cosmétiques
The English word cosmetics is cosmétiques in French.
cosmétiques is a noun used to refer to preparations used to change or enhance beauty. You may also see the phrase produits cosmétiques used to refer to these items.
Meaning: preparations to change or enhance the beauty (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, Canada, the phrase articles de beauté may be used instead of more common expressions for cosmetics.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word can also function as an adjective, cosmétique, to describe something related to beauty or appearance.
Did you know?
- The word cosmétique can be used as a metaphor to describe a superficial change that masks a deeper problem, such as une mesure cosmétique for a policy that looks good but does nothing.
- In historical French texts, the word fard was used to describe cosmetics, specifically rouge, which is why the expression se farder means to apply makeup.
- An English speaker might say 'cosmetic surgery', but in French, one would more frequently use the term chirurgie esthétique.
Examples in context
- Ce magasin ne vend plus de cosmétiques.That store no longer sells cosmetics.This sentence shows how to express that a store no longer sells cosmétiques.Tatoeba #839910 by sacredceltic, translation #67924 by CK
- J'ai eu une allergie de la peau à cause des produits cosmétiques.I got a rash from cosmetics.This sentence describes a skin allergy caused by cosmétiques.Tatoeba #9711 by bogantsev, translation #25342 by Luornu
- Je vais acheter des produits de beauté pour ma peau sensible.I'm going to buy some cosmetics for my sensitive skin.
- Est-ce que tu as des recommandations pour un bon maquillage des yeux ?Do you have any recommendations for good eye makeup?
- Elle a acheté de nouveaux cosmétiques.She bought some new cosmetics.
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are shopping at a pharmacy.
- ManonOù se trouvent les cosmétiques ?Where are the cosmetics?
- GabrielC'est juste là, à côté des parfums.It is right there, next to the perfumes.
- ManonMerci, je cherche un nouveau mascara.Thanks, I am looking for a new mascara.
- GabrielJe t'accompagne pour t'aider à choisir.I'll go with you to help you choose.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
