The Use of Makeup

[Ryan&Amber2013]

Hello, friends. I know this is a sensitive topic, and I don't want it to turn into something that anyone gets upset over. I'm looking for education, as I have been researching this, "but I still haven't found what I'm looking for." I randomly thought about why people use makeup, the past week, and after looking into it, I'm even more confused as to why Christians use it.

When researching the context the Bible uses it in, and what scientific research says about it, and also history, I'm wondering why it is so popular within Christianity. And I don't want to sound judgemental, as I imagine most people who use it aren't doing it with ill intentions.

But that raises another valid question, why shouldn't men wear it as well? If it is good for women to use, it seems men should be able to modify their looks as well.

I would be grateful for anyone who can help my understanding. Thanks!

 

[davejonescue]

This book might be beneficial to you at least for some scriptural context regarding the use of make-up. It is entitled "The Unloveliness of Love-Lockes." Written by Puritan Willaim Prynne. Initially, I believe it was a response to actors and actresses of his day. Another one is by Cotton Mather entitled "Ornaments for the Daughters of Zion." The full name is:

"
The vnlouelinesse, of loue-lockes. Or, A summarie discourse, proouing: the wearing, and nourishing of a locke, or loue-locke, to be altogether vnseemely, and vnlawfull vnto Christians In which there are likewise some passages collected out of fathers, councells, and sundry authors, and historians, against face-painting; the wearing of supposititious, poudred, frizled, or extraordinary long haire; the inordinate affectation of corporall beautie: and womens mannish, vnnaturall, imprudent, and vnchristian cutting of their haire; the epidemicall vanities, and vices of our age. By William Prynne, Gent. Hospitij Lincolniensis. - Prynne, William, 1600-1669.

The vnlouelinesse, of loue-lockes. Or, A summarie discourse, proouing: the wearing, and nourishing of a locke, or loue-locke, to be altogether vnseemely, and vnlawfull vnto Christians In which there are likewise some passages collected out of fathers

Ornaments for the daughters of Zion, or, The character and happiness of a virtuous woman in a disocurse which directs the female-sex how to express the fear of God in every age and state of their life, and obtain both temporal and eternal blessedness / written by Cotton Mather.

Ornaments for the daughters of Zion, or, The character and happiness of a virtuous woman in a disocurse which directs the female-sex how to express the fear of God in every age and state of their life, and obtain both temporal and eternal blessedness

You may be able to find some further clarification to what you are looking for.

 

[davejonescue]

"This temptation failing, next succeeded, in the second place, Pleasure, called by the Apostle the lust of the flesh, with her face painted, her locks curled, breasts naked, and impudently sollicits Moses his embraces. All the beauties of the Kings Court, delicious fare, ravishing musick, beautiful gardens, stately walks, fruitful orchards, pools of water, princely sports and pastimes; in a word, all the delights of the sons of men, the sensual fruitions of an Egyptian Paradise; if these can make Moses happy, they are at his service, he may be where he will, and do what he please: oh dangerous temptation! Did it not take? What's the reason? Why, faith here also stept in to Moses his rescue; Moses by his piercing eye of faith did quickly discern a double blemish in the face of pleasure, though it was never so artificially painted" - Thomas Case - Mount Pisgah

"the Proverb is notable for the commending of righteousnesse above all worldly things to us all. Riches and honours attained to hereby, saith Chrysostome, in wicked men, are but like unto an old [Note.] Whores ill-favoured face painted over to make it shew beautifull, but take away the painting, and then it appeares base and contemptible, but righteousnesse makes the face faire and shining, at the least in another life, like the face of our Lord Jesus in his Transfiguration."
- John Mayer "Commentary on the OT"

"90. Of painted Ladies.
You that your Faces paint, may well, nay must
With Flaccus say, We Shadows are and Dust.
John Owen - John Owens Latin Epigrams Englished"

"The Beauty whereof a Virtuous Woman hath a remarkable dislike, is that which hath Artificial Painting in it. The usage of Artificial Painting is practised by many Women, who think thereby to be valued for a Beauty, which they are not really the owners of: But a Virtuous Woman will not be guilty of such a Vanity. There is a wicked Book that pleads for this ungodly practice; but that good Lady uttered the Language of a Virtuous Woman upon reading such a Book, O Lord, I thank thee, that thou gavest me not Wit enough to write such a Book, u•less withal thou hadst given me Grace enough not to write it. Although it be not unlawful for a Person transiently to preserve or to restore her Native Complexion by convenient Medicines, when she is in any special danger of losing it; yet for a Person to Paint her self, that she may make some ostenstation of a Complexion which God has not made her the owner of, is a thing that has heard ill among the most godly Christians; nor will a Virtuous Woman easily be reconcil'd unto it; lest when the Saints Rise as Tertullian wished he might at the Resurrection of the Righteous, To see whether the Angels are then carrying any Painted Ladies in their Arms to meet the Lord Jesus Christ with Joy; there will be no such sight then to be met withal. The wicked Harlots of old Painted their Eyes, as 'tis said in Ezek. 33. 40. Thou paintest thy Eyes; understand it of their Eye-brows and Eye lids, which they ting'd with a preparation of Antimony to blacken them, and beautifie 'em. This was accounted an extraordinary Comliness; and therefore about the Harlot is the Young Man advised in Prov. 6. 25. Let her not take thee with her Eye-lids. Of such Eyes 'twas that Cyprian said, These are not Eyes with which our God is to be look'd unto! And Jerom reckons 'em among scandalous Harlotries. Now this is one Argument which the Virtuous Woman has against the Painting of her Face in any part of it; It is the Guise of an Harlot. An Adulterate Complexion is but agreeable to an Adulterous Condition." - Cotton Mather "Ornaments for the Daughters of Zion"

 

[Polanus1561]

Do consider that some do makeup for an even skin tone as the face is usually fairer than body. Some draw eyebrows as they have very faint eyebrows. Some hide eye bags. Some hide acne. And a lot who do these do not seek to attract men (married females for one).

 

[davejonescue]

I agree with John kind of along the same lines. There are many men who grow beards and shape them, or get fancy hair cuts instead of of a buzz cut, or even work-out for no other reason cept' show muscle. But in their eyes and hearts, they think this is glorifying God by artificially enhancing their appearance further than what would happen naturally. 99% of Pastors even "dress-up" in nice suits as a way to honor God, and most here would agree nothing is wrong with that. For women, more than attracting men, make-up is probably used as not only a self-esteem enhancer, but as a way to feel they are presenting themselves the best way possible to glorify God. If we really take a close inspection, both men and women are guilty of this is our own unique ways. The reason men shouldnt paint their faces, is because it denotes effeminatism in our culture; which would not be glorifying God. This is one of those topics that could really go as far as you want to take it; like, should women and men dye their hair when the Bible says grey hair is a crown of glory if gotten in the narrow path? I think this has to be left up to the conscience of the individual Christian, to check their hearts and motives, and to refrain from such practices if they do so to be attractive to man instead of glorifying God by the practice. But above all, we should all cling to a biblical definition of genuine beauty being holiness and not ones physical appearance.

 

[De Jager]

I really like when my wife wears it and I'm pretty sure she likes that I don't, although I haven't ever tested that theory.

 

[Andrew35]

Do consider that some do makeup for an even skin tone as the face is usually fairer than body. Some draw eyebrows as they have very faint eyebrows. Some hide eye bags. Some hide acne. And a lot who do these do not seek to attract men (married females for one).

Yeah, makeup isn't just to enhance beauty. It has a variety of uses.

So one doesn't look pale on camera/stage; to hide burns, scars, or disfigurement to make social life less stressful.

My mother-in-law, who works with customers in a small shop, uses it to make her face look stronger and harsher. It changes how the customers treat her, so they won't try to bully her--especially the men. When my wife told me that, I almost kind of thought of it as war paint.

All this to say, blanket condemnations of women without considering the purpose of the makeup don't make any sense.

 

[Elizabeth]

Women naturally seek to make themselves alluring to men. Through clothes, hair, make-up, scent.
Men naturally seek to make themselves alluring to women. Through strength, protectiveness, provision.
Same as it ever was.

And of course adornment between the sexes (note I didn't say GENDER) varies from society to society.

Me personal, I don't wear the stuff. Didn't need it when young, and can't apply it well as a granny.

 

[Elizabeth]

I have to add: I DO think many women today way over-do their make-up.
It becomes a caricature.
I call it 'drag-queen chic'.
If you are taking more than five minutes to 'do your face', you're probably doing too much.

(obviously, if you are covering scars or such, this rule may not apply to you)

 

[Polanus1561]

at the end of the day, our opinions on make up stays as an abstract opinion. I don't think any of us would make our opinion of it concrete, and have our opinion shape the perception of someone. so, I don't see the practical usefulness of digging into this topic.

 

[Taylor]

If you are taking more than five minutes to 'do your face', you're probably doing too much.

My wife takes a good bit longer than five minutes, and she is gorgeous. Her makeup accents her features in a tasteful, sensible, and modest way. I love it. To call her “drag queen chic” would be an incredible insult.

 

[Phil D.]

As long as your brand isn't Sherwin Williams or Dutch Boy, and you don't use a spatula to apply it, then some makeup can be tastefully done...

 

[Edward]

General rule for makeup - if you can tell someone is wearing it, they didn't put it on right.

Edit - lookls like @Phil D. can type more quickly than me. I was thinking palette knife, but spatula may work better for the imagery.

 

[Eyedoc84]

General rule for makeup - if you can tell someone is wearing it, they didn't put it on right.

Edit - lookls like @Phil D. can type more quickly than me. I was thinking palette knife, but spatula may work better for the imagery.

I tell this exact thing to my wife and daughters. Your makeup shouldn’t make you stand out, it should make you blend in. Sometimes that means it’s necessary to cover some unsightly blemish that would otherwise draw attention.

 

[Jo_Was]

I actually am curious how you came to the conclusion that it was a confusing practice for a Christian after examining history and the Bible *especially* when you consider the cultures of the Bible featured within its pages. Historically speaking, adorning the face has been a long-held practice in middle eastern, African, and Mediterranean cultures, and particularly if you think about their clothing being wraps and women often having head coverings, that makeup and nose piercings, head laurels, necklaces, etc have been common practices for thousands of years in some cultures because it was one important part of the body that was revealed. That doesn't necessarily make it "okay" just because it is normal or normative in those cultures, but it was certainly used (even if we don't "see" it in the pages of the Bible: it was there). One example I think of is Rebekah betrothed to Isaac. Girl definitely got jewelry as part of the dowry given to her, and likely got lavished with rings, makeup, perfumes, etc. These were normal things to be given as gifts for women-betrothed. Part of that practice is to get her ready for the meeting and wedding. When Isaac finally gets to see Rebekah remove her veil, it's a big deal! And she was likely "dolled up" like most brides-to-be were at these meetings. It took a long preparation for brides to be ready by their ladies in waiting, because they went ALL OUT with hair and makeup and perfume and clothes on these particularly special occasions (Psalm 145, Song of Solomon, the wedding at Cana). Yes, there are many calls to modesty and beauty being an outpouring one's heart and not just the outer person--but that does not mean "no makeup" or that makeup cannot be a part of one's modest apparel. Many of the boom of makeup practices and resources actually came out of the Middle East because of their access to colorful spices and herbs. It's just hard to square historically that it is prohibited when it was so woven into the fabric of these regions for thousands of years and the practices are assumed in the Bible, not directly addressed. I don't want to get into a tangent, but jewelry would be the "corollary" topic where, yes, there are parts of scripture warning against jewelry leading to immodesty or being a way to be prideful, but equally so are instances of jewelry being gifted to brides, given as gifts to young women, assumed as part of daily garment wearing for the women of the Bible across time periods. And, yes, makeup is an old human practice that, yes, even men, have utilized through history since ancient times.

As with many things, it is a matter of wisdom. It is no wonder that Proverbs can say one thing and then another that seems contrary--not because either is right or wrong wholesale in every situation, but that circumstances must be tempered with wisdom. What works in one situation, might not in another. Wisdom, wisdom, wisdom.


I actually don't wear makeup because I just don't like to and my face naturally stays clean. But I would not then bar others from such because it's not an all or nothing. It is a matter of personal conscience.

Also, seeing some of the comments: I really think our idea of what "modest" or "good" makeup looks like in America is painted by our context, and even moreso in the PB niche. I really would encourage some of those commenting to consider what a middle eastern or Indian woman would wear on the daily. It's going to reflect their culture of face adornment more than ours. (And closer to the beauty expectations of that region historically) It is still "modest" in their culture, but to us would be very manicured looks. I think they are still beautiful and modest in their way. I've known many women from cultures where these standards are the norm. I just happen to be a woman descended from remote islanders who intricately wiped rice flour on their faces, put on bright red lips, and called it a day.

 

[Jo_Was]

But that raises another valid question, why shouldn't men wear it as well? If it is good for women to use, it seems men should be able to modify their looks as well.

They have. It just, as with many fashions, goes in an out of style and varies across time and place. In ancient times and places, men definitely wore paintings on their faces and adorned themselves (think of Egyptian men, some ancient African and Asian cultures). In Western culture, similarly, this has been not as common a practice outright, but something that has gone in and out depending on the fashion of the era. Many of the Westminster Divines, for example, likely powdered their faces. Powdered faces and the collar were "in style" then. Powdered faces was also a common practice from Elizabethan England through the 1700s when men really dolled up with powdered wigs and peachy lips and the whole ordeal. Of course, with the classes being more divided from upper/lower, the accessibility may have been the greatest feature of delineation of "who" was wearing makeup. This applies to women's fashion as well. In some of these eras where the men were dolled up, the women were more plain. This may have coincided with social status as well. I think you see a resurge of this greater accessibility to fashion (and use of makeup) in the west during Industrialization or post-WWII because they are times when the middle class has more accessibility to these resources, and when there is generally good economic environment to support these things. In times where there is more struggle, these luxury items (and thus fashion trends) tend to wane. History of fashion is quite fascinating when one does consider it coinciding with economic access.

 

[jwithnell]

Looking your best conveys a lot about how you view the importance of an event or meeting. For many of us that involves a few dabs and dustings. On the flip side, just about every culture has its variation of the "painted lady" and Christians wisely avoid what is generally recognized as putting yourself out there for sale.

 

[Polanus1561]

They have. It just, as with many fashions, goes in an out of style and varies across time and place. In ancient times and places, men definitely wore paintings on their faces and adorned themselves (think of Egyptian men, some ancient African and Asian cultures). In Western culture, similarly, this has been not as common a practice outright, but something that has gone in and out depending on the fashion of the era. Many of the Westminster Divines, for example, likely powdered their faces. Powdered faces and the collar were "in style" then. Powdered faces was also a common practice from Elizabethan England through the 1700s when men really dolled up with powdered wigs and peachy lips and the whole ordeal. Of course, with the classes being more divided from upper/lower, the accessibility may have been the greatest feature of delineation of "who" was wearing makeup. This applies to women's fashion as well. In some of these eras where the men were dolled up, the women were more plain. This may have coincided with social status as well. I think you see a resurge of this greater accessibility to fashion (and use of makeup) in the west during Industrialization or post-WWII because they are times when the middle class has more accessibility to these resources, and when there is generally good economic environment to support these things. In times where there is more struggle, these luxury items (and thus fashion trends) tend to wane. History of fashion is quite fascinating when one does consider it coinciding with economic access.

Joseph and Moses may have worn makeup if ancient Egypt traditions were anything to go by

 

[LilyG]

I have fair skin, and on my face, reddish areas that are just always there. Most days I wear a little makeup not to "look pretty" necessarily, but to simply "look normal."

 

[davejonescue]

I think I can speak just a tad different opinion given my particular goal/gift of Pauline Celibacy (16+years.) That is, when you strip all of the inner yearning of outer attraction; whether that be of a future or present mate, or to be esteemed as physically beautiful by others, a lot of this yearning about physical appearance dissipates. I no longer worry about my hairstyle, I simply buzz cut it every month. I don't try to stay in fashion; just used polos and khakis from the thrift store. I want to be healthy, but am not concerned with being in pinnacle physical shape. Whether we like to admit it or not, our desire to be physically attractive to others, especially by the opposite sex, plays a large part in the way most of us carry ourselves. Some will say "it is to the glory of God" others will say "it is to please our spouses," but stepping back, and looking at it from a perspective of a person who has forgone the desire to be attractive by any other means but holiness; when you come to the point you dont care what others think, some of those reasons fall to the wayside. The Bible says there was nothing attractive about our Lord cept' his righteousness; yet he was beloved by God. This is why it really needs to be a heart issue on the part of the believer. Are we going to define our beauty by our holiness, or our we going to compensate a lack of holiness by a mask of make-up, working out, designer clothes, jewelry, hairstyles, etc. Many will say these are compatible. I am just under the belief as one more matures in the former, the latter seems less of an importance. When we no longer desire to be attractive to people, or the world, but only to our Lord; the tools to achieve beauty change. As a clarifier, I do not mean that we become attractive to our Lord in the sense that we offer anything that would draw himself to us as if we were something to behold, instead I mean that we adorn ourselves with the continual conformity to the goal of our redemption, to be transformed into the image of Jesus.

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised."

 

[Physeter]

It's the intent that is most important. Is the make up being used to make the person look normal or is it being use to sell her body. I have no need of makeup and it makes my eyes itch. So I don't use it. I don't put anything in my hair either, same problem, itchy eyes.

 

[jwright82]

I think the "do it with wisdom thing" is the best advice on this. I don't wear makeup obviously, except for a couple of times my daughter insisted on "making daddy pretty" when she was younger (and sorry no pictures exist, I had them all destroyed).
But I work in retail so I of course dress the part, collard shirts and nice pants. Who wants to buy clothes from a bum? Its social stuff but with all social stuff it can be abused or respected.

 

[jwright82]

It's the intent that is most important. Is the make up being used to make the person look normal or is it being use to sell her body. I have no need of makeup and it makes my eyes itch. So I don't use it. I don't put anything in my hair either, same problem, itchy eyes.

Yeah I think anyone with sense can tell the difference. When someone is trying to "sell something" vs just looking normal.

 

[Edward]

Christians wisely avoid what is generally recognized as putting yourself out there for sale.

I think the proper word might be 'rent' rather than 'sale'.

 

[Ryan&Amber2013]

By all the comments so far, this seems like no simple matter. Make-up is very much part of our culture, but can we look to our culture as to what should be? The topic seems similar to the issue of modesty: we make it subjective. But generally why is women's fashion more form-fitting to show off curves, or why are women's shirt necks typically deeper, revealing more skin? As Christians the answer is plain. My wife knows Christian women who think bikinis are modest, and they will defend it hard. It is easy to justify what we do. I wonder how much of a difference it would make if we step back and really ask ourselves, "what are the real reasons I am doing something?" Am I being influenced by the world, culture, or insecurities? Is this ideally how life should be?

"Research shows there are two primary reasons why women wear makeup: Camouflage – Women who are anxious and insecure tend to use makeup to appear less noticeable. Seduction – Women who want to be noticeably more attractive tend to use makeup to be more confident, sociable, and assertive."

Are the above justifiable for Christians? And I'm not against it and so far think it is subjective, but I sincerely want to know why we do certain things, and if they are the best way life should be.

My wife sometimes wears light makeup on formal occasions. The other Sunday she had on more noticeable eye-liner. Another woman gave her a compliment on how it looked, and my wife took that as a sign that she shouldn't wear it that noticable again. But that's just her mindset. I tend to think the same way as my wife, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion on this matter.

I really appreciate all the replies so far!

 

[jwright82]

By all the comments so far, this seems like no simple matter. Make-up is very much part of our culture, but can we look to our culture as to what should be? The topic seems similar to the issue of modesty: we make it subjective. But generally why is women's fashion more form-fitting to show off curves, or why are women's shirt necks typically deeper, revealing more skin? As Christians the answer is plain. My wife knows Christian women who think bikinis are modest, and they will defend it hard. It is easy to justify what we do. I wonder how much of a difference it would make if we step back and really ask ourselves, "what are the real reasons I am doing something?" Am I being influenced by the world, culture, or insecurities? Is this ideally how life should be?

"Research shows there are two primary reasons why women wear makeup: Camouflage – Women who are anxious and insecure tend to use makeup to appear less noticeable. Seduction – Women who want to be noticeably more attractive tend to use makeup to be more confident, sociable, and assertive."

Are the above justifiable for Christians? And I'm not against it and so far think it is subjective, but I sincerely want to know why we do certain things, and if they are the best way life should be.

My wife sometimes wears light makeup on formal occasions. The other Sunday she had on more noticeable eye-liner. Another woman gave her a compliment on how it looked, and my wife took that as a sign that she shouldn't wear it that noticable again. But that's just her mindset. I tend to think the same way as my wife, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion on this matter.

I really appreciate all the replies so far!

I think it gets back to theological debate over legalism and antinomianism. As well as our, or my depending on where you live in the world, situation in America with our religious freedom. If you are dead set against watching movies or wearing makeup than don't do it but don't judge someone who does.
If you go to a church that is against either of those than don't mention movies/wear makeup while attending or find another church to go to so as to not offend a brother or sister in Christ.
If a wife is more comfortable wearing makeup but her husband is against it than they should figure that out between them.

 

[Polanus1561]

"Research shows there are two primary reasons why women wear makeup: Camouflage – Women who are anxious and insecure tend to use makeup to appear less noticeable. Seduction – Women who want to be noticeably more attractive tend to use makeup to be more confident, sociable, and assertive."

Are the above justifiable for Christians? And I'm not against it and so far think it is subjective, but I sincerely want to know why we do certain things, and if they are the best way life should be.

Brother, we can agree that every individual's use of makeup is subjective for good or bad reasons. And we are not privy to such reasons. So again, I ask, what is the point of the question of your research? You may acquire an informed broad brush, but a brush I frankly cannot see a use for.

You say, "Make-up is very much part of our culture, but can we look to our culture as to what should be?" but that ignores that someone who does not care for culture can love and use makeup. Someone can hate immodest dress and use makeup in reference to you saying "But generally why is women's fashion more form-fitting to show off curves, or why are women's shirt necks typically deeper, revealing more skin?"

You are mixing a lot of categories and assumptions.

 

[Ryan&Amber2013]

So again, I ask, what is the point of the question of your research?

To me it is a puzzling thing that is a huge part of Christian culture, that I want to be able to settle with an answer on, but I am finding that is just about impossible. I don't judge anyone's motives or reasons, and recognize that this is up to individuals to come to their own conclusions. If I were one to personally wear makeup, the only reasons I could justify it would be 1. To try to cover up a disfigurement, scar, or something like that, or 2. In privacy for my spouse. But even if I was a woman, I still wouldn't do it for either of those reasons. A third would be for something like a costume or trick-or-treating.

But I say it again, I'm not judging anyone who does it. We all have our freedoms. I'm looking for the justification for the way it's used. Thanks!

 

[Miss Marple]

Hello, friends. I know this is a sensitive topic, and I don't want it to turn into something that anyone gets upset over. I'm looking for education, as I have been researching this, "but I still haven't found what I'm looking for." I randomly thought about why people use makeup, the past week, and after looking into it, I'm even more confused as to why Christians use it.

When researching the context the Bible uses it in, and what scientific research says about it, and also history, I'm wondering why it is so popular within Christianity. And I don't want to sound judgemental, as I imagine most people who use it aren't doing it with ill intentions.

But that raises another valid question, why shouldn't men wear it as well? If it is good for women to use, it seems men should be able to modify their looks as well.

I would be grateful for anyone who can help my understanding. Thanks!

1. Our current culture dictates it to a degree. Culture is not Lord; but we are to be in the world if not of it; and to pretend that I come across just as together, engaged, professional, and feminine without it is simply denying reality. When I am better dressed and made up I get more respect from men and women, because I present as more put together and self aware. Should that be the perception? Maybe not. But it is often the perception.

2. It becomes part of family culture. My mom and my grandma used makeup; I imitate them in many ways. While I ought not imitate their sins, I don't consider makeup a sin. It's how we present ourselves. For me to avoid it categorically makes me feel I fit in a little less with the women in my family.

3. Because most others use it, if we don't, we look comparatively tireder and older than we actually are. Perhaps we should not care. But I don't like to present as disproportionately tired or old.

4. It is a feminine thing to do. It has been asked why don't men do it? Because in our culture it is feminine. I wish to present as distinctly feminine and that is part of the way I do so. Similarly with clothes, hair/style, jewelry.

5. I am judged, even by Christians but largely more by non-Christians, by my appearance. There is no way you would convince me otherwise. Experience is the best teacher. While I don't want to present myself as a flirtatious adulterous heathen, makeup does not, in our current culture, communicate that. It is not wrong for any of us to want to avoid unkind and unfair judgment to the degree that we can.

6. There is an aspect of fun and creativity to makeup, dress, jewelry, shoes and hair style that women naturally enjoy. There is a certain artistic or creative angle.

Like any reasonable or generally innocent or positive habit, it can become a snare and can be indulged for wrong reasons. I do not defend that.

 

[jwright82]

To me it is a puzzling thing that is a huge part of Christian culture, that I want to be able to settle with an answer on, but I am finding that is just about impossible. I don't judge anyone's motives or reasons, and recognize that this is up to individuals to come to their own conclusions. If I were one to personally wear makeup, the only reasons I could justify it would be 1. To try to cover up a disfigurement, scar, or something like that, or 2. In privacy for my spouse. But even if I was a woman, I still wouldn't do it for either of those reasons. A third would be for something like a costume or trick-or-treating.

But I say it again, I'm not judging anyone who does it. We all have our freedoms. I'm looking for the justification for the way it's used. Thanks!

Outside of Miss Marple's excellent response I would ask the question does someone need to justify it? You ask a great question but what's the real question? You've already said that "you don't judge it" and "its up to individuals to decide", so it seems You've already answered your own question. I'm trying to figure out what your real question is, is it for people who do it/don't have a problem with it to justify the practice from some biblical reason? I ask out of general confusion of the question thats all.