makeup
Makeup refers to colored substances like lipstick or powder that people put on their faces to change their appearance. It can also refer to the different parts that combine to form a whole object or system.
Examples
3 of 5She spends twenty minutes putting on her makeup every morning.
She takes twenty minutes to apply cosmetics to her face each morning.
The theatrical makeup used in the opera was very bright and dramatic.
The special face products used in the stage performance were very bold.
I usually don't wear any makeup when I go to the gym.
I do not use face products when I exercise.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'making your face up' to look better—the noun 'makeup' is the stuff you use to do it.
Quick Quiz
She bought a new bottle of ________ at the store today.
Correct!
The correct answer is: makeup
Examples
She spends twenty minutes putting on her makeup every morning.
everydayShe takes twenty minutes to apply cosmetics to her face each morning.
The theatrical makeup used in the opera was very bright and dramatic.
formalThe special face products used in the stage performance were very bold.
I usually don't wear any makeup when I go to the gym.
informalI do not use face products when I exercise.
Scientists are studying the chemical makeup of the new material.
academicResearchers are looking at what the new material is made of.
A professional makeup artist was hired for the corporate photo shoot.
businessA person who applies cosmetics professionally was hired for the company photos.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
kiss and make up
to become friends again after an argument
make up one's mind
to make a decision
make up for lost time
to do something quickly because you started late
Often Confused With
'Makeup' (one word) is a noun for cosmetics; 'make up' (two words) is a verb meaning to invent or reconcile.
Usage Notes
When referring to cosmetics, 'makeup' is usually an uncountable noun. When referring to the composition of something, it can be used more technically.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'make up' as a noun, but in modern English, the noun is typically written as one word 'makeup' or sometimes hyphenated 'make-up'.
Memory Tip
Think of 'making your face up' to look better—the noun 'makeup' is the stuff you use to do it.
Word Origin
Derived from the 19th-century phrasal verb 'make up,' meaning to complete or prepare something.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The use of makeup varies globally, often used for self-expression, professional standards, or cultural ceremonies.
Quick Quiz
She bought a new bottle of ________ at the store today.
Correct!
The correct answer is: makeup
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
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