cosmetics
cosmetics — noun
1. substances such as creams, powders, and lipsticks that people use on their face
substances such as creams, powders, and lipsticks that people use on their face or body to look better, protect the skin, or add colour
Rina opened her cosmetics bag and took out a red lipstick for the dinner party.
collocation: cosmetics bag
The drugstore near Hakim's flat sells well-known cosmetics such as foundation, mascara, and eyeliner.
Many cosmetics now list ingredients clearly on the box to help people with sensitive skin.
Beatriz received a basket of natural cosmetics with handmade soap and rose body cream.
The airport officer reminded Dev to pack liquid cosmetics in a clear plastic bag.
- makeup
more specific — refers to coloured products for the face (lipstick, eyeshadow, foundation) rather than all beauty products
- beauty products
broader — includes skincare, haircare, and fragrances alongside makeup
- skincare products
narrower — only products for cleaning and treating the skin, not colour cosmetics
文法句型
cosmetics + plural verb
cosmetics such as [types]
用法筆記
Always used in plural form. The singular 'cosmetic' exists as a countable noun but is uncommon outside technical writing — it usually refers to a single product type (e.g. 'a cosmetic for dry skin'). In everyday English, speakers use plural verb forms: 'cosmetics are...'
常見錯誤
2. features or changes that only touch the outward look of a situation or thing, wi
features or changes that only touch the outward look of a situation or thing, without fixing what is really wrong underneath
The mayor's new park benches were just cosmetics — the city still lacked money for schools.
pattern: just cosmetics (dismissive)
Yuki said the team's apology was mere cosmetics; real action was needed to fix the problem.
Lian saw through the cosmetics of the fancy office and asked about actual sales.
Critics called the housing plan little more than cosmetics — the walls were painted but mould stayed.
Farid explained the colourful slides were only cosmetics — the real budget figures told a darker story.
- window dressing
stronger negative connotation — suggests deliberate deception about the true state of things
- surface changes
neutral description without the dismissive tone
- superficial improvements
more formal; can be neutral or critical depending on context
- substance
what is real and important beneath the surface
- fundamentals
the core principles or structures that truly matter
文法句型
the cosmetics of [something]
more than just cosmetics
用法筆記
This figurative sense is used critically to suggest that an effort is shallow or deceptive. It often appears in negative constructions: 'just cosmetics', 'mere cosmetics', 'little more than cosmetics'. Distinguish from sense 1 which is literal.
常見錯誤
cosmetics — adjective
1. connected with products, treatments, or procedures that are meant to make a pers
connected with products, treatments, or procedures that are meant to make a person's skin, face, or body more attractive
Nkechi joined a cosmetic company in Lagos that makes shea butter creams for dry skin.
collocation: cosmetic company
The dermatologist told Olena to choose cosmetic creams free of perfume to stop the redness.
Cosmetic testing on animals is banned in over forty countries, pushing brands toward new methods.
Jamal bought his mother a cosmetic gift set with a gentle face wash and night serum.
A cosmetic chemist named Tanya explained how sunscreen blocks harmful rays while letting skin breathe.
- beauty
same meaning but used more broadly (beauty salon, beauty industry) and not limited to skincare
- beautifying
describes the action or purpose rather than the category
- medicinal
used for health or medical purposes rather than appearance
文法句型
cosmetic + noun (product/cream/industry/treatment)
用法筆記
This sense only appears before a noun (attributive position). It is not used after linking verbs: you cannot say ✗ 'This cream is cosmetic'; instead say 'This is a cosmetic cream' or 'This cream is for cosmetic use.' Compare with adjective sense 3 for medical procedures.
常見錯誤
2. describing a change or action that deals only with how something appears on the
describing a change or action that deals only with how something appears on the outside, without making any real difference to its condition or quality
The landlord gave the flat a cosmetic update — fresh paint and new lights — but left the leaking pipes.
collocation: cosmetic update
Kwame said the company's new diversity poster was a cosmetic gesture — all the managers stayed the same.
collocation: cosmetic gesture
The car looked great after its cosmetic repairs, but the engine still stalled at every junction.
Experts called the tax cut a cosmetic fix that helped headlines but did nothing for people's income.
Sora noticed the cosmetic changes in the office did nothing about the noise or lack of natural light.
- superficial
more common in everyday speech; same dismissive meaning
- surface-level
informal but clearer for learners
- token
suggests the change was made only to appear as if something was done
- fundamental
affects the core or basis of something
- structural
changes that alter how something is built or organised
- substantive
having real importance or meaning
文法句型
cosmetic + noun (change/repair/alteration/fix)
用法筆記
This figurative sense is often paired with nouns that describe fixes, changes, or adjustments. It implies criticism: the change is shallow or misleading. For the literal meaning of the adjective relating to beauty products, see adjective sense 1.
常見錯誤
3. describing medical operations or treatments that change how a part of the body l
describing medical operations or treatments that change how a part of the body looks, by altering its shape, size, or structure
After the accident, Amara consulted a cosmetic surgeon about a small scar on her upper lip.
collocation: cosmetic surgeon
Zara's cousin flew to Seoul for a cosmetic procedure to reshape her nose without an overnight stay.
The cosmetic surgery clinic in Bangkok offered payment plans spread over three years.
Javier decided against cosmetic work on his forehead, accepting the lines as part of growing older.
Some cosmetic treatments, like laser resurfacing, need several sessions before the full result shows.
- reconstructive
surgery to restore function or repair damage, not just for appearance
- medically necessary
procedures required for health rather than optional appearance changes
文法句型
cosmetic surgery
cosmetic procedure / operation
用法筆記
Commonly paired with 'surgery' as a compound noun ('cosmetic surgery'). Unlike adjective sense 1, this sense is specifically medical and always refers to a clinical procedure performed by a qualified professional. Not all cosmetic procedures involve cutting — the term also covers injectables, laser treatments, and similar non-invasive options.