1 B1 informal
To apply cream or lotion generously over the skin.
"Don't forget to cream up before you go out in the sun — your shoulders will burn."
separable
cream up
B1 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To apply cream, lotion, or moisturiser generously to the skin.
In plain English
To rub cream all over your skin or someone else's skin.
What does "cream up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
To apply cream to someone else's skin, such as a baby or child.
"She creamed up the baby after the bath and wrapped him in a warm towel."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To apply cream upward or all over the body — transparent in meaning.
Actually means
To rub cream all over your skin or someone else's skin.
Usage tip
Common in everyday informal speech, especially regarding skincare, sun protection, or medicinal cream. Can be reflexive ('cream yourself up') or transitive ('cream up the baby'). More common in British and Australian English.
Words that pair with "cream up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
sunscreen lotion moisturiser baby skin hands
How to conjugate "cream up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
cream up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
creams up
he/she/it
Past simple
creamed up
yesterday
Past participle
creamed up
have + pp
-ing form
creaming up
continuous
Hear "cream up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "cream up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "cream up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.