia Beverly Hills Dream Glow Kit ($45).
Balenciaga
How to pronounce: Bah-len-see-ah-gah
Claim to fame: The dreamy couture house's fragrances embody the same M.O.: Balenciaga Paris Eau De Parfum ($148) contains delicate violet and peppery notes that will put a spring in your step.
Belif
How to pronounce: BEE-leef
Claim to fame: After debuting under the eyes of models like Ashley Graham and Gigi Hadid during Fall 2017's New York Fashion Week, the Belif Moisturising Eye Bomb ($38) shot to the top spot of Sephora's best-selling list.
Bioré
How to pronounce: Bee-ORE-ay
Claim to fame: Those fun-to-use and slightly gross Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips ($16), which literally peel gunk out of your face.
Borghese
How to pronounce: Bore-gay-seh
Claim to fame: Italian spa care shouldn't just be reserved just for your PTO shenanigans, and that's why Borghese has a full lineup of pampering products you can use in your half-bath. The Fango Delicato Mud for Face and Body ($48) contains honey and vitamin E to gently draw out gunk from your face — even the most sensitive souls among us can use it sans redness.
Boscia
How to pronounce: Bo-sha
Claim to fame: The Charcoal Pore Pudding Intensive Wash-Off Treatment ($38), which leaves skin looking flush and feeling impossibly soft.
Bottega Veneta
How to pronounce: Bo-TAY-ga VAN-ah-ta
Claim to fame: Yes, Bottega is primarily a fashion brand, but its also beloved for the opulant jasmine fragrance, Bottega Veneta Eau de Parfum ($155).
Briogeo
How to pronounce: Bri-oh GEE-oh
Claim to fame: Those with dry and dyed hair alike have lauded the Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Strength + Moisture Leave-In Mask ($28), a top-rated conditioning treatment.
Bvlgari
How to pronounce: Bvlgari is actually a stylistic choice meant to mimic Latin — technically, the brand is Bulgari, pronounced BULL-gur-ee
Claim to fame: This one is another fashion-beauty hybrid, known for dressing the likes of Bella Hadid (who's a face of the line). The impressively-packaged Omnia Crystalline Eau de Toilette ($84) is fruity, floral, and super sexy.
Byredo
How to pronounce: By-RAY-do
Claim to fame: Byredo sells Instagram-able fragrances that live inside minimalist, double tap-worthy packageing. Fans of the line love how the scents, such as the jasmine and sandalwood-scented Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum ($165), sit close on the skin and last all day.
Caudalíe
How to pronounce: Kwa-da-lee
Claim to fame: This cult-favourite Caudalíe Beauty Elixir ($49) is a toner-mist hybrid that instantly revives your face — stash it away in your purse for radiance-boosting on-the-go spritzing.
Chantecaille
How to pronounce: Chant-ah-ky
Claim to fame: The luxurious French line regularly drops Cheek Shades ($40) featuring adorable critters engraved on the powder. As an added bonus, the brand was founded by a mother-daughter duo, and the pair regularly donate to animal rights charities.
Christian Louboutin
How to pronounce: Chris-tian Loo-boo-tan.
Claim to fame: Cardi B did us all a favour by re-popularizing the iconic red soled "bloody shoes" in her song "Bodak Yellow," and the heels live on forever in Sex and the City reruns. On the beauty-front, Loo-boo-tan is best known for its stylishly-designed Loubiflash Nail Colour ($30).
Ciaté
How to pronounce: See-ah-TAY
Claim to fame: Formerly known for its nail polishes, the brand has pivoted to colour cosmetics. Here's the deal with its super-popular Glitter Flip ($19), which sold out pretty much immediately after its Fall 2017 release. You smear it on, and it's a matte colour. Then you flick your lips together, and sparkles appear. Every time you repeat the process, your lips become even shinier. Capiche?
Clarins
How to pronounce: Clair-ins
Claim to fame: Clarins is a longtime department store beauty counter staple — but don't write it off as predictable just yet. In fact, the French brand recently released the product of the moment, the oil-based CClarins Water Lip Stain ($28) which literally feels like wearing a soft, plush cloud on your mouth all day, while leaving a juicy pop of colour.
Clé de Peau
How to say: Clay de P-OH
Claim to fame: Clé is perhaps best-known for its concealer — even Emily Blunt is a fan! — but our office is currently gaga over shades of the Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Lip Gloss ($36).
Cosrx
How to pronounce: K-OH-ser-EX
Claim to fame: Those viral Acne Pimple Master Patch ($6), which are little stickers you pop over a zit just as its coming to head. Slap one on, go to bed, and wake up wondering where your pimple went.
Diptyque
How to pronounce: Dip-tee-k
Claim to fame: Rumour has it that Meghan Markle burned one of the French brand's beloved candles while getting ready for her wedding to Prince Harry. Perhaps your bougie-est college roommate was a fan of the Baies Scented Candle ($65), too, as its synonymous with opulent luxury, and fills the room with a dreamy scent of rose and blackcurrent that hides the fact that you had microwavable ramen for the past three nights dinner.
Farsàli
How to pronounce: Far-sal-ee
Claim to fame: That viral Unicorn Essence/a> ($54) was dotted on the cheekbones of just about every beauty influencer when it hit the market last year. The moisturiser-meets-makeup primer popularized that "teardrop" style application where vloggers apply the formula just under their eyes and look like they're crying for some reason.
Givenchy
How to pronounce: Jhee-von-SHEE
Claim to fame: Many of Givenchy's limited edition offerings are gorgeously packaged in rhinestone-studded packageing. Because of that, they're quick to sell out, so get your hands on the geometric-chic Prisme Libre Loose Powder ($56), STAT.
Glossier
How to pronounce: Gloss-EE-ay
Claim to fame: First an offshoot of the beauty site Into the Gloss, smart branding and an impeccable Instagram game made Glossier one of the most talked-about brands in millennial memory. Just about every Glossier drop creates a minor hysteria, so it's hard to chose just one item — the cream blush Cloud Paint ($18) is a frontrunner, as it gives off a natural, healthy flush and doesn't look like makeup at all.
Guerlain
How to pronounce: GERHL-lahn
Claim to fame: Established as a Parisian fragrance house in 1826, it's safe to say Guerlain has seen some sh*t. It's hard to pick one product to represent a storied heritage brand, but the sweetly-coloured Météorites Pearls ($63) are tiny powder pebbles that illuminate your face, and they're adorable.
Hermès
How to pronounce: Her-mez
Claim to fame: On the fashion front, you probably know Hermès for its elusive Birkin bag, which starts at $12,000 and has a wait list longer than the amount of people you've ghosted. It's also beloved for its accessories such as scarves and jewellery, plus the ginger and tuberose-infused Twilly d'Hermès Eau de Parfum ($130).
Jouer
How to pronounce: Joo-ay
Claim to fame: The brand's Essential High Coverage Crème Foundation ($38) comes in 45 shades.
Jurlique
How to pronounce: Jurl-eek
Claim to fame: Ever wonder how the Aussies are so damn chill about everything? We suspect it's because they have easy access to this Down Under-born spa brand, which makes it super easy to treat yourself via its line of indulgent skincare products. Exhibit A: the Rosewater Balancing Mist ($65), a hype man for your tired face that instantly envelops you in a soothing floral scent, while hydrating everything.
Kevyn Aucoin
How to pronounce: Kev-in Aw-kwan
Claim to fame: Aucoin was the man in makeup of the '90s — his clients included Madonna, Whitney Houston, and Cindy Crawford. Before his untimely death in 2002, Aucoin strove to make products that were accessible to a wide range of skintones long before many other brands broached the subject of complexion diversity. Along with publishing many now-classic tutorial books, The Volume Mascara ($28) remains an iconic lash-enhancer.
Kérastase
How to pronounce: Care-ah-stahss
Claim to fame: This luxurious line is beloved by stylists and customers alike for its hard-working formulas, and it's a staple backstage at Fashion Weeks. The Elixir Ultime Oleo-complex Versatile Beautifying Oil ($49) comes in beyond-sexy packageing, and makes split-ends virtually disappear.
Kjaer Weis
How to pronounce: KEE-r W-ICE
Claim to fame: Emma Watson is a fan of the natural Swedish beauty brand. You will be too after trying the refreshing, non-sticky, "your-lips-but-better" Lip Gloss ($38) made of six flush colours that turn your mouth into compliment city.
Koh Gen Do
How to pronounce: Koh Jen Doe
Claim to fame: In 1986, a Japanese actress named Ai Saotome realised that heavy film makeup was wreaking havoc on her skin. In response, she created a line of skincare with products such as Cleansing Spa Water ($46), which is made to pamper stressed complexions.
Korres
How to pronounce: Core-EZZ
Claim to fame: The skincare line tapped into your obsession with Greek yoghurt and makes gentle, clean products with ingredients from the Mediterranean country. The Golden Krocus Ageless Saffron Elixir Serum ($98) is especially bougie, as it's made with hand-picked saffron. The natural anxi-oxidant strengthens and plumps skin to bonafide Greek goddess status.
Klorane
How to pronounce: Klo-rahn
Claim to fame: Thought it was pronounced Klo-rain? You're not alone — even seasoned beauty experts still make the faux pas. The French line is best known for its Dry Shampoo with Nettle Oil Control ($20), which is beloved by those with darker hair, as it doesn't leave white spots that make you look like you're wearing an 19th century barrister's wig.
Lancôme
How to pronounce: Lahn-comb
Claim to fame: The 83-year-old heritage brand has a slew of offerings (you want it, they've got it), and just as famous celebrity ambassadors. The Lancôme Matte Shaker High Pigment Liquid Lipstick ($22) is one of the most fun-to-use beauty products ever made.
Laneige
How to pronounce: Lah-nej
Claim to fame: The k-beauty brand is beloved for its affordable hydrating overnight treatments, such as the Lip Sleeping Mask ($20). Smear it on before beddy by, and wake up not even knowing what chapped lips are to begin with.
La Rouche-Posay
How to pronounce: La-Rou-sh Poos-ay
Claim to fame: The sun care brand is known for making SPFs that impress by both working really well and feeling decadent when slathered on. The Anthelios 60 Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60 ($20) is an essential for any beach bag — just add a straw hat and you're ready to chill poolside.
Laura Mercier
How to pronounce: Lore-AH Mur-sea-ay
Claim to fame: Legendary French makeup artist Laura Mercier founded her brand in 1997, and has been doing the no makeup-makeup thing long before Goop graced the scene. The Translucent Loose Setting Powder ($38) is sheer, and locks in your carefully-applied makeup without leaving you looking like you're wearing five pounds of product.
Leonor Greyl
How to pronounce: Lay-oh-nor-grail
Claim to fame: Hailing from France, the 50-year-old brand was among the first to use natural ingredients in haircare. It's formulas are free of silicone, and target hair issues at the root — or in this case, the scalp. The
Crème De Soin A L'Amarante /a> ($78) is the big-girl version of No More Tangles, plus it makes your hair almost alarmingly soft.
L'Occitane
How to pronounce: Lox-EE-tahn
Claim to fame: The accent! The double C's! The French skincare brand's name is so scary to say out loud, that the company even made a video acknowledging it's a tricky pronunciation. Once you've mastered your accent, you can shop its luxurious formulas such as the soothing Shea Butter Hand Cream ($12), which is a must-have for nail biters.
Lorac
How to pronounce: Luh-rock
Claim to fame: Lorac — or Carol, spelled backwards (named after brand founder Carol Shaw) — is a line full of professional-grade products that aren't too fussy or tough to use. The Pro Contour Palette with Contour Brush ($45) will chisel your cheekbones without making you look like a streak-a-saurus rex.
Mario Badescu
How to pronounce: Mar-ee-OH Bad-es-kew
Claim to fame: The salicylic acid-packed Drying Lotion ($17) is often many people's first acne product; the ubiquitous pink goo is one of the best ways to spot treat pimples as those suckers come to a head. Use it during those "Oh sh*t" moments when you need to get rid of a gnarly zit the night before a job interview.
Miu Miu
How to pronounce: Mew-mew
Claim to fame: Leave it to Prada's cool younger sister brand, which is known for its whimsical fashion designs, to create an equally adorable fragrance bottle. The Miu Miu Eau de Parfum ($122) contains lily of the valley, jasmine, and rose extracts.
Moschino Pink Fresh Couture
How to pronounce: Mos-kay-no
Claim to fame: Creative director Jeremy Scott forges a whimsical path for the Italian fashion label, which includes selling Moschino Pink Fresh Couture Perfume ($62) packaged like an essential cleaning supply.
Mugler
How to pronounce: Mew-glare
Claim to fame: The French fashion designer is known for his sexy designs. How sexy? Thinks the bondage-inspired black dress Demi Moore wore during Indecent Proposal. Alien by Mugler Eau de Parfum Spray ($120) is just as hot in both design and scent. With spicy notes of cardamom, cumin, and orange blossom, one whiff of this will make you feel like a femme fatale.
NYX
How to pronounce: Nix
Claim to fame: If you need a high glam when you're low on cash, reach for the brand's wallet-friendly products such as the Warm Neutrals Ultimate Shadow Palette ($18).
Oribe
How to pronounce: Or-bay
Claim to fame: Celebrity hairstylist Oribe Canalas founded the line in 2006, so it makes sense that it's since become a staple in professional salons and at-home vanities alike. The Dry Texturizing Spray ($46) works both as a dry shampoo and an instant hair pick-me-up.
Ouai
How to pronounce: Way
Claim to fame: Lob inventor and Kardashian glam squad ringleader Jen Atkin founded Ouai in 2015 with the launch of Wave Spray ($26), a styling spritzer that makes it ridiculously easy to get that coveted beachy look even if you're living that landlocked life.
Ouidad
How to pronounce: Wee-dahd
Claim to fame: Got curly hair? Then you've no doubt heard of the brand's Curl Recovery Melt-Down Extreme Repair Mask ($44), which lets you work with and revive your natural hair texture rather than fight against it.
Pür
How to pronounce: Pure
Claim to fame: We know, umlauts are scary things, but don't let the accent deter you from picking up a bottle of the brand's sex-proof Miracle Mist Hydrating Spray ($13). (Yes, we did indeed test that claim).
Sachajuan
How to pronounce: Sah-sha-hwahn
Claim to fame: The Swedish brand makes restorative hair care such as the Intensive Repair Shampoo ($35), which is a must for vacations, as it protects from UVA/UVB exposure.
Shiseido
How to pronounce: Shh-say-doe
Claim to fame: The J-beauty brands is one of the oldest in the world; at 145-years-young, it's still among the most coveted, too. Skincare goodies like the Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate ($70) protect from UV damage and pollution.
Stila
How to pronounce Steel-ah
Claim to fame: Not over sparkly shadow yet? Neither is Stila: the brand sells a ridiculously easy-to-apply Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow ($24) that eliminates fallout and keeps shimmer from sliding off your lids and onto your face — not that shining bright like a diamond all-over is that bad of a deal.
