Cosmetics: Difference between revisions

# With so many new cosmetics on the market today the question of using these products on [[Shabbos]] becomes very relevant. Some background information may shed some light on what the possible problems may be in regards to Hilchos [[Shabbos]]. One Melacha to be aware of, is the act of [[dyeing]] ([[Tzoveya]]), which was done to color the curtains of the Mishkan<ref>Rashi Parshas Terumah 25:5 D"h Meadamim</ref>, the second 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 Rabbinic prohibition on creating a temporary coloring effect. Therefore, cosmetics such as: rouges, 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]]. <ref>Rambam Hilchos [[Shabbos]] 22:23, S.A. 303:25, Mishna Brurah 303:79, Rabbi Heshy Kahn (What's Doing, Greater Connecticut, 3/3/11)</ref>

==Soap==

# According to Hacham Ovadia Yosef, it is permitted to use a bar of soap or liquid soap on [[shabbat]] because one has no intention of changing anything, just cleaning. <ref> Yechave Daat 2.50 </ref>

# It is forbidden to cut nails or hair on [[shabbat]] or sever them in any way. <ref> S''A, Orach Chaim, 340.1 </ref>

# It is forbidden for a woman to apply lipstick on [[shabbat]]. <ref> Yabia Omer 6.37, Igrot Mosher Orach Chaim 1.114, Menuchat Ahava 13.6 </ref>

# Many Poskim permit women applying non-sticky powder to their faces on [[Shabbat]], however, other poskim forbid this act. Nevertheless, all agree that applying sticky powder is forbidden. <ref> Yechave Daat 4.28, Menichat Ahava 13.7 </ref>

==Nail varnish==

# It is forbidden to apply or remove nail varnish on [[shabbat]]. <ref> Shmirat [[Shabbat]] Kehilchata 1.158, Yalkut Yosef 4.2.102 </ref>

==Combing hair==

# Regarding combing one's hair on [[Shabbat]], see the [[Getting Dressed on Shabbat]] page.  

==Braiding hair==

# It is forbidden to braid hair on [[shabbat]]. <ref> Mishna Brurah 303.27 </ref>

# It is permitted to apply perfume onto the human body but it is forbidden to apply perfume onto clothing on [[shabbat]]. <ref> Mishna Brurah 125.23 </ref>

==Nail polish==

# It is forbidden to use nail polish on [[Shabbat]] 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<ref>Shmiras [[Shabbos]] K'Hilchosa 14:footnote 152</ref>.

# It is for this same reason, that one would be prohibited from using (i.e. crest) whitening strips. Once again it is also for this same reason that one is prohibited from using fade creams that are of the same color as one's natural skin, even if it is being used just to cover up blemishes.<ref> Rabbi Heshy Kahn (What's Doing, Greater Connecticut, 3/3/11)</ref>

# Some Poskim go as far as to prohibit intentional suntanning as this leaves a permanent color on the skin<ref> Minchas Yitzchok 5:32</ref>. [It should be noted that not all Poskim concur with this ruling, 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.]<ref>Rabbi Heshy Kahn (What's Doing, Greater Connecticut, 3/3/11) </ref>

==Makeup removal==

# While putting on makeup, is in many cases ossur, removing it is permitted. However, it is preferable to be use a disposable tissue, so as to avoid questions of&nbsp;coloring the cloth or towel&nbsp;being used<ref>M.B. 320:59</ref>. One should also avoid using nail polish remover<ref>Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata (vol 3, chap 14, note 79)</ref>.

==Smoothing cremes==

# As stated above there is another concern aside for coloring, when dealing with lotions and that is [[Memachek]] ([[smoothing]]).&nbsp;Therefore, the use of lipstick or even non colored chap stick are prohibited under this Melacha<ref>Igros Moshe O.C. 1:114</ref>. Skin blemish concealers, hand creams (Nivea, Eucerin),Vaseline, rouge creams, moisturizers, toothpaste, lotions and the like are all prohibited&nbsp;under [[Memachek]] as well<ref>Rashi ([[Shabbos]] 146b D"h Mishchah), Rambam ([[Shabbat]] 13:11), S"A 314:11, Mishna Brurah 314:45, Rabbi Heshy Kahn (What's Doing, Greater Connecticut, 3/3/11)</ref>.

==Lotions==

# As long as the lotion has a thin and pourable consistency like that of oil<ref>Rabbi Heshy Kahn (What's Doing, Greater Connecticut, 3/3/11) quoting  R' Nosson Kupshitz Shlita</ref> it would be permitted to use (providing that it is not medicinal, as then one would have to ask a shailo regarding the [[Refuah]] aspect). Therefore, one may apply most forms of sunblock lotion on an infant (or himself for that matter) as they are of very loose consistency.<ref>Rabbi Heshy Kahn (What's Doing, Greater Connecticut, 3/3/11) quoting  R' Nosson Kupshitz Shlita</ref>

# Special thanks to Rabbi Heshy Kahn for this article.

# Is it permissible to use Crest whitening strips on [[Shabbos]]? See above [[#Nail polish]].

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