Cosmetics in Spanish

Do you like learning about make-up or trying different types of nail polish? All the colorful and curious items that women use to enhance their appearance or fragrance is defined as cosméticos or cosmetics. This vibrant and varied world can be overwhelming to explore, even in your native language. With this introductory guide to cosmetics in Spanish, you will learn how to discuss your favorite types of make-up and cosmetic accessories in another language. ¡Hablemos de cosméticos! 

Vocabulary

Here is a list of some of the most popular types of cosmetics with a downloadable set of flashcards for practicing! While these words are understood in all Spanish-speaking countries, it’s important to note that the vocabulary varies by region. For example, in some countries, people say blush instead of colorete, or rímel instead of máscara de pestañas. Lastly, don’t forget to practice rolling your r’s for words like corrector and rizador (check out this video for a refresher).

Download your flashcards here: Spanish Cosmetics

Body Parts in Spanish

Although cosmetics are used in different parts of the body, the grand majority of products are designed to improve the face’s appearance.  Let’s take a look at some of these words so you can talk about makeup with your Spanish-speaking friends. You will also learn how to explain that you’re applying a product on a particular part of your face using maquillarse or aplicarse.

Verbs and Example Sentences

Here are some very useful verbs to use while discussing cosmetics or your makeup routine. Check out the following list with examples on how to use them in a sentence:

Maquillarse (to put on makeup) is a reflexive verb:

Yo me maquillo todos los días.
I put on makeup every day.

Me gusta maquillarme.
I like to put on makeup.

Desmaquillarse (to take off makeup) is a reflexive verb:

Ella se desmaquilla con agua y jabón.
She takes off makeup with water and soap.

Yo me desmaquillo antes de dormir.
I take off my makeup before going to sleep.

Aplicar (to apply, to put on):

¿Cómo te aplicas la sombra de ojos?
How do you apply eyeshadow?

Yo me aplico la máscara de pestañas después de usar un rizador de pestañas.
I put on mascara after using an eyelash curler.

Yo me aplico mucho perfume.
I put on a lot of perfume.

Curious About Cosmetics

Anyone can learn about cosmetics in Spanish! Being curious about both familiar and new things while learning a foreign language will always be beneficial. We hope you enjoyed this Spanish guide to cosmetics and how to use them. If you have any questions or would like to discuss what you’ve learned, sign up for a free online class with a native Spanish speaker. Here at Homeschool Spanish Academy, our teachers enjoy talking about all sorts of topics!

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Lindsay Brown

Director of Content at Homeschool Spanish Academy

Lover of words and a foreign language fanatic, I speak French and Spanish, with BA degrees in Linguistics, French, and Psychology, plus a TEFL certificate and 10+ years of teaching experience to boot. I blissfully share Spanish-learning tips, best-idea-ever travel advice, and at-a-glance cultural guides. When you can't find me writing spiritedly from my home office in Antigua, Guatemala, I'm probably outside playing games and exploring nature with my 3 bilingual kids.

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