Is Shabbos Makeup Kosher for Shabbos?

Is it Permissible to use “Shabbos Makeup” on Shabbos and Yom Tov? 

One may not color one’s face on Shabbos or Yom Tov due to the melachah of tzoveia (coloring) or memareiach (smoothing), as well as other possible melachos which are forbidden on Shabbos. Even if the coloring is eino miskayem (does not last), it’s nevertheless forbidden.

There are products on the market called Shabbos Makeup; this is a misnomer. According to most poskim there is no makeup that may be applied on Shabbos. There is a minority opinion that maintains that if it’s eino miskayem klal (does not last at all), such as dry, loose powder that does not cling to the skin, it’s permissible; however, even according to this opinion—which is rejected by many poskim— the following conditions have to be met:

1. One has to be certain that nothing has been added to the powder, such as oil-based ingredients. The powder must have a reputable hechsher or rabbinic endorsement, attesting to the fact that it has been thoroughly researched and tested for use on Shabbos.

2. It may not be applied on top of existing foundation, concealer, previous makeup, or to a wet face. One may only use a dry brush.

3. One has to make sure not to combine more than one type of powder or to apply two colors to the same area of the skin. Each color requires its own brush. 

4. One may not use Q-tips, sponges, applicators, or their fingers to apply it.

5. The powder must be loose before Shabbos in order not to transgress the issur (prohibition) of tochein (grinding).

Even if all the above conditions have been met, there remains the concern of mar’is ayin—that it might appear (to others) that the makeup was applied in a forbidden manner on Shabbos. This is because some people may not be aware that it’s possible—according to some opinions —to apply powder on Shabbos in a permissible manner. It would only be permitted if women in that particular frum (observant) community apply powder in this manner. However, since it’s well known that there is makeup on the market that can be applied before Shabbos and lasts throughout Shabbos, this isn’t a serious halachic concern.

Finally, there are many who question the commercial application of the lenient halachic approach. It has been argued that it’s almost impossible to implement it, as there are no objective, clearly defined guidelines to distinguish between eino miskayem and eino miskayem klal. 

For these and other reasons, one should not use makeup on Shabbos or Yom Tov, even so-called Shabbos makeup. #436

https://halacha2go.com?number=436

Practical Halacha: One minute a day. By Horav Yosef Yeshaya Braun, shlita, Mara D'asra and member of the Badatz of Crown Heights.