vanishing cream
Noun: A cosmetic cream, traditionally used primarily by women, that is applied to the skin. Its primary functions are to soften and cleanse the skin. The name "vanishing" refers to its property of being absorbed or seeming to disappear into the skin upon application, rather than leaving a visible, greasy film.
"Vanishing cream" is used as a countable or uncountable noun. It refers to a specific type of facial cream. - She applied a light layer of vanishing cream before her makeup. - This brand of vanishing cream is known for its gentle cleansing action.
- Noun:
- Her morning routine included a moisturizer and a vanishing cream.
- The chemist recommended a simple vanishing cream for her sensitive skin.
- While historically common, the term "vanishing cream" is less frequent in modern cosmetic marketing, often replaced by terms like "lightweight moisturizer," "primer," or "foundation base." However, it remains a precise term for products with the characteristic absorbing property.
- It can be part of a description for vintage or classic cosmetic formulations.
- Foundation cream (n): A cream used as a base for makeup. This is a closely related term, though not perfectly synonymous, as some foundation creams may not "vanish" as completely.
- Cold cream (n): A thicker, often oil-based cream used for cleansing and moisturizing, which typically does not vanish into the skin.
- Light moisturizer: A general term for a non-greasy skin hydrator.
- Face cream: A broad term for any cream applied to the face.
- Primer: A cosmetic product applied before makeup to create a smooth base (a modern functional equivalent in some contexts).
The core meaning centers on the cream's cosmetic purpose (softening, cleaning) and its key physical characteristic of seeming to disappear upon application. It is distinct from decorative makeup like foundation, though it may serve as a base for it.
- a cream used cosmetically (mostly by women) for softening and cleaning the skin