Translation guide
The English word 'cosmetics' refers broadly to products used to enhance or alter appearance, especially makeup. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 化粧品 (keshōhin), but the specific term used depends on context, such as whether you're talking about makeup, skincare, or the industry as a whole.
The speaker wants to refer to cosmetics in a general sense, including makeup, skincare, and other beauty products.
The standard, all-encompassing term for cosmetics. Used in stores, advertisements, and everyday conversation. Covers makeup, skincare, and sometimes fragrances.
I'm going to buy some new cosmetics.
A casual, trendy abbreviation of 'cosmetics,' often used in marketing, social media, and among younger people. Can refer to makeup specifically or beauty products in general.
The speaker wants to refer to makeup products like lipstick, eyeshadow, foundation, etc., as opposed to skincare or other beauty items.
Refers to makeup itself, the act of applying makeup, or the finished look. Very common in daily conversation.
The speaker wants to refer to skincare items like moisturizers, serums, cleansers, etc., which are often grouped under cosmetics in English.
The speaker is referring to the field, market, or business of cosmetics.
The cosmetics industry. Used in business and news contexts.
化粧品 is the broadest term and can sound formal. メイク specifically means makeup (color cosmetics) and is very common in daily speech. コスメ is a casual, trendy abbreviation often used for makeup items or beauty products in marketing and social media. Use 化粧品 for general or formal situations, メイク for everyday talk about makeup, and コスメ when you want to sound fashionable or casual.
コスメ is a casual loanword abbreviation. In formal documents, business settings, or academic writing, use 化粧品 or 化粧品業界 instead.
These cosmetics can be used even on sensitive skin.
I like checking out new cosmetics.
My makeup is going on well today.
Don't forget to remove your makeup.
A slightly more formal or traditional term for makeup or the act of putting on makeup. Often used in set phrases like 化粧をする (to put on makeup).
She is good at applying makeup.
Often used specifically for makeup items, especially in the context of new releases or collections.
This makeup has such pretty color payoff.
The standard term for skincare. Used for products and routines. Often combined with 化粧品 (スキンケア化粧品) in formal contexts.
I never skip my skincare routine.
This skincare cosmetic has high moisturizing power.
Literally 'basic cosmetics,' this term specifically refers to skincare products like lotions, milks, and creams that form the foundation of a skincare routine.
I use basic skincare products that suit my skin.
The cosmetics industry is highly competitive.
A more casual or trendy way to say cosmetics industry, often used in media targeting younger audiences.
My job is to follow trends in the cosmetics industry.