What is the Difference Between Cosmetics and Makeup

The main difference between cosmetics and makeup is that cosmetics clean, protect, and beautify the appearance while makeup enhances or changes the appearance.

There are many cosmetic products available in the modern fashion industry. We can categorize them into various subcategories based on their function. These include makeup products, skincare products, and personal care products. Therefore, makeup is a type of cosmetics. The main function of makeup is to change or improve a person’s appearance. But skincare and personal care products can clean, protect, and replenish the skin. However, most people generally use these two words interchangeably. 

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Cosmetics  
     – Definition, Features, Products
2. What is Makeup
     – Definition, Features, Products
3. Difference Between Cosmetics and Makeup
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Cosmetics, Makeup, Personal Care

Difference Between Cosmetics and Makeup - Comparison Summary

What are Cosmetics

Cosmetics are products used to clean, improve, or change the complexion, skin, nails, hair, or teeth. The FDA defines cosmetics as products “for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance.” Therefore, many products, including makeup, skincare, and personal care products, belong to the category of cosmetics. Skincare products like cleansers, toners, and scrubs can cleanse, exfoliate, and protect the skin while replenishing it. Personal care products like shampoos, conditioners, soaps, toothpaste, and perfumes also broadly fall under the category of cosmetics.

Cosmetics and Makeup

Furthermore, you can trace the use of cosmetics back to ancient history. Ancient Egyptians were the earliest known users of cosmetics. They used plants and minerals as makeup and oils to protect their skin from the sun. People from China and Japan used rice powder on their faces and henna dyes on their hair. Most modern cosmetics are made from chemicals, but these formulations usually have to obtain permission from FDA or another local authority (depending on the country).

What is Makeup

Makeup is any cosmetic product that alters or improves one’s appearance. Foundation, highlighter, concealer, lipstick, eyeshadow, mascara, blush, and bronzer are some examples of makeup products. We all use makeup in different ways. For some, it’s as simple as using a concealer to hide dark circles or using lipstick to add a dash of color to the face. But for some, it’s a multistep process, usually starting with a foundation and involving many more products like corrector, highlighter, blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner, lipstick, etc. Many ingredients go into the production of makeup. Most makeup products typically consist of water, oil, and wax. In addition, most of them usually contain coloring agents, for example, colorful eyeshadows, lipstick, rouge, etc.

Cosmetics vs Makeup

We mainly use makeup to conceal the imperfections in the skin, enhance our natural features, and add color to the face. Sometimes, extreme forms of makeup are also used for performances or fashion shows. Moreover, someone good with makeup products can completely change his or her face and use clever disguises with the use of makeup.  

Difference Between Cosmetics and Makeup

Definition

Cosmetics are products used to clean, improve, or change the complexion, skin, nails, hair, or teeth, while makeup is any cosmetic product that alters or improves one’s appearance.

Function

The main function of makeup is to change or improve a person’s appearance, while cosmetics cleanse, beautify, promote attractiveness, or alter the appearance.

Products

Foundations, highlighters, lipsticks, eyeshadows, mascaras, and blushes are examples of makeup while cosmetics include makeup products as well as other products like moisturizers, cleansers, exfoliators, perfumes, soaps, and shampoos.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the main difference between cosmetics and makeup is their function. Cosmetics clean, protect, and beautify the appearance, while makeup enhances or changes the appearance. In short, makeup is a type of cosmetic product. But in general, most people use these two words interchangeably. 

Reference:

1. “What is Makeup Made from” Wonderoplis
2. “Cosmetics Overview” FDA.gov

Image Courtesy:

1. “Lavender Products” (CC0) via Stock Vault
2. “Photo of Makeup” by MART PRODUCTION via Pexels

About the Author: Hasa

Hasanthi is a seasoned content writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. Armed with a BA degree in English and a knack for digital marketing, she explores her passions for literature, history, culture, and food through her engaging and informative writing.

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