Definition

1. Noun:
   • Lipstick and powder: The literal meaning refers to the two classic cosmetic items: "son" (lipstick) and "phấn" (face powder).
   • Cosmetics / Makeup: A collective term for substances applied to the face or body to enhance or alter one's appearance, traditionally and specifically for women.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Cô ấy không quan tâm nhiều đến son phấn. (She doesn't care much for makeup.)
  • Son phấn giúp cô ấy tự tin hơn. (Lipstick and powder help her feel more confident.)
  • Một chút son phấn sẽ phù hợp với buổi tiệc tối. (A little makeup would be suitable for the evening party.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "son phấn" often carries a classical, sometimes poetic nuance, evoking traditional beauty and femininity. It can be used metaphorically to represent superficial adornment or the act of beautification.
  • Cuộc sống nơi đô thị đôi khi chỉ là lớp son phấn hào nhoáng. (Urban life is sometimes just a layer of glamorous makeup.)

Variants and Related Words

• Trang điểm (v): to apply makeup, to adorn.

  • Cô ấy trang điểm rất nhanh. (She applies makeup very quickly.)

• Mỹ phẩm (n): cosmetics, beauty products (a more modern and general term).

  • Cửa hàng mỹ phẩm rất đông khách. (The cosmetics store is very crowded with customers.)

Synonyms

• Makeup: Substances for enhancing appearance.
• Cosmetics: Products for beautifying the face and body.
• War paint: (Informal, idiomatic) makeup.

Related Idioms

• Lên son phấn / Tô son phấn: To put on makeup.

  • Cô ấy dành một giờ để lên son phấn trước khi đi. (She spent an hour putting on her makeup before going out.)

• Son phấn giả tạo: Artificial makeup; used figuratively to describe something deceptive or insincere.

  • Lời khen của họ chỉ là thứ son phấn giả tạo. (Their compliments are just artificial makeup.)

1. Lipstick and powder; consmetics