Makeup vs. Make-up vs. Make Up
“Makeup” and “make-up” are documented noun spellings, with Cambridge marking “makeup” mainly US and “make-up” the usual UK form. “Make up” is the two-word phrasal verb for actions such as inventing, composing, completing, or reconciling.
Use “make up” for the verb. For the noun, “makeup” is common in US English and “make-up” is the usual UK spelling.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| verb | make up | Use two words for the verb. |
| noun, US spelling | makeup | Use the closed noun in US style. |
| noun, UK spelling | make-up | Use the hyphenated noun in UK style. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Is the expression functioning as a verb?
If yes: Use “make up.”
If no: For the noun, use “makeup” in US style or “make-up” in UK style.
Caveat: Noun spelling is regional/style-sensitive; keep the chosen convention consistent.
Examples
They need to make up the missed lesson.
The two-word form is a verb.
She bought new makeup.
The closed noun is common in US English.
The theatre supplies the actors’ make-up.
The hyphenated noun follows UK spelling.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use the two-word form “make up” when it functions as a verb.
Fast Test
If the form changes to “made up” or “making up,” you are using the verb and should keep the base form as two words.
Variant Boundary
Cambridge marks “makeup” mainly US and “make-up” as the usual UK noun spelling, so the noun spelling is partly regional rather than a universal error rule.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- MAKE SOMETHING UP — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Phrasal verb “make up,” UK hyphenated noun “make-up,” and note that US usually uses “makeup”
- MAKEUP — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Mainly US closed noun “makeup” and UK “make-up” counterpart