beauty is but skin-deep

English

First use appears c. 1677. See cite below.

Synonym of beauty is only skin deep
- 1677, Edward Bury (Minister of Great Bolas.), The Husbandmans Companion: Containing One Hundred Occasional Meditations, Reflections and Ejaculations, Especially Suited to Men of that Employment, Etc, page 117:
  Beauty is but skin-deep, and age or fickneſs ſoon withers this flower, when grace and goodneſs are more durable