Christians are always on their toes preparing for the second coming of Jesus Christ. For one to be a part of the bandwagon heading to heaven, some rules have been set in the Bible that has to be followed to the latter. This has led to many Christians having reservations about doing specific things like applying makeup. They have ended up asking the question, “is applying makeup a sin?”
Applying makeup is not a sin as long as it is done with modesty and good intentions. However, overdoing the same and having ill motives behind applying the makeup is a sin. Some bible verses have come out clearly to condemn the excessive use of makeup while giving examples of characters who disappointed God with their makeup. The Bible, too, has insisted on how God values inward appearance more than outward appearance.
Can I wear makeup to church? Is it okay to wear makeup in the presence of God? Will I be sinning by wearing makeup? These are some of the questions that linger in the minds of Christians whenever they think about doing makeup. This article will answer these questions and more on makeup and Christianity.
What does the Bible say about makeup?
The Bible leans more on the side of discouraging humans from applying makeup than on the bright side.
Jeremiah 4:30 says, “And you, O desolate one, what do you mean that you dress in scarlet, that you adorn yourself with ornaments of gold, that you enlarge your eyes with paint? In vain, you beautify yourself. Your lovers despise you; they seek your life.” This verse suggests that beautifying oneself with ornaments and makeup is a vain act in front of God and should, therefore, not be encouraged amongst Christians.
2nd Kings 9:30 is another verse that gives insights into the use of makeup. In this verse, Jezebel applies makeup to seduce Jehu to change his mind about his mission. However, Jehu surpassed this temptation and managed to finish the wicked Jezebel. Through this verse, the Bible tries to expose the negative side of makeup, like being used for seduction.
1st Timothy 2:9-10 says, “Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.” In this verse, women are encouraged to dress modestly and respectably. Proper attires help glorify God more than the extreme ones deemed ungodly.
1st Peter 3:3-4 encourages Christians to focus more on their inward appearance than the outside one. The inward beauty focuses more on the heart and spirit, which God wants to be gentle and pure. Concentrating on outward appearance is a vain act in front of God and does not improve your human relationship with Him.
These are not the only verses that talk about makeup, but they are the verses that come out clearly to show the bibles take on makeup. From these, we can conclude that the Bible discourages Christians from doing extreme makeup and making many ornaments. The Bible encourages Christians to dress decently and modestly as this is the godly way of doing things.
Does the Bible prohibit Christian women from wearing makeup?
The Bible does not directly prohibit Christian women from wearing makeup; rather, it discourages them from doing the same. Jeremiah 4:30 suggests to women that applying makeup is a vain act in front of God. 1st Timothy 2:9-10 encourages women to dress appropriately and in moderation. 1st Peter 3:3-4 gives the message that Christian women should concentrate more on shaping their hearts rather than how they appear outwardly.
What does God say in the Bible about beauty?
Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” This verse tells us that everything that God created is beautiful in their original form and, therefore, might not need any enhancement like makeup.
Proverbs 31:30 says, “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” In this verse, God passes the message that beauty is in vain if the person possessing it does not fear Him.
1st Samuel 16:7 says, “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” While giving instructions to Samuel about selecting the next king of Israel, God told him these words. He comes out as one who values the heart of the man rather than the beauty of the man as he appears.
These verses suggest that God is only interested in the state of a man’s heart and not the outward appearance. Since He created everyone in His image and likeness, He finds everyone beautiful. This means that a Christian should focus on enhancing the beauty of the heart, which God looks at the most.
Which verse in the Bible talks about makeup?
2nd Kings 9:30-31 talks about Jezebel, who used makeup to seduce Jehu when he came to kill her.
1st Peter 3:3-4 encourages Christians not to focus on the outward adornment of the body but rather on their hearts.
1st Timothy 2:9-10 gives the Christian woman a message to concentrate more on doing good deeds rather than on their outward appearances.
What does the Catholic Church say about makeup and cosmetics?
According to various Catholic Church scholars, the Catholic Church is not radical about makeup and cosmetics and allows its members to embrace them under certain circumstances. Since it is accepted as a female part of grooming, the makeup application should be made to enhance rather than alter whatever is present. This means that after the makeup is done, the person should still be recognizable.
It is also allowed when one uses makeup to cover marks like scars and acne. Makeup and cosmetics are also permitted when used in moderation and if the person is not doing it with pride for attention.
Why do some people believe makeup is not a sin?
Some people believe that using makeup is not a sin by basing their argument on one crucial verse in the Bible. 1st Samuel 16:17 says, “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
This verse gives the parameters God looks at when judging a man, with the heart being the main focus.
Since the verse suggests that God only focuses on the heart, these people believe that He completely ignores the outward appearance of a man. Therefore, they think that applying makeup is not a sin since it does not affect the state of a person’s heart.
Where did makeup come from, according to the book of Enoch?
In the book of Enoch, Makeup is attributed to one of the fallen angels known as Azazel. Azazel is described as one of the leaders of the rebellious fallen angels in Genesis 6 and takes the form of a goat-like demon. He is credited with teaching humans the arts of weapons, sorcery, and cosmetics.
When does wearing makeup become a sin?
Wearing makeup becomes a sin when it is done in extremes with pride. God says that He hates pride, and anything done with pride is an abomination to Him, as in Proverbs 8:13.
Wearing makeup for deception is also considered a sin. One should only wear makeup to enhance the existing beauty and not alter it while giving a false impression of themselves. God does not like deceptive people, as in Revelation 21:8.
When makeup is done for immoral purposes like seduction, it also becomes a sin. God detests immorality, so applying makeup to accomplish immorality is also a sin to God. This can be read in Galatians 5:19-21.
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The Christian Woman and Makeup
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
