Cosmetics

Background

1. 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 (Tzovaya), which was done to color the curtains of the Mishkan, the second is the act of smoothing (Memachek) 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 ossur to apply on Shabbos.

Nail polish

While one is obviously prohibited from using colored nail polish even the use of clear polish would be ossur, as the shine adds a pleasant finish to the nail, and is enhancing the natural color of the nail which is tantamount to deepening an already existing color which would be included in Tzovaya. 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.

Blush powders

While there are some Poskim who give a hashgocha on certain blush powders to be used on Shabbos, 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. Therefore, unless one has a hechsher on a particular product, one should assume that all cosmetic rouge powders are forbidden for use on Shabbos.

Sun-Tanning

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 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.]

Makeup removal

1. 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 coloring the cloth or towel being used. One should also avoid using nail polish remover.

Smoothing cremes

1. As stated above there is another concern aside for coloring, when dealing with lotions and that is Memachek (smoothing). Therefore, the use of lipstick or even non colored chap stick are prohibited under this Melacha. Skin blemish concealers, hand creams (Nivea, Eucerin), Vaseline, rouge creams, moisturizers, toothpaste, lotions and the like are all prohibited under Memachek as well.

Lotions

1. As long as the lotion has a thin and pourable consistency like that of oil 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.

Credits

1. Special thanks to Rabbi Heshy Kahn for this article.