mascara
/mas.ka.ʁa/masculine
In French, the English phrase 'mascara' is mascara. If unsure, use mascara. Wiktionary also lists rimmel and ricil.
Meaning: eyelash cosmetic (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mascara | /mas.ka.ʁa/ | masculine |
| rimmel | /ʁi.mɛl/ | masculine |
| ricil | /ʁi.sil/ | masculine |
The term refers to an eyelash cosmetic. You may see it used in phrases such as Mascaras volumineux for volumizing mascaras or Mascaras naturels for natural mascaras.
Which one should you use?
While mascara is the standard term, rimmel is also used in certain regions. The word ricil is also listed as a masculine noun.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, the word rimmel is commonly used to refer to mascara.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All provided forms are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/mas.ka.ʁa/
Did you know?
- In France, if you want to describe a 'smudged' look, you might encounter the expression yeux de panda' (panda eyes) to describe mascara that has run.
- Eugène Rimmel, the namesake of rimmel, is credited with inventing the first commercial mascara in the 19th century.
- The word mascara entered French via Italian, highlighting how beauty terminology often travels across Mediterranean borders.
Examples in context
- Pour cette soirée, je vais porter du mascara pour mettre en valeur mes cils.For this event, I will wear mascara to enhance my eyelashes.
- J'ai acheté un mascara génial hier ! Il allonge vraiment mes cils.I bought an awesome mascara yesterday! It really lengthens my lashes.
- Tu as vu le nouveau rimmel qu'elle utilise ? Ses cils sont incroyables !Have you seen the new rimmel she's using? Her lashes look amazing!
- Tes cils sont magnifiques avec ce mascara !Your lashes look gorgeous with that mascara!
- Ton mascara fait vraiment ressortir tes yeux.Your mascara really makes your eyes pop.
- Connaissez-vous un bon mascara pour plus de volume ?Do you know a good mascara for more volume?
- Quel mascara me conseillez-vous pour un effet allongeant ?Which mascara do you recommend for a lengthening effect?
- Le mascara est noir.The mascara is black.
- Elle cherche son mascara.She is looking for her mascara.
- Je dois acheter un nouveau mascara.I need to buy a new mascara.
Example conversation
Léa is getting ready to go out and Nathan is helping her.
- NathanTu as fini de te préparer ?Are you finished getting ready?
- LéaPresque, je cherche juste mon mascara.Almost, I am just looking for my mascara.
- NathanIl est sur la table de nuit.It is on the nightstand.
- LéaAh, merci Nathan !Ah, thanks Nathan!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mascara” translations and entries mascara, rimmel, ricil, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mascara, ricil, rimmel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
