cosmeticize
Make appear better
To cosmeticize is to apply cosmetic treatment to something—literally improving appearance through makeup or beauty products, or figuratively making something look better without addressing underlying problems.
The figurative use dominates: The report cosmeticized the company's financial troubles.
A cosmeticized version of events presents them more favorably than reality warrants.
Decorative outer layer
- facadeDeceptive outward appearance
- window-dressingDeceptive surface presentation
- whitewashConceal or coat pale
- cover-upHiding wrongdoing from public
mask · disguise · sugarcoat · spin · embellish · prettify · sanitize · varnish
Complete appearance overhaul
- primpGroom oneself fastidiously
- preenGroom with self-satisfaction
- pamperIndulge excessively
- groomBetrothed man; stable worker
touch-up · prettify · freshen · polish · enhance · refine · rejuvenate · revitalize
Products for beautifying faces
- foundationUnderlying support structure
- concealerCosmetic for hiding flaws
- blushFacial reddening from emotion
- lipstickCosmetic for coloring lips
mascara · eyeshadow · eyeliner · powder · bronzer · highlighter · primer · gloss
Complete appearance overhaul
- reinventionComplete self-transformation
- overhaulComplete systematic repair
- remodelingAltering existing structures
- revampRestructure extensively
refresh · update · modernize · restyle · reimagine · rebrand · facelift · renovation
veneer
Decorative outer layer
- facadeDeceptive outward appearance
- window-dressingDeceptive surface presentation
- whitewashConceal or coat pale
cover-up · mask · disguise · sugarcoat · spin · embellish · prettify · sanitize · varnish · surface-level
makeover
Complete appearance overhaul
groom · touch-up · prettify · freshen · polish · enhance · refine · rejuvenate · revitalize · exfoliate
makeup
Products for beautifying faces
- foundationUnderlying support structure
- concealerCosmetic for hiding flaws
- blushFacial reddening from emotion
lipstick · mascara · eyeshadow · eyeliner · powder · bronzer · highlighter · primer · gloss · tint
makeover
Complete appearance overhaul
- reinventionComplete self-transformation
- overhaulComplete systematic repair
- remodelingAltering existing structures
revamp · refresh · update · modernize · restyle · reimagine · rebrand · facelift · renovation · restoration