Oct 14 2008
Makeup- yay or nay?
Makeup is a touchy issue for many and I have received numerous queries on the subject so I am endeavoring to write out what I believe to be is the “biblical theology” on makeup.
If you would like to help me in this endeavor please list your questions regarding makeup below. For example:
“Is eye-liner too seductive?” or “Is makeup modest?”
The more specific, the better.
Related posts:
- Summer makeup: Sheer red I know you’ve been itching...
- Summer Makeup look #3: Red lips So we talked about wearing...
I don’t have a conviction in this area, because I think that in order to have a conviction, you must first have biblical backup for it. Since there aren’t any verses that specifically pertain to how we ought to wear make-up, this is just my opinion.
I don’t wear make-up. Only on days when I have bad breakouts do I wear cover-up. I think that make-up, if used, should be used to enhance your features, not to hide them. If you can tell you are wearing make-up, you are wearing too much. Personally, I think people look much nicer (not to mention cleaner and more natural) when they are make-up free. But, again, this is just my opinion.
-Miss S.
Hi Christa,
Thanks so much for your different make-up looks on your other site! I like all three looks a lot. I also really appreciate your being so careful about what’s modest (like the #2 that was erased) in your posts.
Question: I have naturally rosy cheeks. (People who don’t know think I wear way to much blush and don’t know how to apply it correctly.) I’m not sure if it’s Rosacea or what, but it’s a blessing and a curse. The rosiness is kind of blotchy and my right cheek is always more red than my left. How can I smooth things out and keep my natural look at the same time? Should I EVER wear blush?
Stumped,
Lilla
I think make up is a great tool.
I use some basic make up every day. Although it is important not to make it your idol, if you can’t leave you house without it, or you don’t like others to see you when you don’t have it on, you have grown too attatched.
I am an artist, so I enjoy make up, it is fun for me. But I know many ladies to whom, applying make up is a chore, in that case, I would say, don’t feel like you have to.
I think make up can be seductive, I see it every day.
When you stit down to do your make up, if your goal is to attract men, I would say tone it down, you are being seductive, if not with your appication of eyeliner, you are being seductive in your heart.
I think eyeliner can be very seductive, to me, a harsh like drawn past the end of your eye and not blended is very seductive.
If you have alot of glossy, shiny lip-gloss on, that can be seductive.
Lip liner can be seductive.
Nail colors can be seductive.
Eyebrow pencil can be seductive.
I wouldn’t say just one product is seductive, its all in the application.
And more important than having a pure face, is having a pure heart.
Ditto on the reason to use makeup, only for enhancement or for covering breakouts. I only wear makeup for certain events where I want to look extra polished, ie performances and interviews. I do not wear it everyday because I don’t want extra breaking-out.
I’d like someone to tell me a reason that they wear makeup that is pleasing to the Lord.
I’ve never worn makeup, and pretty much all of my friends do. A lot of them wear it so that people don’t think they’re younger than they are, or to make them prettier, or be in style. I’m wondering, are those good reasons to wear it? If I wore it, I wouldn’t want to wear it for the wrong reason, yet…what is the right reason for wearing it, that would please the Lord? Hasn’t the Lord already made us fearfully and wonderfully? Then are we wearing makeup because we’re not content with the way God made us?? It appears to me that a lot of girls are. However, I definitely wouldn’t go so far as to say “makeup is a sin” or anything of that sort. I also don’t mean to judge anyone that wears it, there’s nothing wrong with that–I might wear it, if I had a good reason, but I don’t! Why does everyone else, and what is it?
so what does it do to you? do you feel less presentable, clean, fashionable or neat when not wearing makeup? do you consider it a luxury or necessity? is it something entirely different? would you equate it to spoiling yourself? is it more about how you see yourself or you think you are seen?
I don’t wear makeup every day. Most days I am at home, though, and my mom has seen me since I was born without it.
However, whenever I go out, I will usually go through the same routine of applying makeup: I use a little liquid foundation (Maybelline’s “Pure”) to cover up the reddish tinge/circles under my eyes and I’ll often dot some over more noticeable blemishes. I don’t smear it all over my face – I can’t stand to actually FEEL like I’m wearing makeup. Then I use blush. I don’t know why, but I’ve always put on a little more than I know I need, and then rub most of it off – blending it with a tissue. I like the natural look doing that seems to give. Then I use eyeliner (gasp!). I have decided that the liquid stuff is 1.) too difficult to apply, and 2.) in my opinion, to dark. I use a pencil eyeliner only under my bottom lashes and blend it with a Q-tip – just to make a little definition there around my eye. I then apply mascara…but just a bit. I have naturally long lashes – they just get very light half-way up. So if I put on too much mascara, it looks like I’m wearing fake eyelashes. Then I’m done! (I don’t count chapstick as makeup…I wear it all the time.) It doesn’t take me very long – about 5min.
The reason I wear eye makeup is because…well…my nose is, in my opinion, my worst feature. It’s not cute and turned up…or even just long and straight, like my dad’s. It’s long…with a bump – which I have attributed to having it almost broken in a collision it had with someone else’s face (haha…loooong story). Someone told me once (and I’ve read) that you can draw people’s attention away from the feature you least like, by emphasizing the good. Not covering up the one(s) you don’t like (which I wouldn’t recommend trying – hahaha), but just adding a little “pop” to the ones you do. My eyes are very blue, and wearing a little eye makeup just makes them stand out. It’s what people will notice before they notice my nose. And you don’t have to wear gobs – just a little will go a long way.
I wear blush because it gives me a healthy glow, which I can tend to lose as winter comes around. (*sobs*) I’d rather look healthy, than have people asking me everywhere I go “Are you sick?” and wondering why everyone edges away.
The liquid foundation has a similar effect – helping me to look more alert…and covering the blemishes helps me to look more put together.
Ultimately, I think I wear makeup because it DOES help you to look more like you care for yourself (whether we want it that way or not – that seems to be how our world is turning). Honestly, though, I don’t care all that much about what other people think. If I was having a bad day home alone, I might put on some makeup just to help ME feel better.
I would call myself an artist…and I enjoy doing it (using makeup) simply because it’s like bringing out the natural beauty that’s already there. It’s like when I edit photos in Photoshop…it might be a nice photo – but with a little more contrast, and maybe some de-saturation and vignetting…it might be breathtaking. Or like painting; You can paint a brown squiggly line around a lamp-post and call it a vine…but it really comes to life when you add dimension, highlights and shadow. You aren’t changing the original article…just adding depth. It’s simply how we perceive things*. God made each of us just how he wanted us. You don’t need makeup to make you beautiful – you already are! But I don’t think it’s sinful to use a little eyeliner to enhance the beauty of the eyes he gave you…or a little blush to give your skin a glow. (then we’d have to go into “Is getting a tan evil?”) You just have to monitor your heart to keep your motives in check.
But that is just my opinion.
It also becomes different when you get married. Instead of just wanting to look better for yourself…it becomes: “What does my husband prefer?”
Another thing: I don’t buy makeup too often. It’s not cheep. I prefer to have simply one or two each of the staples (cover-up/foundation, eyeliner, and blush) that will last me a while, and use them until they are gone. Mascara is something you are supposed to buy a fresh supply of several times a year. I cheat…but I don’t recommend it, simply because I have no idea what it could be doing to me after 8 months of using the same mascara. But you don’t have to buy expensive mascara. Most of it is pretty similar.
But if your make-up collection is costing you too much, or if you’re “addicted” to the latest formulas that you just “have to” try…I’d suggest cutting back.
*I believe you can wear makeup for God’s glory. People may be more receptive to listening to you or respecting you when you appear more put-together to them. You may say, “Well, that’s silly. They shouldn’t base how they treat someone on how they look.” Yes, you may be right…but that tends to be what happens anyway, for whatever reason. God gave most of us 2 eyes…and we often base our perception of things on how WE see them.
Wow. I didn’t mean for this to be so long…Hopefully there might be SOME useful tidbit in there.
~Lady Tai
I do not think it is sinful to wear makeup, however I feel that many females too often leave God out of their routine. I Peter 3:3-4 is a great verse I use to check myself on personal modesty. Above any make-up application is a preparation of the heart. People do notice if you have spent time with God just as much if not more than they will notice if you put on make-up or not.
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
I do not wear make-up on a daily basis (it seems like the only times I do are for a special event or to church on Sunday). I love the feeling of wearing no foundation, and in fact when I do wear make up I still go without a foundation.
I usually apply a little Dermablend ( concealer ) in any problem areas such as under my eyes. As for the rest of my face, I brush bronzer for slight color and ‘glow’, applying a little more on my cheekbones. Depending on my mood, I will brush a light pink or rose blush. I then brush my face with a light finishing powder to help minimize any oil. I do not wear eyeliner, only some mascara.
There are many reasons why I love wearing my ‘no make up face’. I feel like it give my inner beauty more opportunity to shine through (it does anyway, but it is hard for people not to pay attention to you for how you look outwardly). Also, it give my skin a chance to breathe. I have found that the more I go without make up, the clearer and healthier my skin is. I love the feeling of no weight on my face!
Many people have told me I look younger without make-up and I like that!
Maybe this relates to make-up questions…
Any tips on streamlining/cutting down time in facial care? I feel like I’m constantly having to spend time taking care of my face (washing, toning, dealing with blackheads/pimples, etc.) in order to maintain decently healthy skin that’s decently presentable (with make-up or not!). I know it drives my dear husband crazy because it seems I’m constantly doing something for my face….but I feel that if I didn’t, I’d have a nasty, pimply, face that neither he nor I would like! There must be a balance. Any ideas? Thanks!
At 15 1/2 yo, I’ve just started to mess around w/ makeup and it’s fun! I have this secret fear that if I wear mascara consistantly my eyelashes will get thinner (this little fear was started by Daddy the makeup sceptic) so I save it for special days. But the reason I like mascara is because my eyelashes are thick and black, but short. I have clear skin, so no worries there.
In my circle of friends- most all are wonderful daughters of the king- there are many fresh faced, no makeup beauties. so it’s almost like I’m the one breaking the “norm” by actually wearing makeup. This makes me timid in its application- probably a good thing.
Why do I wear makeup? I really have a terrible reason: The other day, Mom was talking to a couple of her friends about makeup, saying, “My daughter knows that she can wear any kind of makeup she wants, but so far she’s chosen not to.”
One of mom’s friends said, “That Emmie is so level headed”
Now, I know that being level headed is good. But I thought, “I don’t want to be level headed, I want to be gorgeous!”
Thus, my terrible excuse.
So I guess me question is, “Is that such a terrible reason?”
I think, like others have said, make-up being right or wrong depends on your
heart attitude. If you’re putting it on because you want guys to look at you you may
as well being dressing immodestly too, even if the only thing you put on is face
powder. It’s vanity.
However, if you put it on because you think it’s fun, or to enhance your
natural features why not? For example, I have thick lips and rosy
cheeks, so they stand out and my eyes practically disapear! So, I wear face powder
(to even out the contrast of my pale face and rosy cheeks) and eye make-up
(eyeliner, and mascara) to bring out my eyes so they are more prominant like my
cheeks and lips. I don’t think that is wrong or seductive because while I’m putting it
on I’m not thinking ‘Ooooh la la, the guys will check me out today.’
Heart attitude applies to every aspect of our lives as christians, whether it
be make-up, clothing, cleaning house, school, it all depends on whether we have a
sinful reason for or about doing what we’re doing.
Also I think it depends on personal convictions, Paul (I think it was Paul) said
people are given different convictions. If you personally feel wrong about make-up it
is wrong-for you. But other people may not have convictions about it, so it could be
wrong for one peron and not for another. Get what I’m saying?
That’s just my thoughts on it, and I hope it helps! – Emily
I don’t tend to wear foundation ever ever, mostly because I can never find a shade that matches my skin (and who wants to be the girl whose face isn’t the same shade as her neck?) and that I was brought up with the belief that foundation actually made spots worse.
So my routine, is to curl my lashes (but this is for special occasions), wear mascara and cover-up the circles I get under my eyes with concealer. I use anti-shine papers to stop the shiny-ness on my nose and forehead. I’ll wear lipstick when I’m travelling or going to work or at a special occasion. I also use brush on radiance powder on my t-zone but only a very very little. Only sometimes will I wear eyeshadow and I’ve never been able to get the hang of eyeliner, so I don’t bother.
I like looking natural – as a redhead I have incredibly pale eyelashes, hence mascara and because I read too much at night I feel I should use concealer. At home I don’t wear any makeup whatsoever – it takes up time, there seems little point to spend time doing your makeup to stay at home, and it’s kinda freeing.
But as to makeup and modesty, I agree with the other girls who have commented here that it’s about what’s going on in your heart. Would you rather apply your makeup than spend time with God? Then your makeup wearing is becoming and idol and you need to cut back and put things into perspective. Are you wearing makeup to be seductive? Then you should rethink your motives and ask yourself what you need to change for God’s glory and not your own.
I see painting my toenails as a treat after a hard day (the pedicure is the bigger part of the treat and it makes sense to apply nailpolish at the same time) but wearing makeup is mostly a necessity. And I can’t paint my nails – there is no point, 2 hours later it will be chipped or I’ll have scraped it off. As I go into the world of jobs and employment, I have found that there is an unconscious rule that makeup should be worn to add ‘polish’ but not to distract.
I have been trying to use up the makeup in my bag if only to downsize and get rid of what I don’t need. The bare necessities, the simple bare necessities seems to be my main point here.
Sorry for the essay – I hope that monumental ramble above will have something of use in it.
My question is like Emmie’s…I do feel better when I wear a little makeup. I am wondering if that is a godly motive (or if there is some other godly motive for wearing it).
I believe in wearing make-up as my mother taught me to – to enhance my natural features. A little foundation for those circles under the eyes, blush to bring out my cheekbones, and a bit of eye makeup to make that feature stand out.
As a mother of a two year old and another on the way, makeup doesn’t make it into my routine much more than once a week. For me, it’s a luxury.
If makeup makes you feel a little more confident so that you can go into the day not worrying about yourself and that pimple that exploded this morning, I think that’s a good enough reason to dab a bit on. But if you’re using it ’cause you want MORE attention, well, then…
My question is about highlighter. You mentioned it in one of the Fall Makeup posts. I love the luminous quality it gives, but I’m not sure how to apply it for the best effect. I discovered mineral makeup and love it because it is light weight and blends really well, but it covers the highlighter too well. If I put the highlighter over the foundation, it makes it cakey (since its a powder). Maybe I’m using the wrong product? What I’ve tried is an Illuminating Whipped Moisturizer.
I really enjoy your blogs. I think I’m a few years older than your target audience, but I think you strike a good balance of dealing with practical fashion issues while keeping the focus on heart attitudes. Blessings.
Dear Taralynn,
A Luminous moisturizer or tinted moisturizer is really acting like a foundation itself. If you are using mineral makeup (which I also love) then apply your moisturizer and then apply a touch of lightly colored or colorless translucent powder.
If you have blemishes to conceal, ever so lightly give them a dusting of powder and mix your concealer/foundation and dab it lightly on with a concealer brush. Then cover very lightly with powder.
What about those of us who are too young to wear makeup? I know that this is rather random, but do you have any hints?
Hi Annettie,
Have you ever tried pressed powder? It’s not exactly make-up but it covers you up when you break out.
I don’t think its sinful to wear make-up. God calls us to be modest but never tells us it is a sin to wear make-up. I wear make-up on special occasions and when i go to church.
Serving Him,
Alexis
Dear Annettie,
First, a brief encouragement- As an older sister, I want to encourage you to really enjoy your years as a young woman. There is something so utterly charming about a fresh young face, equipped with the timeless beauty of her smile.
Many a time have I grimaced at the premature usage of makeup on 12 and 15 year old girls. It is simply strange and out-of-place.
With that said, there’s nothing so sweet as a small touch of lip gloss (to highlight your smile) and freshly pinched cheeks.
I know what you mean about 12 year olds and makeup…I help teach Sunday school at my church and it is so bizarre to see so many of the girls in a K-6 class wearing makeup (and not just lip gloss, it’s eyeliner and shadow and mascara caked on)!
I find makeup an intriuging topic for debate. I personally enjoy wearing makeup, and use it simply to enhance my features. Whenever I am out of the house or my family is hosting company, I prefer having a little makeup on. It makes me feel more alert, organized, and more presentable. For very special occasions, I use makeup more artistically and have fun with it. However, on a daily basis, I have a simpler routine.
After washing and moisturising my face, I will use a light concealer to hide any blemishes. Over all of this I brush a pressed translucent mineral powder; it is practically invisible and does not feel like makeup at all, yet it covers and evens out my facial skin tones. Also, I have naturally oily skin, so the mineral powder actually feels like it protects my skin, and prevents it from becoming oily throughout the day. I finish with a coat of mascara; the top half of my lashes are blonde, so a brown mascara looks very natural and helps me appear more awake. Occasionally I will add a little bit of blush for color, and lip gloss to polish things off.
After much thought, I believe that makeup is a personal decision. The Bible does not specifically say,”Wear makeup!” or “Don’t wear makeup!”. The perfect description of a godly woman is in Proverbs 31:10-31. This woman is strong yet obedient, industrious yet patient, beautiful yet humble. She apparently makes a point of dressing well: “Her clothing is fine linen and purple”. However, it says nothing about makeup. For myself, dressing nicely and putting on a little makeup makes me feel that I am dressing myself for God. Of course, there are days when I don’t wear makeup and just wear jeans and a sweatshirt at home, but when I am out and about I, I enjoy looking nice for the Lord, as well as others around me.
Some people prefer not wearing makeup, and that is a perfectly fine resolution. It is a personal conviction; from what I have researched, the Bible does not have a clear “yay or nay” answer.
My opinion is that makeup, like nail polish, shouldn’t even be in the category of modest or immodest. Does makeup cause young men to lust? I read the Modesty Survey, and it seems like guys said that they are never tempted to lust for a girl’s face. I wrote about this issue on my blog recently. In case you want to read:
http://everandexcelsior.blogspot.com/2008/10/modesty-matter.html
I’ve worn makeup since I was like 9. I’m not even joking. My mom never really cared how I wore it as long as it wasn’t like the joker or anything
She’d give me tips and help me out, but never really regulated me on it much.
I don’t need it to make me pretty. The man God will place in my life will find it beautiful the way it is.
Over the summer, I decided to stop. Now, I only wear makeup to special occasions- such as weddings or homecoming or something. I don’t feel the need to put it on anymore because it takes too much time and I want to be seen for my natural beauty, not for what makeup does to my face. And I most certainly don’t want my future husband to wake up next to me the morning after my wedding and be like “What happened to your face?!” Okay, so maybe that’s a bit drastic…
Anyways, I prefer not to wear makeup anymore. It becomes to big of a priority for girls nowadays. I just get up, put in my contacts, brush my hair, pull on my clothes, and run out the door.
Each girl has a different issue with it. For some it’s perfectly fine, for some it’s not. For me, I just don’t want to mess with it anymore!
Dear Nellie,
Develop your own facial skin routine around these three concepts:
Simplifying our facial regimen is not only practical, but necessary.
Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize
Cleanse:
Removes dirt and grime, blackheads etc. I often rotate products to cover my basis which also diminishes bathroom time. (Monday, Wednesday use Blackhead treatment, Tues, Friday use acne cleanser, Sat lemon/tomato/oatmeal scrub)
Tone:
Tightens and prepares skin for normal wear and tear, also restores the normal PH balance of your skin. I use this only when necessary or need a pick-me-up cleanser during the day
Moisturize: Light, waterbased moisturizer to keep the skin balanced. If you continually over-dry the skin with acne treatments it will start to over-compensate and produce excess oil, resulting in further breakouts. The ideal is to reach a perfect balance of skin oils.
This is simple and shouldn’t take too long. Let me know if that helps
What brand of makeup do you suggest for a natural looking (but still covers flaws) makeup.
Also, I am a red-head and I was wondering what colors you suggest for eye shadow, blush, and mascara.
Becca
If you’re looking for a liquid foundation, I would go for Clinique’s Perfectly Real line, in the color that matches your skin tone.
For an even light look, I apply a concealer on any blemishes or trouble areas, then apply BareEscentials Minerals foundation. There are also a number of knock-offs of BareEscentials at your local drugstore (Maybelline put out a line).
Also, for some makeup suggestions:
Eyeshadow:
champagne colors
peach, brown, dusty plum, moss green,
Mascara:
Brown, Black or Purple
Blush:
Mango or nutmeg (light brown) avoid the really Pink tones.
Thanks! That helps a lot!!!
One more question: what color for lips? This seems like a hard one because there are colors that I have tried before that seem to not look the best.
I love make-up, eventhough I only started wearing it after I left school. For everyday use I just cover up some blemishes, put on some grey eyeliner on the bottom lid and a bit of mascara. Sometimes I would also use a plain colour for eyeshadow and I totally adore Maybelline’s “shiny.licious” lipgloss/lipstick. For evening occasions I usually wear more make-up (I’m a performing musician) and enjoy experimenting with different looks.
I do have a question though: My skin is quite good and I practically don’t have spots or irregularities, but my one big problem in life is the dark circles under my eyes. It seems to run in the family:-S I don’t like covering it up everyday, as the skin is so very thin and sensitive there, but if I don’t cover up I look like I’ve seen a ghost…everyone asks me if I feel OK and if I’m ill…not fun!
Any advice on this would be much appreciated!
Dark circles under the eyes, is fairly common.
To save that tender skin, I recommend a powder concealer that can be gently brushed on.
Bare Escentials makes a superb powder concealer that lifts the under-eye while also adding a SPF 20 to protect it from the sun. Then you can gently wash in water to remove.
Becca: You want to opt for “warm” colors, so light browns, brick reds or plums- . nothing too pink (which has cool undertones).