makeup
B1Common in informal and everyday contexts; used formally in cosmetics/fashion industries. The extended meaning is more formal/analytical.
Definition
Meaning
Cosmetics applied to the face to enhance or alter one's appearance.
The combination of qualities or elements that form the character or nature of something; the composition or constitution of something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun 'makeup' is primarily uncountable when referring to cosmetics ('She wears a lot of makeup'). It can be countable in its extended meaning referring to a specific combination ('a different genetic makeup').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK English often uses the hyphenated form 'make-up', especially in formal writing, though 'makeup' is increasingly common. US English overwhelmingly uses the closed form 'makeup'. Both spellings are understood in both regions.
Connotations
The extended meaning ('composition/character') is slightly more common in US academic/professional contexts (e.g., 'the makeup of Congress').
Frequency
The cosmetic meaning is equally frequent. The 'composition' meaning has higher frequency in US news/media.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the makeup of [NP]have a [ADJ] makeup[VERB] one's makeupVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “make up (for lost time)”
- “make up one's mind”
- “kiss and make up”
- “be made up of”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the composition of a team, board, or demographic group. 'The makeup of our target audience has shifted.'
Academic
Used in sciences for composition (e.g., 'chemical makeup', 'genetic makeup'). In social sciences, describes demographic/structural composition.
Everyday
Overwhelmingly refers to cosmetics. 'I need to buy some new makeup.'
Technical
In film/theatre: 'special effects makeup'. In chemistry/geology: 'the elemental makeup of a sample'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She decided to make up her face for the party.
- We need to make up the lesson we missed.
American English
- She's going to make up her eyes with that new liner.
- Can I make up the test next week?
adjective
British English
- She attended a make-up tutorial.
- He had a make-up exam on Friday.
American English
- She booked a makeup tutorial.
- He scheduled a makeup exam for Friday.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She wears makeup every day.
- I don't like too much makeup.
- The makeup she used was waterproof.
- The makeup of the class is half boys and half girls.
- Her professional makeup lasted throughout the wedding.
- The political makeup of the council changed after the election.
- The biogeochemical makeup of the soil sample revealed high mineral content.
- The demographic makeup of the region has diversified significantly over the past decade.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MAKE + UP your face. You use products to MAKE your face look UP (i.e., better/improved).
Conceptual Metaphor
APPEARANCE IS A SURFACE COVERING; CHARACTER/STRUCTURE IS A PHYSICAL BLUEPRINT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation as 'делать вверх'. The cosmetic term is 'макияж' (from French 'maquillage'). The extended 'composition' meaning is 'состав', 'структура', 'характер'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb ('I will makeup my face' is wrong; correct: 'I will do/make up my face' or 'I will apply makeup'). Misspelling as 'make up' when used as a noun before another noun ('makeup artist', not 'make up artist').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'makeup' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun for cosmetics/composition, use 'makeup' (US) or 'make-up' (UK). 'Make up' (two words) is a phrasal verb meaning to reconcile, invent, or compensate.
Rarely. As cosmetics, it's uncountable ('She has a lot of makeup'). In the 'composition' sense, it can be countable when referring to different types ('The two compounds have distinct chemical makeups').
'Makeup' specifically refers to products for the face (lipstick, foundation, etc.). 'Cosmetics' is a broader term including makeup, skincare, haircare, and perfume.
Use the pattern 'the makeup of [something]' to describe its constituent parts or character: 'the ethnic makeup of a city', 'the psychological makeup of a character'.