cosmetically
Only skin deep
Cosmetically means in a way that relates to appearance rather than substance.
Cosmetic surgery improves how someone looks; a cosmetic fix addresses surface problems without solving underlying issues.
The changes were cosmetically appealing but structurally unsound.
The word often carries a dismissive tone—suggesting something is superficial or merely decorative.
Products for beautifying faces
- foundationUnderlying support structure
- lipstickCosmetic for coloring lips
- mascaraLash-darkening cosmetic
- eyeshadowTinted lid cosmetic
blush · concealer · powder · primer · contour · highlighter · bronzer · eyeliner
Lacking depth or substance
- skin-deepAffecting only the surface
- surfaceOutermost boundary layer
- shallowWithout much depth
- veneerDecorative outer layer
facade · outwardly · externally · visually · aesthetically · seemingly · ostensibly · appearance
Invasive medical procedure
- rhinoplastySurgery reshaping the nose
- botoxToxin that smooths skin
- fillersBulk-adding substances
- faceliftCosmetic procedure reducing wrinkles
liposuction · augmentation · implants · dermabrasion · blepharoplasty · veneers · procedures · rejuvenation
Scale with lowered third
- insignificantLacking importance or consequence
- superficialLacking depth or substance
- perfunctoryDone with minimal effort
- cursoryHasty and incomplete
token · nominal · slight · negligible · insubstantial · nonessential · unimportant · immaterial
makeup
Products for beautifying faces
- foundationUnderlying support structure
- lipstickCosmetic for coloring lips
- mascaraLash-darkening cosmetic
eyeshadow · blush · concealer · powder · primer · contour · highlighter · bronzer · eyeliner · gloss
superficial
Lacking depth or substance
veneer · facade · outwardly · externally · visually · aesthetically · seemingly · ostensibly · appearance · glossy
surgery
Invasive medical procedure
- rhinoplastySurgery reshaping the nose
- botoxToxin that smooths skin
- fillersBulk-adding substances
facelift · liposuction · augmentation · implants · dermabrasion · blepharoplasty · veneers · procedures · rejuvenation · anti-aging
minor
Scale with lowered third
- insignificantLacking importance or consequence
- superficialLacking depth or substance
- perfunctoryDone with minimal effort
cursory · token · nominal · slight · negligible · insubstantial · nonessential · unimportant · immaterial · marginal
cosmeticallyfundamentally
At the core level
structurally · radically · essentially · profoundly · deeply
cosmeticallygenuinely
In a real manner
authentically · truly · substantively · meaningfully · really
cosmos, cosmic, cosmetic, cosmetics, cosmology, macrocosm, cosmonaut, microcosm, cosmetologist