Inklingo

How to Say "makeup" in Spanish

English → Spanish

maquillaje

mah-kee-YAH-hehma.kiˈʝa.xe

nounA1general
Use 'maquillaje' when referring to cosmetics applied to the face for appearance.
A simple colorful illustration of three essential cosmetic items: a tube of bright red lipstick, an open eyeshadow palette showing multiple colors, and a fluffy makeup brush.

Examples

Ella olvidó su estuche de maquillaje en casa.

She forgot her makeup bag at home.

Prefiero usar maquillaje natural, casi invisible.

I prefer to use natural, almost invisible makeup.

Antes de salir, se puso un poco de maquillaje.

Before leaving, she put on a little bit of makeup.

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though many beauty words are feminine in Spanish, 'maquillaje' is masculine. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'el maquillaje es caro' (the makeup is expensive).

Confusing the Verb

Mistake: “Yo maquillo.”

Correction: Yo me maquillo. (The correct verb is 'maquillarse,' meaning 'to put makeup on oneself,' which requires the 'me.')

composición

nounB1general
Use 'composición' to describe the constituent parts or ingredients of a substance.

Examples

La composición química del agua es H2O.

The chemical composition of water is H2O.

constitución

nounC1general
Use 'constitución' to describe the way something, especially a person's body, is structured or put together.

Examples

Tiene una constitución física muy fuerte.

He has a very strong physical build.

Cosmetics vs. Structure

The most common mistake is using 'composición' or 'constitución' when you actually mean cosmetics. Remember, only 'maquillaje' refers to beauty products applied to the face; the other two words describe the fundamental makeup of something.

Related Translations

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