Key Difference: Make up is a slang and popularly used term for cosmetics but can also refer to different kinds of cosmetics as well as prosthetic makeup, which is the process of sculpting, molding and casting prosthetic to look like real skin. Makeover is a term that refers to changing one’s appearance, sometimes done by using cosmetics but does not necessarily have to include it. Make over is a change from how a person looks daily and includes changing their clothes, shoes, hair, style, etc.

The terms makeup and makeover are often confusing for many people that are not native English speakers. However, it can also be confusing if you are a guy. Makeup and makeover may seem like the same thing, but in reality are two different things that go hand-in-hand. Make up may be a crucial part of make over, but does not necessarily have to be. Makeup refers to cosmetics, while makeover refers to changing one’s appearance.

Make up is a slang and popularly used term for cosmetics but can also refer to different kinds of cosmetics as well as prosthetic makeup, which is the process of sculpting, molding and casting prosthetic to look like real skin. Makeup or cosmetics are products that are used to enhance the appearance of the body. These are generally mixture of chemical compounds that are derived from natural resources. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), who is responsible for regulating cosmetics in the market, make up is defined as, “intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance without affecting the body's structure or functions.”

The term ‘cosmetics’ is derived from the Greek ‘kosmetikē tekhnē’, meaning “technique of dress and ornament” from ‘kosmētikos’ meaning "skilled in ordering or arranging". Cosmetics can be dated back to Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece which included using dye from animals and fruits as make up. Make up has also received a lot of criticism in culture, with many promoting it as a way to beautify people and some demoting it stating it takes away from natural beauty and glorifies ‘improper behavior’. There are a variety of make up including for eyes, nose, skin, lips, etc. The most common types of cosmetics are eyeliner, eye shadow, lip gloss or lipstick, mascara, foundation, nail polish, blush (rouge) and face powder. Many people have become so skilled with make up that they can do a variety of different styles and can even make themselves look like someone else.

Makeover is a term that refers to changing one’s appearance, sometimes done by using cosmetics but does not necessarily have to include it. Make over is a change from how a person looks daily and includes changing their clothes, shoes, hair, style, etc. Most common makeover shows target changing a person’s hair, style and make up style. Make over can also include extremes such as cosmetic surgeries, bypass surgeries, liposuction, abdominoplasty to small things such as dental veneers and eye-color-changing contact lenses. Makeovers have become popular due to make reality shows on the TV that take everyday average people and change their looks by giving them clothes, make up and confidence. Make over has also been under criticism and appraisal with some people claiming that changing a person’s look and adding make up to the mix reduces the preson’s worth of themselves. However, supporters claim that they provide women with more confidence by making them feel beautiful.

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