Is it makeup or make-up or make up?

Question

If you take a makeup test, is it correct to call it a makeup, make up, or make-up test?

I know that makeup is also what some people put on their faces to look different. I think that make-up is what is used when you "make-up something" as in do something late. I think that "make up" is when you create something. So if you take a "makeup quiz" what is the correct one to use?

Is the following a correct sentence:

You can make-up the makeup exam?

Jared Hooper · Accepted Answer

You said:

You can make-up the makeup exam.

Unless it's a make-up exam about cosmetics, this wouldn't be what you're looking for, especially since "make-up" is a descriptor and "make up" is an action.

You can make up the make-up exam.

Would be a consistent, sensible convention. As noted by @J.R. below, it's not necessarily correct since Harvard lists both. However, this is the convention that I would use.

[Make up] as the action and [make-up] as the descriptor.

Makeup as a compound word used to represent cosmetics.

AnaP · Answer

If you have to take a test over, you make up the test. 
The test you make up is a make-up test. 
Be sure to put on your makeup before making up the make-up test.
(When used as an adjective, make-up requires a hyphen.)

Aktuali iz Dolan · Answer

Make up (verb)

Make up you mind. (to settle)
Twenty kids make up the class. (to constitute)

Makeup (noun, or attributive adjective)

The makeup of the diverse sample is reflective of the population at risk for diseases.
He wore makeup. (cosmetics, sometimes "make-up")
We will take a makeup test. (something that makes up for)

Is it makeup or make-up or make up?

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