disapproval If you describe measures or changes as cosmetic, you mean they improve the appearance of a situation or thing but do not change its basic nature, and you are usually implying that they are inadequate. It is a cosmetic measure which will do nothing to help the situation long term = superficial
An substance applied to enhance the external color or texture of the skin, e.g. lipstick, eyeshadow, eyeliner; makeup
a toiletry designed to beautify the body serving an aesthetic purpose in beautifying the body; "cosmetic surgery"; "enhansive makeup" serving an esthetic rather than a useful purpose; "cosmetic fenders on cars"; "the buildings were utilitarian rather than decorative
serving an esthetic rather than a useful purpose; "cosmetic fenders on cars"; "the buildings were utilitarian rather than decorative"
External or superficial; pertaining only to the surface or appearance of something
a toiletry designed to beautify the body serving an aesthetic purpose in beautifying the body; "cosmetic surgery"; "enhansive makeup"
serving an aesthetic purpose in beautifying the body; "cosmetic surgery"; "enhansive makeup"