What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rouge
Example
She applied a light dusting of rouge to her cheeks for a natural look. [rouge: noun]
Example
He rouged his cheeks to give himself a rosy glow. [rouged: verb]
makeup
Example
She wore heavy makeup for the photoshoot, including bold eyeshadow and bright lipstick. [makeup: noun]
Example
He spent hours doing his makeup before the drag show. [makeup: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Makeup is a more common term than rouge in modern language, as it encompasses a wider range of cosmetic products and is used more frequently in everyday conversation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rouge and makeup?
Both rouge and makeup can be used in formal and informal contexts, but makeup is more versatile and can be employed in a wider range of situations, from casual conversations to professional settings.
