The difference between Cosmetic and War paint

When used as nouns, cosmetic means any substances applied to enhance the external color or texture of the skin, e.g. lipstick, eyeshadow, eyeliner, whereas war paint means pigments ritually applied to the face and/or body (originally and still especially of a native american warrior) prior to going into a battle.


Cosmetic is also adjective with the meaning: imparting or improving beauty, particularly the beauty of the complexion.

check bellow for the other definitions of Cosmetic and War paint

  1. Cosmetic as an adjective:

    Imparting or improving beauty, particularly the beauty of the complexion.

    Examples:

    "a cosmetic preparation"

  2. Cosmetic as an adjective:

    External or superficial; pertaining only to the surface or appearance of something.

    Examples:

    "Fortunately, the damage to the house was mostly cosmetic and a bit of paint covered it nicely."

  1. Cosmetic as a noun:

    Any substances applied to enhance the external color or texture of the skin, e.g. lipstick, eyeshadow, eyeliner; makeup.

  2. Cosmetic as a noun:

    A feature existing only on the surface.

  1. War paint as a noun:

    Pigments ritually applied to the face and/or body (originally and still especially of a Native American warrior) prior to going into a battle.

  2. War paint as a noun (informal):

    cosmetics, makeup

Compare words: