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Can I apply make-up on Shabbat?


It is forbidden to apply cosmetics on Shabbat. All cosmetics fall into the forbidden categories of dyeing and/or smoothing. The only thing that is permitted is applying colorless powder.

Caveat: There are some specially-produced powder-only makeups that are approved for Shabbat use by some halachic authorities. Since they are completely dry and do not attach to the skin, they do not fall into the forbidden category of dyeing. And when they are applied correctly -- with a completely dry brush, to completely dry skin -- they do not fall into the category of smoothing. It is also necessary to avoid mixing two color powders, even merely by using the same brush for both or by applying them to the same part of the skin. In order to be considered permissible on Shabbat, the makeup must be used exactly according to directions.

However, as this is subject to intense debate, it is something that each person must discuss with his/her rabbi.

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By Naftali Silberberg   More articles...  |   RSS Listing of Newest Articles by this Author
Rabbi Silberberg resides in Brooklyn, NY, with his wife Chaya Mushka and their three children.

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Reader Comments
Latest Comments:
Posted: Apr 4, 2011
Make up
Can you put makeup on nailvarnish on and lipstick on for shabbat and Yom Tov.
Posted By Anonymous, Leeds, Leeds

Posted: Sep 19, 2010
powders??
i have a transleucent powder thats loose and the exact same shade as my skin. the only use is to mattify my skin. i put foundation on before shabbos, so its not to color my skin in any way. is there any way i can use the powder on sahbbos?
Posted By Yaella, New York

Posted: June 24, 2010
Colored Powder
There are indeed major differences between colored and non-colored powders. One of them is that one may not paint his or her face on Shabbat. The question, therefore, becomes whether or not there can be a powder which is so not attached to the face that it is not considered paint or dye.
There are some specially-produced powders that are approved for Shabbat use by some halachic authorities. However, as this is subject to intense debate, it is something that each person must discuss with his/her rabbi.
Posted By Menachem Posner for Chabad.org

Posted: June 22, 2010
applying cosmetics on Shabbat
Colorless powder is used to give the skin a "smooth" look. Seems that if you can smooth the skin with a colorless powder, you can use a powder with color. No difference in the reason for using the powder - "smoothing" the skin - right?
Posted By Anonymous

Posted: Aug 24, 2009
Color vs Colorless
A colorless powder is no different than applying a colored powder.
Posted By Suenell Burlingame

Posted: Nov 4, 2008
Applying make-up on Yom Tov?
Are women allowed to apply make-up on the Yom Tovs?
Posted By Tova, Southfield, MI

Posted: Sep 10, 2008
You may wash your face on Shabbat and remove makeup. Just be sure the soap you use is liquid and pours easily, and that you don't squeeze a wet washcloth or towel in the process.
Posted By Malkie Janowski for Chabad.org

Posted: Sep 8, 2008
Removing make-up
Dear Rabbi
is it permitted to remove make-up Friday night, that I had applied before Shabbat?
Thank you very much for answering
Kind regards from Germany
Posted By Mira, Germany



 


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