Definition of "cosmetic"

cosmetic

/kɒzˈmɛtɪk/

adjective
comparative more cosmetic, superlative most cosmetic
1. Imparting or improving beauty, particularly the beauty of the complexion.
  Quotations
  Firſt, rob'd in white, the nymph intent adores / With head uncover'd, the coſmetic pow'rs.
  1714, Alexander Pope, “The Rape of the Lock”, in The Works of Mr. Alexander Pope, volume I, London: […] W[illiam] Bowyer, for Bernard Lintot, […], published 1717, canto I, page 127
2. External or superficial; pertaining only to the surface or appearance of something.
noun
plural cosmetics
1. Any substances applied to enhance the external color or texture of the skin, e.g. lipstick, eyeshadow, eyeliner; makeup.
2. A feature existing only on the surface.
3. An intangible influence that improves the overall perception of some thing or situation.
  Quotations
  All depends upon circumstances—anger as much as any thing else. Interest is your only true cosmetic for smoothing the brow.
  1834, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], chapter XXV, in Francesca Carrara. […], volume III, London: Richard Bentley, […], (successor to Henry Colburn), page 217