There is no such thing as mehadrin (or l’chatchilah) Shabbos makeup
Prepared for print by Faigy Peritzman
There are two primary melachos associated with using makeup: memarei’ach, smearing; and tzoveia, dyeing (coloring). All poskim, without exception, agree that any beauty creams or liquids, lipstick, or makeup of any kind that contains cream or oil are strictly prohibited to use. These forms of makeup may not be applied even on top of existing makeup to touch them up. It also makes no difference if you are using a brush or a sponge, or are brushing the makeup on with your fingertips.
When it comes to face powder or powdery substances that contain no cream or oil — such as certain brands of blush or eye shadow — there is a lenient opinion from Rav Moshe Feinstein. He explains that sprinkling powders made without oil that don’t last at all isn’t a violation of the prohibition of coloring. (Products like this are what is popularly known as “Shabbos makeup.”) Rav Feinstein adds that “most of the powders that are sold as makeup are oil-based, and some of them last temporarily, and using most of them is a question of coloring.” Many other poskim, including Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach and Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, disagree with Rav Feinstein’s leniency altogether and forbid using any item that is meant to color the skin, even if it lasts for only a short while.
So despite what has been advertised by some cosmetic companies, there is no such thing as mehadrin (or l’chatchilah) Shabbos makeup. As a rule, women shouldn’t apply any colored makeup on Shabbos, including short-lasting, non-oil-based powders or blushes. But since it’s a sensitive issue that could, under certain circumstances, affect one’s shalom bayis or kavod habri’os, those who find themselves in such a situation should consult a rav for halachic guidance.
Those who are permitted to use Shabbos makeup should be aware of the following instructions:
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