Kosher Makeup Trend Allows Religious Women to Wear Makeup on Shabbat

A growing trend in "kosher makeup" is enabling religious Jewish women to wear makeup on the Sabbath and holidays, addressing a long-standing halachic (Jewish law) prohibition. Previously, women avoided makeup on Shabbat due to prohibitions against "painting" or "smearing" substances on the skin, leading to creative but often uncomfortable solutions like using extremely long-lasting makeup, drinking through straws, or sleeping on their backs to preserve their appearance.

Influencers like Shlabehet Dadon, a religious lifestyle blogger and former Haredi woman, share their experiences discovering kosher makeup. Dadon, a mother of five, recounts how she used to avoid makeup on Shabbat altogether, feeling unsatisfied with her appearance, or would struggle to maintain regular makeup throughout the day. "Only after a year of dealing with makeup topics, I discovered that there is such a thing as 'kosher makeup'," she stated, noting that many women are still unaware of its existence.

The solution lies in mineral-based, powdery makeup products that contain no liquids and have received rabbinical approval, such as from the Badatz Beit Yosef. Companies like "Shabbos Makeup" by Yael Cohen Shor and "Mineraz" by Adi Gilon, along with GAYA Cosmetics, offer these products. These brands emphasize that their kosher makeup meets high-quality standards, providing a luxurious feel and appearance while adhering to religious laws.

Entrepreneurs in this field, like Yael Cohen Shor, highlight the cultural significance of makeup for religious women, especially during frequent life events such as weddings and holidays. "Makeup is an experience," Cohen Shor said, aiming to create products that feel and look high-end but are permissible for use throughout the week, including Shabbat. Adi Gilon, a biotechnology engineer, developed her mineral-based line initially for personal use to avoid transferring makeup to her infant, later realizing the demand for Shabbat-compliant products.

These kosher makeup lines are also appealing to women seeking vegan and "Clean Beauty" products, catering to sensitive skin and ethical consumerism. The trend reflects a broader shift where beauty and fashion are gaining more prominence within religious communities, with many women also pursuing careers as makeup artists and cosmeticians.