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Cosmetic vs Cosmetics - What's the difference?

cosmetic | cosmetics |

As nouns the difference between cosmetics and cosmetic

is that cosmetics is preparations applied externally to change or enhance the beauty of skin, hair, nails, lips, and eyes while cosmetic is any substances applied to enhance the external color or texture of the skin, e.g. lipstick, eyeshadow, eyeliner; makeup.

As an adjective cosmetic is

imparting or improving beauty, particularly the beauty of the complexion.

cosmetic

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Imparting or improving beauty, particularly the beauty of the complexion.
  • a cosmetic preparation
  • * Alexander Pope
  • First, robed in white, the nymph intent adores, / With head uncovered, the cosmetic powers.
  • External or superficial; pertaining only to the surface or appearance of something.
  • Fortunately, the damage to the house was mostly cosmetic and a bit of paint covered it nicely.

    Derived terms

    * cosmetic surgery

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • Any substances applied to enhance the external color or texture of the skin, e.g. lipstick, eyeshadow, eyeliner; makeup.
  • A feature existing only on the surface.
  • Hyponyms

    * See also

    See also

    (Cosmetics) * makeup

    cosmetics

    Noun

    (-)
  • Preparations applied externally to change or enhance the beauty of skin, hair, nails, lips, and eyes.
  • The study of such products.