Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| maquillaje | /makiˈʝaxe/ | masculine |
| afeite | /aˈfeite/ | masculine |
| potingue | /poˈtinɡe/ | masculine |
The term maquillaje refers to cosmetics, the substances applied to the skin to alter its appearance and it is also used to describe the act of applying makeup or the resulting look. Specific products include base (foundation), labial (lipstick), sombra de ojos (eyeshadow) and máscara de pestañas (mascara).
Which one should you use?
Maquillaje is the standard, most common and neutral term used in all contexts. Afeite is another way to refer to makeup. Potingue is a much more informal and slightly dismissive way to refer to cosmetics or lotions, implying they are just 'goop' or 'junk'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Maquillaje is the standard term used in any situation. If you want to be formal, you can use cosméticos to refer to cosmetic products in general. On the other hand, potingue is a colloquial term used to refer to cosmetics in a derogatory or dismissive way.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, including parts of South America, the word cosmética is used to refer to cosmetics in general.
How does it change in a sentence?
All the provided forms for makeup, maquillaje, afeite and potingue, are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/makiˈʝaxe/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the verb maquillar to mean 'to make up' a story or invent a lie. In Spanish, this verb almost exclusively refers to the application of cosmetics.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, maquillar is used metaphorically in finance to describe 'cooking the books' or hiding losses in a report.
- The term maquillaje is a direct descendant of the French word maquillage, which was borrowed into Spanish.
- In Spanish, the word potingue is used to describe not just makeup, but any mysterious or homemade mixture of liquids and creams.
Examples in context
- No suelo llevar maquillaje.I don't usually wear makeup.This sentence is useful for describing how often someone wears maquillaje.Tatoeba #10159955 by Seael, translation #6665659 by CK
- Usa toneladas de maquillaje.She wears heavy makeup.This sentence is useful for describing the amount of maquillaje someone uses.Tatoeba #5064951 by don_ramon, translation #316030 by CK
- Mary nunca lleva maquillaje.Mary never wears makeup.This sentence is useful for describing a habit regarding maquillaje.Tatoeba #8005587 by Seael, translation #7422222 by CK
- Mi tienda favorita vende maquillaje de alta calidad.My favorite store sells high-quality makeup.
- Me gusta usar una sombra de ojos colorida para resaltar mis ojos.I like to use colorful eyeshadow to enhance my eyes.
- Este labial rojo intenso es perfecto para una noche elegante.This intense red lipstick is perfect for a fancy night out.
- Aplica una base de maquillaje ligera para un look natural.Apply a light foundation for a natural look.
- La máscara de pestañas alarga y da volumen a mis pestañas.Mascara lengthens and adds volume to my lashes.
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía is getting ready for a party at her house.
- Mateo¿Te gusta ese maquillaje, Lucía?Do you like that makeup, Lucía?
- LucíaSí, es mi maquillaje favorito.Yes, it is my favorite makeup.
- MateoTe queda muy bien.It looks very good on you.
- LucíaGracias, Mateo.Thank you, Mateo.
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.
