Neshama Sheli

Makeup on Shabbat: products and halachic conditions

Powder products with published documents, conditions for their use, and the differing rabbinic opinions on applying makeup on Shabbat.

Neshama Sheli Editorial Team

Makeup on Shabbat: products and halachic conditions

There is an important difference between makeup applied before Shabbat begins and cosmetics one wishes to apply on Shabbat itself. Ordinary lipstick, mascara, liquid or cream foundation, and eyeliner may not be applied on Shabbat. The words “mineral makeup” alone settle nothing: a product may contain oily binders and remain on the skin for too long.

Halachic opinions differ. Rav Moshe Feinstein permitted certain specially tested, non-lasting loose powders under specific conditions. Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach prohibited applying makeup on Shabbat even in this form. Both positions and their practical conditions are set out in the STAR-K review. The lines below are therefore a guide for those who follow their rabbi’s permissive ruling, not a general permission.

Products with published documents

The marks beside the names are brand wordmarks or typographic labels. They help identify the brands; they do not replace checking the exact product.

Shabbes Makeup

The Badatz Beit Yosef document concerns Shabbes Makeup dry powder products only when the approval mark specified in the document appears on the actual package. The document states that it is valid until 20 April 2027. The brand’s official catalogue includes:

  • mineral foundation powder (for example, Foundation WEAT 025);
  • mineral blush (for example, APRICOT 203);
  • mineral bronzer and shimmer;
  • mineral eyeshadow (for example, CHAMPAGNE 607);
  • powder eyeliner and eyebrow shadow (for example, Eyeliner BLACK 04 and BROWN 06).

These are examples from the manufacturer’s catalogue, not independent confirmation of every shade. Discuss lip powder separately: STAR-K notes a disagreement even among those who permit other special powders. Liquid lipstick and lip gloss are not included in this permission.

Gaya Cosmetics

The Badatz Beit Yosef instructions published by Kosharot for Gaya dry powders are valid until 20 April 2027 and likewise apply only to products bearing the approval mark. The manufacturer’s Shabbat line includes:

  • mineral foundation powder;
  • mineral blush;
  • matte mineral bronzer;
  • mineral shimmer bronzer, also used as eyeshadow.

Gaya also sells ordinary mascara, lipsticks and other products. Approval for the specified powder line must not be extended to the entire range.

Brands whose certification needs to be checked again

The Puah Institute also named Mineraz and Makeup4Shabbat in a 5782 reference. The reference itself warns that product ranges and certificates change. We mention these names as starting points for research, not as a currently verified list of permitted products:

  • Mineraz: look for current approval of the specific mineral powders, not the entire brand.
  • Makeup4Shabbat: look for a valid certificate and the exact product name.

How to use it if your rabbi permits such powder

  • Check the current document, approval mark and exact product.
  • Apply only to clean, completely dry skin, without cream or an existing foundation layer that would make the powder adhere.
  • Set aside separate brushes for Shabbat; do not mix shades to create a new colour.
  • Do not substitute ordinary pressed powder for the special powder: oily binders and durability may change its halachic status.
  • Do not apply ordinary lipstick, lip gloss, mascara, or cream and liquid products.

The simplest option under any of these positions is to apply your usual makeup before Shabbat begins. Long-lasting lipstick is also applied beforehand, but it may not be refreshed on Shabbat.

Sources and date checked

This article was checked in October 2026. Practical decisions depend on your rabbi, your family’s custom, and the instructions for the specific product.