Question:
With so many new cosmetics on the market today and some even marketed as “Shabbos Makeup” the question of using these products on Shabbos becomes very relevant. What are the possible problems of using cosmetics in regard to Hilchos Shabbos and what other similar halachic problems must women be aware of ?
Answer:
The first possible halachic violation that may arise with the use of cosmetics is tzoveya – dyeing. Tzoveya was done in the mishkan to dye the curtains. Another possible violation is the act of smoothing – Memachaik – which was done to finish the leather of the coverings of the Mishkan. While the Biblical prohibition of dyeing is only something that will be colored permanently, there is still a derabbonon prohibition on creating a temporary coloring effect. Therefore, cosmetics such as: bronzer, blusher, lipsticks, eye shadow, and others which add color to the skin albeit for a short amount of time, are still forbidden to use on Shabbos. Even using a face cream or foundation creams that are of the same color as one’s natural skin is problemativ even if it is being used just to cover up blemishes due to Tzoveyah as it enhances.
Some poskim hold that it is permitted to use a bar of soap on Shabbos because one doesn’t intend on smoothing out the bar of soap or creating any soap suds its is just a consequence of using it in the normal way. On the opposite extreme some poskim hold that it is forbidden to use either bar soap or even liquid soap on Shabbos. However, according to the majority of poskim, one may not use a bar of soap but one may use liquid soap on Shabbos. Some poskim say it is permitted to use even foaming hand soap on Shabbos since changing the liquid into a foam and using it since the result is very temporary before it is washed down the drain. If one used a scented soap to
clean one’s hands it is permitted to dry one’s hands on a towel since there’s no prohibition of molid when it is unintentional. Molid is only a derabbanan and if one doesn’t intend for it it isn’t an issue of a pesik reisha.
It is forbidden to cut nails or hair on shabbos or sever them in any way, however, on the night of her tevila in the mikveh, a woman may have her nails cut by a non-Jew if she forgot to do so before Shabbos came in. It is forbidden for a woman to apply any lipstick whatsoever on shabbos due to the concern of memachek – smoothing.
Many Poskim permit women applying non-sticky powder i.e. not oil based, to their faces on Shabbos, however, other poskim forbid this act. Nevertheless, all agree that applying sticky powder is forbidden. The majority of the powders on the market are oil based which therefore causes the blush to be absorbed by the skin which would make it Tzovaya.
It is forbidden to apply or remove nail varnish on Shabbos, this is true whether it is a colored nail polish or clear polish as the shine adds a pleasant finish to the nail, and is enhancing the natural color of the nail which is included in Tzovaya. Whilst it is permissible for a woman to to apply perfume onto her skin on Shabbos, it is however forbidden to apply perfume onto clothing on shabbos.
Some Poskim go as far as to prohibit intentional suntanning as this leaves a permanent color on the skin. [It should be noted that not all Poskim agree with this opinion, and everyone holds that it is permitted to merely sit outside if there is no intention of tanning, even if one will be pleased with the results.
While putting on makeup, is in most cases assur, removing it is permitted. It is preferable to use a disposable tissue, so as to avoid questions of coloring the cloth or towel being used. One should avoid using nail polish remover however. |