B2 noun Neutral 1 min read

化妆品

huà zhuāng pǐn /kɒzˈmɛtɪks/
Practice it

Cosmetics are preparations used to enhance or alter a person's appearance.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Cosmetics: products to enhance appearance.
  • Used for beauty, self-expression, and personal care.
  • Includes skincare, makeup, and fragrances.

Overview

化妆品（Cosmetics）是一个广泛的词语，涵盖了所有用于清洁、保护、修饰和改善人体外表（尤其是面部）的物质或配方。其主要目的是增强吸引力、遮盖瑕疵、改变肤色或散发宜人香气。从古至今，化妆品在不同文化中都扮演着重要角色，既是个人护理的必需品，也是时尚和自我表达的载体。

在日常生活中，人们购买和使用化妆品通常是为了满足特定的需求，例如遮盖黑眼圈、提亮肤色、突出眼部或唇部特征，或者在特殊场合增添魅力。化妆品的选择往往与个人年龄、肤质、肤色、偏好以及场合有关。专业人士如化妆师在影视、戏剧、时尚摄影等领域，更是将化妆品作为创作工具，通过精湛的技艺塑造各种形象。

化妆品在零售业中占据重要地位，各大商场设有专门的化妆品专柜或专卖店。线上购物平台也提供了海量的化妆品选择。此外，美容院、美发沙龙、个人护理产品广告、时尚杂志、美妆博主的视频分享等都是常见的提及化妆品的语境。人们在谈论美容护肤、时尚潮流、个人形象管理时，也常常会用到“化妆品”一词。

与“化妆品”相似的词语包括“护肤品”和“彩妆”。“护肤品”（Skincare products）主要侧重于清洁、滋润、保护和治疗皮肤，如面霜、精华液、洁面乳等，其首要目标是维护皮肤健康。而“彩妆”（Makeup）则专指用于增添色彩、改变面部特征的化妆品，如口红、眼影、腮红等，更偏重于修饰和美化。广义上，“化妆品”包含了“护肤品”和“彩妆”两大类别，但有时在口语中，“化妆品”也可能被特指为“彩妆”，这需要根据具体语境来判断。

Examples

1

她喜欢去商场逛化妆品专柜，寻找最新款的口红。

everyday

She likes to browse cosmetic counters in the mall, looking for the latest lipstick.

2

在本次时尚发布会上，顶尖化妆师运用了多种创新型化妆品。

formal

At this fashion show, top makeup artists used a variety of innovative cosmetics.

3

我最近买了一些口碑很好的平价化妆品，效果出奇地好。

informal

I recently bought some affordable cosmetics with great reviews, and they work surprisingly well.

4

该研究旨在分析不同化妆品成分对皮肤的长期影响。

academic

This study aims to analyze the long-term effects of different cosmetic ingredients on the skin.

Common Collocations

购买化妆品 buy cosmetics
使用化妆品 use cosmetics
化妆品成分 cosmetic ingredients
天然化妆品 natural cosmetics

Common Phrases

化妆品专柜

cosmetics counter

化妆品套装

cosmetics set

化妆品广告

cosmetics advertisement

Often Confused With

化妆品 vs 护肤品 (hùfūpǐn)

Skincare products primarily focus on cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting the skin's health. Cosmetics, especially makeup, are mainly for enhancing appearance by adding color or altering features.

化妆品 vs 彩妆 (cǎizhuāng)

Makeup (彩妆) refers specifically to colored cosmetics used to alter appearance, such as lipstick and eyeshadow. Cosmetics (化妆品) is a broader term that can include skincare, fragrances, and makeup.

Grammar Patterns

名词 + (的) + 化妆品 (e.g., 进口的化妆品 - imported cosmetics) 形容词 + 化妆品 (e.g., 天然化妆品 - natural cosmetics) 动词 + 化妆品 (e.g., 使用化妆品 - use cosmetics, 购买化妆品 - buy cosmetics)

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The term 'cosmetics' is generally neutral in formality. It is widely used in everyday conversation, advertising, retail, and academic contexts related to beauty and personal care. Be mindful that in some casual contexts, 'cosmetics' might be used more narrowly to refer specifically to makeup rather than all beauty products.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is to exclusively equate 'cosmetics' with 'makeup'. While makeup is a major category, cosmetics also encompass skincare products, fragrances, and toiletries. Ensure clarity by specifying 'makeup' (彩妆) when referring only to colored beauty products.

Tips

💡

Understand Different Cosmetic Types

Distinguish between skincare for health and makeup for beauty. Choose products suitable for your skin type and needs.

⚠️

Beware of Allergies and Irritation

Always check ingredients for potential allergens. Perform patch tests before applying new products extensively to avoid adverse reactions.

🌍

Cultural Significance of Cosmetics

Cosmetics have deep historical and cultural roots, varying greatly across different societies and time periods, reflecting beauty standards and social practices.

Word Origin

The word 'cosmetics' derives from the Greek word 'kosmetikos', meaning 'skilled in arranging' or 'adornment'. It relates to 'kosmos', meaning 'order, beauty, or adornment'. The term entered English in the 17th century.

Cultural Context

In many cultures, cosmetics are deeply intertwined with rituals, social status, and beauty standards. Their use can range from daily personal routines to elaborate ceremonial applications, reflecting diverse cultural values placed on appearance and self-presentation.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cosmetics' as 'cost-met-ticks' – the ticks (small dots or marks) on your face that you want to cover up or enhance with products you 'cost' (paid for) and 'met' (used).

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

护肤品主要目的是清洁、滋润、保护皮肤健康，如面霜、精华。化妆品则侧重于美化和修饰，如口红、粉底。广义上，化妆品包含护肤品，但通常指彩妆类产品。

常见的化妆品种类包括彩妆（如口红、眼影、粉底）、护肤品（如面霜、精华、洁面乳）、香水、以及个人护理用品（如洗发水、沐浴露）。

选择化妆品时应考虑肤质、肤色、过敏史以及产品成分。建议先进行皮肤测试，并选择信誉良好的品牌，确保产品安全有效。

是的，从广义上讲，“化妆品”这个词包含了护肤品和彩妆。但在日常交流中，有时人们可能会将“化妆品”特指为“彩妆”，具体含义需要根据上下文判断。

Test Yourself

fill blank

她每天早上都会花时间选择合适的______来修饰自己的妆容。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: a

句意是修饰妆容，需要使用化妆品。

multiple choice

关于化妆品的说法，以下哪项是错误的？

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: a

选项a错误，护肤品主要用于改善皮肤健康，而化妆品（特别是彩妆）更侧重于美化和修饰。

sentence building

请用“化妆品”、“选择”、“适合”、“重要”和“个人”来组成一个句子。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: c

选项c语法正确，意思连贯，表达了选择适合自己的化妆品的重要性。

Score: /3

Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

화장품 Korean cosmetics English
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