{ Cos*met"ic (k?z-m?t"?k), Cos*met"ic*al (- ?-kal), } a. [Gr. kosmitiko`s skilled in decorating, fr. ko`smos order, ornament: cf. F. cosmétique. See Cosmos.] Imparting or improving beauty, particularly the beauty of the complexion; as, a cosmetical preparation.

First, robed in white, the nymph intent adores,
With head uncovered, the cosmetic powers.
Pope.

Cos*met"ic, n. Any external application intended to beautify and improve the complexion.

• External or superficial; pertaining only to the surface or appearence of something.
       Fortunately, the damage to the house was mostly cosmetic and a bit of paint covered it nicely.
  
• An substance applied to enhance the external color or texture of the skin, e.g. lipstick, eyeshadow, eyeliner; makeup.
  
• A feature existing only on the surface.