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Can I wear makeup with hijab?

By Creator · · 1 min read

It depends on who will see you. Makeup is fine at home, with your husband and among women. In public, most scholars say makeup is adornment that shouldn't be displayed to non-mahram men, though some allow light, natural makeup like kohl. Whatever you choose, make sure it doesn't block water during wudu.

Makeup is adornment

The Quran tells women "not [to] expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof" (Quran 24:31). Scholars agree makeup is a kind of adornment (zinah). The question is whether it falls under "what appears." Early commentators like Ibn Abbas explained "what appears" as the face and hands, and mentioned kohl and rings, which is why some scholars allow simple makeup on the face.

Scholars' views

  • Stricter view: no makeup in front of non-mahram men at all, since it beautifies the face and draws attention.
  • Moderate view: light, natural makeup (concealer, a little kohl, tinted balm) is allowed, while bold lipstick, heavy eye makeup and glamour looks are not.

Both agree that makeup meant to attract men is tabarruj, which the Quran forbids (Quran 33:33), and that full makeup is completely fine for your husband and at women-only events.

Makeup and wudu

For wudu to be valid, water must reach the skin. Most makeup is water-based and doesn't block it, but some products do:

  • Waterproof mascara and eyeliner can form a barrier.
  • Long-wear foundation and some primers may repel water.
  • Nail polish blocks water; see Can I pray with nail polish on?

Many women apply makeup after wudu and keep their wudu as long as they can.

Finding balance

Many converts come from a culture where makeup is part of looking "presentable" at work. Moving to a lighter look can feel strange at first, but many women find it freeing. Choose the view you're convinced of, and avoid judging sisters who follow the other. See Can hijab be stylish and fashionable?

Key points
  • Makeup is adornment.
  • Fine at home, for your husband and among women.
  • In public, scholars differ: none or light only.
  • Check that products don't block wudu water.
Tip: Do your wudu first, then apply makeup. If you keep your wudu, you won't need to remove anything until the next prayer.

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