How to say "cosmetics" in Japanese

• 化粧けしょうJLPT N3approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbCovers make-up and cosmetics in the everyday sense of products applied to the face, and the act of applying them. This is the natural word when thinking of makeup itself.
  こってり化粧けしょうした顔かおは異様いようである。↗

  A face with too much make up looks strange.
• 美容びようJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounPrimarily means beautification or beauty treatment, i.e. caring for one's appearance. It can be glossed 'cosmetics', but for the products themselves this is often not the word you want.

For 'cosmetics' as physical products, 化粧 is usually the better choice; 美容 centers on beauty care and treatment, so it only loosely matches 'cosmetics'.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 化粧けしょうmake-up
• コスメcosmetics
• コスメティックcosmetics
• 化粧品けしょうひんcosmetics
• 脂粉しふんrouge and powder
• メーキャップ化粧品メーキャップけしょうひんmakeup products
• 美容びようbeautification
• 顔かおmakeup