Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Makeup in Spanish
Maquillaje · noun · mah-kee-YAH-heh
Maquillaje is the standard Spanish noun for makeup. It refers to cosmetic products such as foundation, lipstick, eyeshadow, and blush. To say 'to put on makeup,' use the reflexive verb maquillarse. The word is masculine (el maquillaje) and does not change in the plural, though you may hear los productos de maquillaje for 'makeup products.'
mah-kee-YAH-heh
Se quitó el maquillaje antes de dormir.
She removed her makeup before going to sleep.
Makeup in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for makeup, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| maquillaje | makeup | mah-kee-YAH-heh | Default, widely understood |
| cosméticos | makeup | general — refers to cosmetics broadly |
How Native Speakers Use Maquillaje
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Getting ready
Ella se maquilla todas las mañanas antes de salir.
She puts on makeup every morning before leaving.
Maquillarse is reflexive because the subject acts on herself.
Shopping
Necesito comprar maquillaje nuevo para la boda.
I need to buy new makeup for the wedding.
Maquillaje is used as an uncountable noun here, just like makeup in English.
Removing makeup
Usa un desmaquillante suave para limpiar tu piel.
Use a gentle makeup remover to cleanse your skin.
Desmaquillante is the noun for makeup remover, formed by adding the prefix des- to maquillante.
Professional context
La maquilladora preparó a las actrices para la escena.
The makeup artist prepared the actresses for the scene.
Maquillador/maquilladora refers to a professional makeup artist.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Maquillaje
Using non-reflexive form for oneself
Incorrect: Yo maquillo cada mañana.
Correct: Yo me maquillo cada mañana.
When you apply makeup to yourself, you must use the reflexive form maquillarse. Without the reflexive pronoun me, the sentence implies you are applying makeup to someone else.
Spelling error
Incorrect: Ella compró mucho makillaje.
Correct: Ella compró mucho maquillaje.
The word is spelled with qu (maquillaje), not just k. Spanish uses the qu combination before i and e to produce the /k/ sound.
Lock in Makeup Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Maquillaje used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using maquillaje in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Se quitó el maquillaje antes de dormir. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Makeup in Spanish
- What is the difference between maquillaje and cosméticos?
- Maquillaje specifically refers to decorative makeup applied to the face — foundation, mascara, lipstick, etc. Cosméticos is a broader term that can include skincare, perfumes, and other beauty products.
- How do you say 'to take off makeup' in Spanish?
- Use desmaquillarse (reflexive) or quitarse el maquillaje. Both are common and natural-sounding.
- Is maquillaje masculine or feminine?
- Maquillaje is masculine: el maquillaje. Words ending in -aje in Spanish are almost always masculine.