cosmetic
For appearances only
Cosmetic refers to products or procedures meant to beautify the face and body: cosmetic surgery, the cosmetics industry.
The word extends to anything superficial or surface-level—changes that improve appearance without addressing underlying substance: The renovations were purely cosmetic.
A cosmetic fix makes something look better without solving the real problem.
Underlying support structure
- concealerCosmetic for hiding flaws
- mascaraLash-darkening cosmetic
- lipstickCosmetic for coloring lips
- eyeshadowTinted lid cosmetic
blush · eyeliner · powder · highlighter · bronzer · contour · primer · gloss
Outermost boundary layer
- skin-deepAffecting only the surface
- shallowWithout much depth
- veneerDecorative outer layer
- facadeDeceptive outward appearance
external · outward · trivial · perfunctory · cursory · insubstantial · slight · nonessential
Toxin that smooths skin
- fillersBulk-adding substances
- rhinoplastySurgery reshaping the nose
- faceliftCosmetic procedure reducing wrinkles
- liposuctionSurgical fat suctioning
blepharoplasty · dermabrasion · microdermabrasion · laser resurfacing · chemical peel · brow lift · neck lift · skin tightening
Outward visible form
- beautyAesthetic excellence
- enhancementIncrease in quality
- attractivenessPleasing quality that draws
- groomingSelf-care for appearance
self-care · presentation · polish · refinement · glamour · elegance · style · radiance
foundation
Underlying support structure
eyeshadow · blush · eyeliner · powder · highlighter · bronzer · contour · primer · gloss · palette
surface
Outermost boundary layer
facade · external · outward · trivial · perfunctory · cursory · insubstantial · slight · nonessential · glossy
botox
Toxin that smooths skin
- fillersBulk-adding substances
- rhinoplastySurgery reshaping the nose
- faceliftCosmetic procedure reducing wrinkles
liposuction · blepharoplasty · dermabrasion · microdermabrasion · laser resurfacing · chemical peel · brow lift · neck lift · skin tightening · rejuvenation
appearance
Outward visible form
- beautyAesthetic excellence
- enhancementIncrease in quality
- attractivenessPleasing quality that draws
grooming · self-care · presentation · polish · refinement · glamour · elegance · style · radiance · flawless
moisturizer
Hydrating skin cream
- cleanserSubstance for removing grime
- tonerImaging powder or facial astringent
- serumBlood's watery portion
sunscreen · exfoliant · retinol · face mask · eye cream · collagen · antioxidants · hydration · vitamin C · pores
- superficialshallow, surface, skin-deep, depthless, cursory
- Nose Surgeryrhinoplasty, septoplasty, nose job, nose reshaping, nasal surgery
- repair qualityflawless, professional, amateur, excellent, poor
- gaming commercemicrotransaction, in-app purchase, loot box, battle pass, premium currency
- wax productscandle, honeycomb, crayon, encaustic
cosmeticfundamental
Forming the base
substantive · structural · deep · radical · thorough
cosmeticfunctional
Able to operate correctly
utilitarian · practical · operative · mechanical · working
- cosmetic surgeryMedical alteration for appearance
- cosmetic enhancementAlteration for improved appearance
- cosmetic surgeonDoctor performing aesthetic procedures
- cosmetic procedure
- cosmetic surgeriesMedical procedures altering appearance
- cosmetic dentistryProcedures improving tooth appearance
cosmetics, cosmetic surgery, cosmetologist, cosmetically, cosmetician, cosmetology, cosmeticians, cosmetologists