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grundieren

to apply primer (to the face or a surface)

verb grun-DEE-ren Rare

Origin: from Grund (ground/base)

Also means

to prime (a surface)

Usage Note

grundieren in beauty contexts means applying a primer before foundation to improve make-up longevity. In painting and decoration it means applying an undercoat. The beauty meaning has grown strongly with social-media beauty content.

Examples

"Sie grundiert ihr Gesicht immer, damit das Make-up den ganzen Tag hält."

Natural Translation

She always primes her face so that her make-up lasts all day.

Literal Translation

She primes her face always, so-that the make-up the whole day holds.

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