Makeup is a common part of daily life for many people.
Some use it to enhance their natural beauty, while others see it as a form of self-expression.
But what does the Bible say about makeup?
Does God approve of it, or is it something Christians should avoid?
Throughout history, people have debated whether wearing makeup is acceptable for believers.
Some see it as harmless, while others argue that it promotes vanity and worldliness.
To understand what the Bible truly says, we must explore Scripture and see how makeup was used in biblical times, the lessons God teaches about beauty, and how Christians can approach it with wisdom.
The Use of Makeup in the Bible
The Bible does not give a direct command that says wearing makeup is either right or wrong.
However, it does mention makeup in a few different places, often in connection with women who used it to attract attention.
One of the most well-known examples is Queen Jezebel.
In 2 Kings 9:30, it says, “Then Jehu went to Jezreel.
When Jezebel heard about it, she put on eye makeup, arranged her hair and looked out of a window.”
Jezebel was a wicked queen who promoted idol worship and opposed the prophet Elijah.
Her use of makeup here is not condemned directly, but it is mentioned in a negative context.
She was trying to maintain her royal appearance even as her kingdom was collapsing.
Another mention of makeup is found in Jeremiah 4:30, where God speaks to Israel, saying, “What are you doing, you who dress in scarlet, you who adorn yourself with gold jewelry, you who enlarge your eyes with paint?
You adorn yourself in vain.
Your lovers despise you; they want to kill you.”
This verse uses makeup as a symbol of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God.
Just as a woman might try to use beauty to win someone’s affection, Israel was trying to win the favor of other nations instead of trusting in God.
These verses do not say that makeup itself is evil, but they show that it was sometimes associated with vanity, deception, or seeking approval from the wrong sources.
The Bible’s View on Beauty
While the Bible does not forbid makeup, it does give strong guidance about beauty.
True beauty, according to Scripture, is not found in outward appearance but in a person’s heart and character.
First Peter 3:3-4 states, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.
Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
This verse does not say that wearing makeup, jewelry, or nice clothes is a sin.
Instead, it teaches that these things should not be the foundation of a person’s beauty.
God values what is inside a person more than how they look on the outside.
Similarly, Proverbs 31:30 says, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Physical beauty does not last forever, but a heart that loves and honors God has eternal value.
This means that while makeup can be a tool for enhancing appearance, it should never become the main source of confidence or self-worth.
The Dangers of Vanity
One concern the Bible raises about appearance is the danger of vanity.
Vanity is an excessive focus on outward beauty, which can lead to pride, insecurity, or a desire for attention.
Isaiah 3:16-17 describes how God warned the women of Jerusalem about their obsession with outward beauty:
“The Lord says, ‘The women of Zion are haughty, walking along with outstretched necks, flirting with their eyes, strutting along with swaying hips, with ornaments jingling on their ankles.
Therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion; the Lord will make their scalps bald.’”
This passage warns that focusing too much on looks can lead people away from God.
When appearance becomes an idol, it takes the place of God in a person’s life.
Jesus also taught that people should not be overly concerned with outward appearances.
In Matthew 23:27, He rebuked the Pharisees, saying, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!
You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.”
His words were not about makeup, but they reveal an important truth—what is inside matters far more than what is outside.
If a person spends all their time improving their appearance but neglects their heart and soul, they are missing what truly matters.
Using Makeup With the Right Motives
If the Bible does not forbid makeup, how should Christians approach it?
The key is to examine the motives behind wearing it.
First Corinthians 10:31 provides helpful guidance: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
This means that even something like makeup should be used in a way that honors God.
If a person wears makeup to enhance their appearance in a way that is modest and respectful, there is nothing wrong with it.
However, if makeup is used to seek attention, impress others, or boost self-worth in an unhealthy way, it can become a problem.
First Timothy 2:9-10 also encourages modesty, saying, “I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
This does not mean that Christians should avoid looking nice, but that their focus should be on godly character rather than extravagant outward appearance.
Confidence in God, Not Makeup
Many people wear makeup to feel more confident.
While there is nothing wrong with wanting to look presentable, true confidence should come from God, not from cosmetics.
Psalm 139:14 reminds every believer, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
God created each person with care and purpose.
No amount of makeup can add to the worth that God has already given.
Confidence should come from knowing that each person is made in God’s image, loved by Him, and valued beyond measure.
Second Corinthians 3:18 speaks about an even greater beauty: “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
Spiritual transformation is far more important than physical appearance.
A heart filled with God’s love shines brighter than any makeup ever could.
Final Thoughts
The Bible does not condemn or forbid makeup, but it does give important guidance about beauty, modesty, and priorities.
Makeup itself is not sinful, but the motives behind wearing it matter.
If makeup is used in a way that honors God, maintains modesty, and does not promote vanity or pride, there is no reason to see it as wrong.
However, if it becomes an idol, a way to seek attention, or a source of insecurity, it can be a spiritual danger.
True beauty comes from within—a heart that seeks after God, a spirit filled with love, and a life that reflects His glory.
Makeup can enhance outward appearance, but it is faith, kindness, and character that truly make a person beautiful in God’s eyes.
At the end of the day, the best thing a person can wear is the confidence that comes from knowing they are loved by God, just as they are.