eyeliner
France
The English phrase 'eyeliner' can be translated into French as eyeliner, ligneur or pinceau-traceur.
Meaning: makeup (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| eyeliner | France |
| ligneur | masculine |
| pinceau-traceur | Quebec |
The term refers to the makeup used to define the eyes.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In France, the English loanword eyeliner is commonly used in the beauty industry and during casual conversation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the term pinceau-traceur is used for eyeliner instead of the English loanword.
Did you know?
- In high-fashion contexts in France, the look created with eyeliner is frequently referred to as le regard souligné, which literally means 'the underlined look'.
- French beauty guides often distinguish between eyeliner and khôl, using the latter specifically for the softer, smudged look traditional to ancient Egyptian makeup.
- If you use the word ligneur in a non-beauty context, such as in geometry or art, it may be confused with someone who draws lines or marks.
Examples in context
- Quel eyeliner utilises-tu pour obtenir ce magnifique regard de chat ?Which eyeliner do you use to achieve that stunning cat-eye look?
- L'eye-liner est un outil essentiel pour un maquillage sophistiqué.Eyeliner is an essential tool for sophisticated makeup.
- L'eyeliner est sur la table.The eyeliner is on the table.
- Elle utilise un eyeliner noir.She uses a black eyeliner.
- Ton eyeliner est parfait aujourd'hui.Your eyeliner is perfect today.
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are getting ready for a party.
- LucasEmma, tu as vu mon eyeliner ?Emma, have you seen my eyeliner?
- EmmaOui, il est sur la table.Yes, it is on the table.
- LucasMerci, je vais finir mon maquillage.Thanks, I'm going to finish my makeup.
- EmmaPrends ton temps, Lucas.Take your time, Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “eyeliner” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
