Inklingo

How to Say "makeup" in Spanish

English → Spanish

maquillaje

/mah-kee-YAH-heh//ma.kiˈʝa.xe/

nounA1general
Use this word when referring to cosmetics applied to the face or body for beauty or disguise.
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.')

constitución

nounC1general
Use this word to describe the physical build or composition of a person or thing, not cosmetics.

Examples

Tiene una constitución física muy fuerte.

He has a very strong physical build.

Cosmetics vs. Physical Build

The most common mistake is using 'constitución' when you mean cosmetics. Remember, 'maquillaje' is for face paint and beauty products, while 'constitución' refers to someone's physical makeup or structure.

Related Translations

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