cosmetic

cosmetic — noun

1. Products such as lipstick, face powder, or cream that people put on their skin,

1.nounB1
Definition

Products such as lipstick, face powder, or cream that people put on their skin, lips, or nails to clean them, make them look more attractive, or change the way they smell.

Example

Sivan keeps her cosmetics in a small bag next to the mirror.

collocation: keep + cosmetics + in [container]

The shop sells cosmetics made from natural ingredients such as olive oil and honey.

postmodifier: cosmetics made from [ingredients]

Common collocations
  • wear cosmetics
  • use cosmetics
  • apply cosmetics
  • cosmetics bag
  • natural cosmetics
  • hypoallergenic cosmetics
Synonyms
  • makeup

    Narrower — refers specifically to coloured products like lipstick and foundation, while 'cosmetics' can also include skincare and fragrances.

  • beauty products

    Broader — includes cosmetics plus haircare, skincare, and fragrances.

  • skincare products

    More specific — focuses on products that improve skin condition rather than purely appearance.

Grammar Patterns

cosmetic + verb

wear/carry/use + cosmetics

Common Mistakes

I bought a new cosmetic yesterday.
I bought a new cosmetic product yesterday.' or 'I bought some new cosmetics yesterday.
When referring to the general category, use the plural 'cosmetics' (uncountable-like). For a single item, add a noun like 'product.'

cosmetic — adjective

Word family

  • cosmetics
    noun (plural)B1
  • cosmetically
    adverbC1
  • cosmetologist
    nounC1
  • cosmetology
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

These four terms overlap but differ in scope. 'Cosmetics' is the broadest standard term for products applied to the face or body for cleansing or beautifying, including lipstick, powder, cream, and nail polish. 'Makeup' is narrower — it covers only coloured or pigmented products like foundation, blush, and eyeshadow that alter appearance, not moisturisers or cleansers. 'Beauty products' is the broadest category, encompassing cosmetics plus haircare, skincare, fragrances, and tools. 'Skincare products' (moisturiser, serum, toner) focus on skin health rather than immediate visual change. 'Toiletries' is the most general and includes soap, shampoo, and toothpaste — not all of which aim to beautify. Example: 'She left her cosmetics on the bathroom counter' (lipstick, powder) vs. 'She left her toiletries on the bathroom counter' (soap, shampoo, toothbrush).

makeup ↗beauty productsskincare productstoiletries

Common collocations

Nouns

  • cosmetics industry
  • cosmetics company
  • cosmetics brand
  • cosmetics counter
  • cosmetics line

Adverbs

  • cosmetically

Phrases

  • for cosmetic purposes

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'cosmetic' traces back through French 'cosmétique' to Latin 'cosmeticus' and ultimately to Greek 'kosmētikos' (κοσμητικός), meaning 'skilled in arranging or adorning'. This came from 'kosmeō' (κοσμέω) 'to arrange, adorn', which itself derives from 'kosmos' (κόσμος) 'order, ornament' — the same root that gave English 'cosmos' (the ordered universe). The connection is that both cosmetics and the cosmos involve bringing order and beauty to something.