Like a Beauty: Russian Phrases and Words for Your Look

As the saying goes, “Красота требует жертв” (Beauty requires sacrifice). For many Russian women, fashion and beauty are the top priorities.

In this article, I have collected key words and phrases related to cosmetics, self-care, and fashion. These expressions will help you with shopping, beauty treatments, and discussing style.

Cosmetics Vocabulary

When it comes to makeup, Russian women don’t mess around! Let’s start by learning words for key makeup products.

Makeup for the face:

тональный крем – foundation

пудра – powder

консилер – concealer

румяна – blush

хайлайтер – highlighter

контурный крем – contour

Eye makeup:

тени для век – eyeshadow

тушь для ресниц – mascara

подводка для глаз – eyeliner

карандаш для бровей – brow pencil

накладные ресницы – fake eyelashes

Lip products:

помада – lipstick

блеск для губ – lip gloss

карандаш для губ – lip liner

To apply your makeup, you’ll need the right tools:

кисти для макияжа – makeup brushes

спонж для макияжа – beauty blender

Now for nail care necessities:

лак для ногтей – nail polish

пилочка для ногтей – nail file

основа под лак – base coat

See Also: Body and Face Parts in Russian

With these words for cosmetics and tools, you’ll be ready to chat about makeup products and application techniques. Use these terms when shopping or getting a makeover, and you’ll sound like a true beauty guru!

Hair Vocabulary

Beautiful, flowing hair is important for any Russian woman. Let’s go over key hair care terms:

Hair products:

шампунь – shampoo

кондиционер – conditioner

маска для волос – hair mask

сыворотка для волос – hair serum

лак для волос – hair spray

Hair tools:

фен – hair dryer

щипцы для завивки – curling iron

утюжок для волос – straightening iron

расчёска – hair brush

бигуди – curlers

заколки – hair clips

резинка для волос – scrunchie

Hair services:

стрижка – haircut

укладка феном – blowout

мелирование – highlighting

наращивание волос – hair extensions

химическая завивка – perm

With these Russian hair terms, you’ll be ready to describe your hair needs at the salon and purchase hair products. Feel free to ask «Какой шампунь вы посоветуете для моего типа волос?» (What shampoo do you recommend for my hair type?). Use this vocabulary to have detailed hair conversations!

See Also: Bathroom & Hygiene Vocabulary in Russian

Beauty Procedures and Salons

Taking care of your beauty doesn’t stop at home – salons and professionals provide essential services. Here are useful words and phrases:

салон красоты – beauty salon

парикмахерская – hair salon

косметолог – beautician

парикмахер – hairstylist

визажист – makeup artist

мастер маникюра – nail technician

Services:

стрижка – haircut

укладка – blowout

маникюр – manicure

педикюр – pedicure

чистка лица – facial

массаж – massage

восковая эпиляция – waxing

инъекционная косметология – injectables

Procedures:

ботокс – botox injections

контурная пластика – filler injections

химический пилинг – chemical peel

отбеливание зубов – teeth whitening

наращивание ресниц – eyelash extensions

Booking appointments:

I’d like to book a… – Я хотела бы записаться на…

Fashion and Style

Now that we’ve covered beauty, let’s discuss how Russians talk about fashion and style:

Styles:

повседневный – casual

официальный – formal

деловой стиль – business casual

бохо – boho

винтаж – vintage

классический – сlassic

As mentioned in my clothing vocabulary post, there are terms for all types of garments. Use these additional fashion words to discuss fit, trends, and personal aesthetics – key aspects of cultivating your image.

Useful Phrases:

Мне нравится твой стиль. – I like your style.

Ты выглядишь очень стильно. – You look very stylish.

Этот наряд слишком яркий для меня. – This outfit is too flashy for me.

Я предпочитаю классический стиль. – I prefer a classic style.

Fashion Trends:

модный, в тренде – trendy

вышло из моды – out of style

Useful phrases:

Цветочный принт сейчас очень модный. – Floral prints are very trendy right now.

Короткое чёрное платье  – это классика, которая никогда не выйдет из моды – Short black dress is a classic that will never go out of style

Винтажная одежда сейчас популярна среди молодежи. – Vintage clothing is popular among young people now.

Думаю, узкие джинсы скоро выйдут из моды. – I think skinny jeans will soon be out of style.

So we have looked at essential vocabulary related to the world of beauty and fashion in Russian. I hope this collection of words and phrases will help you feel more confident when discussing these everyday but important topics.

Don’t forget to listen to these words in context and practice using them. If you have any additions to my selection, please share them in the comments!