Makeup Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (2024)

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What is the definition of makeup and meaning? ›

a(1) : cosmetics (such as lipstick, mascara, and eye shadow) used to color and beautify the face. (2) : a cosmetic applied to other parts of the body.

to invent something, such as an excuse or a story, often in order to deceive: make up an excuse I made up an excuse about having to look after the kids. make up stories My dad was always really good at making up stories. Thesaurus: synonyms, antonyms, and examples.

Makeup also had a ritualistic and symbolic meaning. According to the Natural History Museum of Utah, colored eyeshadows represented different gods and women would mix their makeup with animal pigments to take on the animal's power. But once the Ancient Roman Empire rolled around, makeup then came with stigma.

​to put something together from several different things related noun make-up. to invent a story, etc., especially in order to trick or entertain somebody. He made up some excuse about his daughter being sick.

Focus: The main difference between makeup and beauty courses is the focus of each course. Makeup courses concentrate specifically on the application of makeup, while beauty courses cover a wider range of topics, including skincare, hair, makeup, and nails.

Well-applied makeup can enhance appearance, but no amount of eyeshadow, mascara or lipstick could possibly compete with the natural attractiveness of an authentic smile.

make up. type of: concoct, dream up, hatch, think of, think up. devise or invent. verb.

to invent a story, etc., especially in order to trick or entertain someone He made up some excuse about his daughter being sick. I told the kids a story, making it up as I went along. You made that up! to complete a number or an amount required We need one more person to make up a team.

to create or think of by clever use of the imagination she keeps making up excuses as to why she hasn't yet finished the project. devising. concocting. constructing.

The industry has gained international acclaim over the years also thanks to Polish beautician Maksymilian Faktorowicz, referred to as the 'father of makeup', who created the renowned line of cosmetics called Max Factor in the U.S. In 1920, Faktorowicz invented the word makeup as an alternative to saying cosmetics.

What is makeup also known as? ›

Cosmetics (colloquially known as makeup or make-up) Cosmetics are care substances used to enhance the appearance or odor of the human body.

makeup noun [U] (FOR FACE)

colored substances used on your face to improve or change your appearance: I put on a little eye makeup. She wears a lot of makeup. Minor skin imperfections can usually be disguised with a spot of makeup.

very happy about something good that has happened: I was made up when she offered me the job.

Meaning of make up for sth – Learner's Dictionary

to reduce the bad effect of something, or make something bad become something good: I hope this money will make up for the inconvenience. (Definition of make up for sth from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

noun. (also make-up) /ˈmeɪkʌp/ enlarge image. [uncountable] substances used especially by women to make their faces look more attractive, or used by actors to change their appearance eye makeup to put on your makeup She never wears makeup.

the art, technique, or process of arranging or laying out, as pages in a publication. the appearance of a page, book, newspaper, or the like, resulting from the arrangement and the variation in size and style of the printed elements: The makeup would be helped by a picture in this corner.

Everyday makeup should cover blemishes, define your bone structure and highlight your pretty eyes without making you look overdone or vamped up. Applying some foundation and powder, light eye makeup and a neutral lipstick will create a natural, polished appearance.