maquillaje
/makiˈʝaxe/masculine
The English word 'makeup' can be translated into Spanish as maquillaje, afeite or potingue.
Meaning: cosmetics, colorants and other substances applied to the skin to alter its appearance (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| maquillaje | /makiˈʝaxe/ | masculine |
| afeite | /aˈfeite/ | masculine |
| potingue | /poˈtinɡe/ | masculine |
The primary term for cosmetics, substances applied to the skin to alter its appearance, is maquillaje.
Which one should you use?
potingue is a colloquial term used to refer to various creams, lotions or cosmetics, often with a slightly dismissive or humorous tone.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
potingue is a colloquialism used in informal settings to describe cosmetics or lotions with a humorous or slightly dismissive edge.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Venezuela and Colombia, the term maquilladora or maquillador is used to refer to a makeup artist.
How does it change in a sentence?
maquillaje is a masculine noun. You must use masculine articles and adjectives with it, such as el maquillaje or mucho maquillaje.
How do you pronounce it?
/makiˈʝaxe/
Did you know?
- In the business world, the verb maquillar can be used to describe 'doctoring' or 'fudging' numbers, such as making a company's bad finances look much better than they actually are.
- The word maquillaje entered the Spanish language as a loanword from the French maquillage.
- The word potingue can refer to any homemade concoction or a strange-looking potion, even if it has nothing to do with beauty products.
Examples in context
- No suelo llevar maquillaje.I don't usually wear makeup.This sentence is useful for saying you do not usually wear maquillaje.Tatoeba #10159955 by Seael, translation #6665659 by CK
- Usa toneladas de maquillaje.She wears heavy makeup.This sentence is useful for saying someone wears a large amount of maquillaje.Tatoeba #5064951 by don_ramon, translation #316030 by CK
- Mary nunca lleva maquillaje.Mary never wears makeup.This sentence is useful for stating that Mary never wears maquillaje.Tatoeba #8005587 by Seael, translation #7422222 by CK
- Me encanta usar maquillaje todos los días.I love wearing makeup every day.
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar productos de maquillaje de alta calidad?Where can I find high-quality makeup products?
- Ella es experta en técnicas de maquillaje profesional.She is an expert in professional makeup techniques.
- Me gusta maquillarme antes de salir de casa.I like to put on makeup before leaving the house.
- ¿Sabes hacer maquillaje de ojos ahumados?Do you know how to do smoky eye makeup?
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are getting ready for a party.
- Alejandro¿Necesitas ayuda con tu maquillaje, Lucía?Do you need help with your makeup, Lucía?
- LucíaNo, gracias, ya casi termino mi maquillaje.No, thanks, I'm almost finished with my makeup.
- AlejandroTe ves muy bien así.You look very good like that.
- LucíaGracias, Alejandro, ¡estoy lista!Thanks, Alejandro, I'm ready!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “makeup” translations and entries maquillaje, afeite, potingue, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries maquillaje, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
