do their makeup

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do their makeup" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of applying cosmetics to one's face, typically for aesthetic purposes. Example: "Before the party, she took an hour to do her makeup, ensuring she looked her best."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Most girls do their makeup in their room.

The New York Times

"Girls who do their makeup on the train – I wish they would make a mistake".

The Guardian - Music

When I was growing up, my sisters' friends would come to do their makeup at our house.

Harvard University

"But inside the garden they get all dressed up and do their makeup and they have other intentions".

The New York Times

After surviving the shopping trip (just) the Littlefairs are taught how to do their makeup – and then it's the night of the party.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Occasionally I'll go out on location with a presenter for an outside broadcast and I'll do their makeup for them throughout the day.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

I spent a lot of time inside one of their houses, photographing them doing their makeup and combing their hair.

The Guardian - Arts

Most women I spoke to objected to men shaving on the train, while most men didn't mind women doing their makeup.

The New York Times

Black hammered-iron halogen torchieres now brighten the living room while some swing-arm lamps were installed in the bathrooms because those lights "were antiquated and less than complimentary to people doing their makeup, for example".

The New York Times

And the inspectors who spot-check tickets could also ensure that priority seating areas are not full of 25-year-old blokes playing computer games on their mobiles and teenage girls doing their makeup.

The Guardian

It does not ask people to abandon any totems of subway culture -- like eating breakfast on the train, sleeping on the train, snoring on the train, doing their makeup on the train, displaying too much affection on the train or singing torturously off key over their too-loud portable stereos on the train.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "do their makeup", ensure the context clarifies whose makeup is being applied. For clarity, specify if they are applying their own makeup or someone else is applying it for them.

Common error

Avoid using "do their makeup" when it's clear they are applying makeup to someone else. Instead, use "do someone's makeup" or "apply makeup to someone".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do their makeup" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of applying cosmetics. Ludwig's examples show its use in diverse contexts, from personal grooming to professional makeup artistry, confirming its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

24%

HuffPost

12%

Less common in

Academia

4%

The New Yorker

2%

Los Angeles Times

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do their makeup" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the action of applying cosmetics. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from informal personal grooming to more formal settings. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals its frequent use in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While generally neutral in register, specifying the agent (who is applying the makeup) enhances clarity. Alternatives like "apply makeup to their faces" or "put on their makeup" can offer subtle variations in tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apply makeup to their faces

Replaces the more general "do" with the specific action of "apply makeup", adding clarity.

put on their makeup

Uses the phrasal verb "put on" instead of "do", offering a more casual tone.

apply cosmetics to their face

Formal alternative replacing "makeup" with "cosmetics" and specifying the location.

get their makeup done

Shifts the focus to having someone else apply the makeup.

have their makeup applied

Passive voice construction focusing on the action being performed on them.

style their faces with makeup

Uses "style" to emphasize the artistic aspect of applying makeup.

groom themselves with makeup

Broader term that includes other aspects of personal appearance.

beautify themselves with cosmetics

Emphasizes the intention of enhancing beauty through makeup.

enhance their appearance with makeup

Focuses on the overall improvement of appearance.

transform their look with makeup

Highlights the dramatic change that makeup can achieve.

FAQs

What does "do their makeup" mean?

It refers to the action of applying cosmetics to one's face, typically to enhance appearance or for aesthetic purposes. It can also refer to applying makeup to someone else.

How can I rephrase "do their makeup" for a formal context?

In more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "apply cosmetics to their face" or "apply makeup to their faces".

Is it correct to say "do their makeup"?

Yes, it's a common and grammatically acceptable phrase. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

What's the difference between "do their makeup" and "get their makeup done"?

"Do their makeup" implies they are applying the makeup themselves, while "get their makeup done" suggests someone else is applying it for them.