It rubs the lotion on its skin...

March 2, 2021 12:49 AM

I'm trying to collect words or phrases that are typically found in North American skin care product ads. I'm mainly interested in facial skin -- particularly the eye area, but the general face is fine, too -- and in ads targetted to women. Please post anything aspirational that the product promises, like "glow" or "prevents fine lines," not merely informational things like "paraben-free" or "collagen." Thanks!
posted by paperback version to Writing & Language (19 answers total)

Best answer: Reduces the appearance of fine lines
Plumps and hydrates
Lifts and brightens
Erases pores
Smooths uneven skin tone
Brightens your skin
Increase firmness
Provides intense hydration
Soften dry scaly patches
Provides long lasting hydration
Reduces redness and irritation
Your skin is prepped for makeup
Soft and dewy complexion

You could grab a few more of these by scraping skincare product descriptions from a store like Sephora or Ulta.
posted by like_neon at 1:10 AM on March 2, 2021 [6 favorites]

It used to be all about the emollients.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 3:36 AM on March 2, 2021

Best answer: restores
replenishes
protects
posted by marimeko at 3:39 AM on March 2, 2021 [2 favorites]

Best answer: younger-looking
posted by dywypi at 3:49 AM on March 2, 2021 [2 favorites]

Best answer: rejuvenating
age defying

I bet you could find others by reading through these "Covergirl" commercial transcripts:

Link 1
Link 2
posted by litera scripta manet at 4:34 AM on March 2, 2021

Best answer: revitalizing
hydrating
brightening
retexturizing
smoothing
blurring
layering
radiant
dewy
boost
posted by phunniemee at 4:49 AM on March 2, 2021 [3 favorites]

Best answer: nourishing
posted by carlypennylane at 5:28 AM on March 2, 2021

Best answer: Tone
smooth
longer-lasting
natural looking
restore
nourish
full of emollients
never greasy
with added chamomile
with botanicals
sooth and protect
fast absorbing
replenishes essential moisture
Enriched with (non chemical description of ingredient)
Colloidal oatmeal
The only compound proven to erase
Newer you
posted by Jane the Brown at 5:46 AM on March 2, 2021

Impurities
posted by esker at 6:36 AM on March 2, 2021

Best answer: smooth
light
non-greasy
penetrating
age-defying
posted by amtho at 6:37 AM on March 2, 2021

Best answer: "reverses the signs of aging"
"lifts, firms, and brightens"
"like a mini facelift"
posted by mezzanayne at 6:50 AM on March 2, 2021

Response by poster: Thank you!

I think the actions are covered -- are there any more that describe the results, like "glow" and "radiant?"
posted by paperback version at 8:23 AM on March 2, 2021

Best answer: Smooth
Even
Vibrant
Blemish-free
Healthy
Natural
Renewed
Revitalized
Refreshed
Softer
Soothed
Exfoliated
Purified
Hydrated
Balanced
Firm
Supple
Youthful-looking
Velvety
Brighter
posted by HotToddy at 9:15 AM on March 2, 2021 [2 favorites]

my eye cream says "firms" "brightens" "rejuvenates"

good luck w that, lil grease bottle
posted by fingersandtoes at 10:54 AM on March 2, 2021

Best answer: oh, adjectives? my face cream is going to "immediately leave skin soft and supple"

(eww "supple")
posted by fingersandtoes at 10:56 AM on March 2, 2021

Best answer: Here’s a few more from my skincare routine tonight:
- provides the skin with intense nourishment and helps maintain moisture balance to keep it soft and youthful
- leaving skin hydrated and silky smooth
- leaves skin feeling smooth, soft and comfortable
-increased moisture without leaving any greasy residue
- helps improve uneven skin tone
- skin feels nourished and moisturised. It feels smooth and calm. An intense night feed for a smooth. Supple and healthy looking skin in the morning.
- deep cleans and balances without drying
- revitalising boost for complexion
- Brightens and clarifies
- rejuvenates and stimulates
posted by like_neon at 12:55 PM on March 2, 2021

Response by poster: Thank you all so much.

I think I need sleep because while we hear these phrases over and over, something about the familiarity of "The only compound proven to erase" in particular triggered a giggle attack.
posted by paperback version at 1:48 PM on March 2, 2021 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Illuminating, with pearl particles for an instant hydrated glow
Luminizing, for a for a luminous, all-day glow; nourishes, protects & restores moisture
Glotion - Highlighting glow lotion hydrates and "luminizies"/ infused with Glycerin and Shea Butter for all day continuous hydration/ target areas for a more luminous effect
posted by Iris Gambol at 2:47 PM on March 2, 2021

Best answer: high definition
contoured
sculpted
airbrushed
posted by yeahlikethat at 10:14 AM on March 3, 2021