cosmetician: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Professional
Quick answer
What does “cosmetician” mean?
A person whose job is to give beauty treatments to the skin, hair, and body.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person whose job is to give beauty treatments to the skin, hair, and body.
A trained specialist in applying, advising on, and sometimes selling cosmetics and beauty products; may work in salons, spas, retail, or as a makeup artist.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood and used in both varieties. In the UK, 'beauty therapist' or 'make-up artist' might be more common in everyday contexts.
Connotations
Slightly more formal and clinical in AmE; in BrE, it can sound a bit technical or old-fashioned compared to 'make-up artist'.
Frequency
More frequently used in American English, particularly in professional/industry contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cosmetician” in a Sentence
cosmetician for [someone/occasion]cosmetician at/in [a salon/store]cosmetician specialised in [area]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cosmetician” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She is training to cosmetician at a London salon. (rare/ non-standard)
American English
- The course will teach you how to cosmetician for film. (rare/ non-standard)
adverb
British English
- She applied the foundation cosmeticianly. (non-existent)
American English
- He worked cosmeticianly on the model. (non-existent)
adjective
British English
- The cosmetician industry is growing. (rare, 'cosmetics industry' preferred)
American English
- She took cosmetician courses at the community college. (rare, 'cosmetology courses' preferred)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in job titles, salon/spa descriptions, and beauty industry contracts.
Academic
Rare; might appear in vocational training literature or cosmetology textbooks.
Everyday
Less common; 'makeup artist' or 'beautician' preferred in casual conversation.
Technical
Used in professional cosmetology licensing, product training manuals, and beauty therapy certifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cosmetician”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cosmetician”
- Confusing 'cosmetician' (makeup) with 'aesthetician' (skin care).
- Using it as a general term for any beauty worker.
- Misspelling as 'cosmetitian' or 'cosmetologian'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very similar, but 'cosmetician' often implies formal training and licensing, while 'makeup artist' is a broader term that can include self-taught individuals.
In many US states and other countries, yes, a cosmetology or aesthetician license is required to work professionally. Requirements vary by region.
No, a cosmetician is not a medical professional. Procedures like Botox or laser treatments must be performed by a licensed medical practitioner (e.g., dermatologist, nurse).
Cosmeticians often work in beauty salons, spas, department store cosmetics counters, film/TV sets, or as freelance artists for events like weddings.
A person whose job is to give beauty treatments to the skin, hair, and body.
Cosmetician is usually formal / professional in register.
Cosmetician: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒz.məˈtɪʃ.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːz.məˈtɪʃ.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to the word”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'COSMETICS' + '-ian' (like 'musician') = a specialist in cosmetics.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARTISAN/CRAFTSMAN (a skilled practitioner of a beauty craft).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary difference between a 'cosmetician' and an 'aesthetician'?