Free study questions · Cosmetology & Esthetics state board

Makeup practice questions

6 free makeup questions for the cosmetology and esthetics written exam (NIC's national theory test). Tap an answer to check yourself: each one comes with a short explanation and the source it's based on.

1. Question 1

   A green-tinted color corrector is applied under foundation to:

   ABrighten dark under-eye circlesBHide a yellowish, sallow castCCancel out areas of rednessDAdd warmth to a pale complexion
   Show the answer

   Answer: C. Cancel out areas of redness

   Red and green are complementary colors, so a green corrector neutralizes redness from blemishes, rosacea or broken capillaries before foundation.

   NIC Esthetics outline II: makeup

2. Question 2

   Foundation color is best checked by testing it:

   AOn the jawline in natural lightBOn the inner wrist under lampsCOn the back of the hand indoorsDOn the forehead in dim light
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   Answer: A. On the jawline in natural light

   Swatch foundation along the jawline, where the face meets the neck, and check it in natural light. The right shade disappears into the skin.

   NIC Esthetics outline II: makeup

3. Question 3

   Kohl (also sold as kajal or surma) is illegal as a cosmetic in the US mainly because it:

   AHas no SPF to protect the eyesBContains heavy metals such as leadCStains the skin around the eyesDIs made from animal ingredients
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   Answer: B. Contains heavy metals such as lead

   FDA treats kohl as an illegal color additive. It is made from salts of heavy metals such as lead and antimony and has been linked to lead poisoning in children.

   FDA: Kohl, kajal, surma: beware of lead poisoning

4. Question 4

   In corrective makeup, the face shape usually treated as the ideal that others are balanced toward is:

   AThe round faceBThe heart-shaped faceCThe square faceDThe oval face
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   Answer: D. The oval face

   The oval face, about one and a half times longer than it is wide, is treated as the balanced ideal. Contouring and highlighting make other shapes look more oval.

   NIC Esthetics outline II: makeup

5. Question 5

   On medium to deep skin, a peach or orange corrector is used to cancel:

   AShine across an oily T-zoneBA sallow, yellowish undertoneCRedness from acne or rosaceaDBlue-purple under-eye circles
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   Answer: D. Blue-purple under-eye circles

   Orange is opposite blue on the color wheel, so peach or orange correctors neutralize bluish dark circles. Lighter peach suits fair skin and deeper orange suits deep skin.

   NIC Esthetics outline II: makeup

6. Question 6

   A lavender (light violet) corrector is used to brighten skin that looks:

   ASallow or yellowishBGray and ashyCVery pale and pinkDRed and blotchy
   Show the answer

   Answer: A. Sallow or yellowish

   Violet is opposite yellow on the color wheel, so a lavender corrector neutralizes a sallow, yellowish cast and brightens the complexion.

   NIC Esthetics outline II: makeup

These are original practice questions written from public sources such as the CDC, OSHA, the FDA and NIC's published exam outlines, in the same multiple-choice format as the real exam. NIC doesn't publish its live exam questions.