Put on Makeup: Meaning, Usage, and Examples

Meaning 1：apply cosmetics (Put on Makeup)

Put on Makeup 🔊

/pʊt ɒn ˈmeɪkʌp/

phr.v.

To apply cosmetics like foundation or lipstick to your face to look better.

Person putting on makeup with brush and cosmetics on table

apply cosmetics 🔊

➕

/əˈplaɪ kɒzˈmetɪks/

phr.v.

To apply cosmetic products such as foundation, lipstick, or eyeshadow to one's face, usually to enhance appearance.

📁 Category：Fashion Trends 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Put (place) + on (onto) + makeup (cosmetics, from 'make' + 'up').

💡 Mnemonic

Picture an artist painting a face: 'put on' colors like foundation and blush to create a beautiful canvas.

📖 Example

She needs to put on makeup quickly before her online meeting starts. 🔊 She needs to put on makeup quickly before her online meeting starts.

🔗 Collocations

put on makeup – To apply cosmetics to one's face

apply makeup – To put cosmetics onto the skin

wear makeup – To have cosmetics on one's face

🔄 Synonyms

apply cosmetics (phr.v.) – To put cosmetic products on the face or body

do one's makeup (phrase) – To apply makeup to oneself

beautify oneself (phrase) – To make oneself more attractive, often with cosmetics

🚫 Antonyms

remove makeup (phr.v.) – To take off cosmetics from the face

take off makeup (phr.v.) – To cleanse the face of makeup

go bare-faced (phrase) – To not wear any makeup

🌱 Derivatives

makeup artist (n.) – A professional who applies makeup to others

makeup remover (n.) – A product used to take off makeup

makeup bag (n.) – A pouch or bag for storing cosmetics

📖 Cultural Story

The phrase 'put on makeup' originated in the 19th century when theatrical performers applied cosmetics to enhance features. 'Makeup' evolved from 'make up' meaning to compose or prepare.