Finding beauty supplies in an unfamiliar place is bad enough, but have you ever considered how difficult it would be to explain what hair conditioner is with limited vocabulary? It would be a lot easier if you just memorize the words for a few key items you might need while shopping in a Spanish speaking country. Here are common beauty products translations in Spanish.
Productos para el cabello | Hair beauty products in Spanish
1. Champú – Shampoo
2. Enjuague, Acondicionador, Suavizante, Rinse – Hair conditioner
3. Laca, Fijador de pelo – hairspray
4. Tintura, Tinte – hair dye, hair color
5. Pinche – clamp
6. Plancha – flat iron
7. Secador de pelo, Blower – hair dryer
8. Rolo, rulo – curler
9. Hebilla – bobby pin, hair clip
Productos para el cuidado personal | Personal Care products in Spanish
1. Perfume, Fragancia – perfume, cologne
2. Jabón – soap
3. Jabón líquido – liquid soap
4. Pasta de dientes – toothpaste
5. Cepillo de dientes – toothbrush
6. Compresa, Toalla sanitaria – sanitary napkin
7. Tampón – tampon
8. Crema, loción – lotion
9. Humectante – moisturizer
Maquillaje | Makeup products in Spanish
1. Rímmel, Mascara – mascara
2. Rubor – blush
3. Lápiz de labios, Lápiz labial, Labial – lipstick
4. Sombra – Eyeshadow
5. Bálsamo labial – lip balm
6. Esmalte, Pintauñas – nail polish
7. Base de maquillaje – foundation
8. Delineador de ojos/labios – Eyeliner, Lipliner
9. Brillo labial – Lip gloss
10. Polvo compacto – compact
11. Polvo suelto – loose powder
Keep in mind that while some brands may differ, a lot of developed Latin American countries will have brands from back home. Sometimes you can get away with saying the brand name but pronouncing it in Spanish, such as “Col-ga-te” or “Pan-te-ne.” If you decide to go this route, just be aware that the chances of you being understood are not extremely high. You really need to use the right accent and pronunciation for someone to understand you and since you are accustomed to the English pronunciation it is going to be difficult for you to change that.
Check out these other English Spanish articles.
Featured photo credit: What’s in my makeup bag? by Retrograde Works via flickr
