cosmetic
cosmetic — noun
1. Products such as lipstick, face powder, or cream that people put on their skin,
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.
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]
Sayaka does not wear cosmetics every day, only on special occasions.
Many cosmetics contain chemicals that can cause skin reactions in some people.
Haruto bought his mother a set of high-quality cosmetics for her birthday.
- 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.
文法句型
cosmetic + verb
wear/carry/use + cosmetics
常見錯誤
cosmetic — adjective
1. Describing a change or action that affects only how something appears on the sur
Describing a change or action that affects only how something appears on the surface, without solving the real problem that lies beneath.
The company made cosmetic changes to the report without fixing the real mistakes.
pattern: only cosmetic changes + did not fix [real problem]
Critics said the bridge repairs were purely cosmetic and did not improve safety.
The new policy was little more than a cosmetic exercise to calm public anger.
Vikram described the redesign as a cosmetic improvement that hid deeper problems.
Beatrix felt that the interview process was mostly cosmetic, with the decision already made.
- superficial
Stronger negative connotation; suggests the change is meaningless or deceptive.
- surface-level
Less formal and slightly milder; often used in everyday speech.
- token
Suggests the change is minimal and is intended only to avoid real action.
- substantive
Refers to changes that are meaningful and address the real issue.
- fundamental
Describes changes that affect the core or foundation of something.
文法句型
cosmetic + [noun: change/measure/reform]
用法筆記
Frequently paired with nouns like 'change', 'reform', 'measure', or 'exercise' to show that an action is done for appearance rather than substance. Distinguish from adj sense 2, which refers to treatments or products that actually improve physical appearance.
常見錯誤
2. Relating to treatments, products, or medical procedures whose purpose is to make
Relating to treatments, products, or medical procedures whose purpose is to make someone look more attractive by changing or improving their appearance.
Tunde visited a clinic to ask about cosmetic treatments for his scar.
collocation: cosmetic treatment for [condition]
The range of cosmetic products now includes creams, lotions, and facial masks.
Demand for cosmetic surgery has grown around the world.
Some cosmetic procedures, like teeth whitening, are now available at many dental clinics.
Marta prefers cosmetic products that are free from artificial fragrances.
- beautifying
Describes the process of making something beautiful; slightly less common in everyday use.
- aesthetic
Broader — relates to beauty or visual appeal in general, not limited to personal appearance.
- beauty
Used attributively as in 'beauty product' or 'beauty treatment'; equally common and natural.
- functional
Describes something that serves a practical purpose rather than an aesthetic one.
- medical
Refers to treatments for health reasons rather than appearance.
文法句型
cosmetic + [noun: product/surgery/treatment/cream]
用法筆記
Typically appears before nouns such as 'product', 'treatment', 'surgery', 'procedure', or 'cream'. Distinguish from adj sense 1, which describes changes that are merely about appearances without real substance.