EverydayAdvanced
Buying makeup in English (advanced)
Advanced English for buying makeup. Key line: “Hey, could you help me find a foundation that won't look too heavy?”
Full script
Lin
Hey, could you help me find a foundation that won't look too heavy?
Them
Of course—what kind of finish are you after: matte, dewy, or in between?
Lin
Something natural; I want to look awake, not accidentally orange.
Them
Got you. Is your skin more oily or dry, and what's your undertone?
Lin
Definitely oily by noon, and I think my undertone leans warm.
Them
Then I'd swatch these two first—this one's neutral, and this one oxidizes less.
Lin
Perfect—last time my face and neck had a breakup by lunchtime.
Them
Let's not relive that—this shade says glow, not traffic cone.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
finish
✓ What kind of finish are you after?ask about finish
Here, finish = look, not end
undertone
✓ What's your undertone?ask undertone
undertone ≠ light or dark
swatch
✓ I'd swatch these two first.pick two to test
swatch can be a verb
warm
✓ My undertone leans warm.say your tone is warm
leans = slightly toward
Quick answers
finish: what to say in English
Say “What kind of finish are you after?” — ask about finish. Here, finish = look, not end.
undertone: what to say in English
Say “What's your undertone?” — ask undertone. undertone ≠ light or dark.
swatch: what to say in English
Say “I'd swatch these two first.” — pick two to test. swatch can be a verb.
warm: what to say in English
Say “My undertone leans warm.” — say your tone is warm. leans = slightly toward.