a toiletry designed to beautify the body
"She spent her allowance buying various cosmetic products to enhance her skin and hair before the date."
Any substances applied to enhance the external color or texture of the skin, e.g. lipstick, eyeshadow, eyeliner; makeup.
"She spent twenty minutes applying her favorite cosmetic routine before heading out for dinner."
In plain English: A cosmetic is a product you put on your skin or hair to make it look better.
"She bought some new cosmetic products for her morning routine."
Usage: Use the noun cosmetic to refer specifically to products like lipstick or lotion that are applied to improve a person's appearance. Do not use it to describe internal changes or structural repairs.
serving an esthetic rather than a useful purpose
"cosmetic fenders on cars"
"the buildings were utilitarian rather than decorative"
Imparting or improving beauty, particularly the beauty of the complexion.
"She reached for her favorite cosmetic to freshen up her complexion before the interview."
In plain English: Something that is cosmetic makes things look better but doesn't actually change how they work.
"The cosmetic improvements to the building were mostly just fresh paint and new windows."
Usage: Use "cosmetic" to describe something that improves appearance without changing the underlying nature of an object or situation. It is often paired with terms like "changes" or "treatments" to indicate surface-level enhancements rather than fundamental solutions.
The word cosmetic comes from the French term cosmétique, which was borrowed from Ancient Greek. Originally referring to "the art of dress and ornament," it entered English with this same meaning related to arranging or adorning oneself.