Cosmetics: Beauty Practices and Christian Perspectives
Throughout human history, cosmetics have played a significant role in personal enhancement, cultural expression, and religious ceremony. While appropriate and tasteful makeup can enhance a person's appearance when combined with suitable clothes, deportment, and character, many people focus exclusively on external features while neglecting the inner qualities of the heart that God considers of greater value (1 Sam 16:7).
Biblical Foundations of Beauty
Peter urges that more attention be given to developing character than using accessories to enhance the outer appearance, "For this is the way holy women…used to make themselves beautiful" (1 Pet 3:3-5). This message remains particularly relevant for modern society where attention is almost exclusively focused on the outer image and how to impress others. The focus is often directed toward 'me', whereas for Christians, we should be good ambassadors representing what life in His Kingdom is truly about.
Historical Use of Cosmetics in Scripture
Since early times, a wide range of lotions have been crafted from finely ground minerals, plants, animal fats, vegetable oils, and extracts
to beautify personal appearance or produce pleasant fragrances that bring joy to the heart (Ruth 3:3; 2 Sam 12:20; Prov 7:17, 27:9). God
instructed Moses that a special perfume be made and reserved for use in the tabernacle (Ex 30:7,22-38).
God is a heart surgeon, not a skin-deep makeover artist
Olive oil served multiple purposes in biblical times: for cooking, smoothing dry skin, ceremonial anointing, and when praying for the sick (1 Sam 10:1; Ps 23:5; Mt 6:17; Jas 5:14). Mary anointed Jesus with perfume, which was also used for embalming purposes (Mk 16:1; Lk 7:37-38, 23:56-24:1). Scripture records that Jezebel treated her eyes with paint (2 Kgs 9:30), while myrrh (perfume) and frankincense (incense) were two of the three gifts specifically mentioned that the wise men brought to the baby Jesus (Mt 2:11).
Spiritual Fragrance and Christian Witness
As Christians, we are called to be the fragrance of Christ to those around us. To fellow believers, this becomes a life-giving aroma, but to those who aren't believers, we may reek of death (2 Cor 2:15-16). Christ also gave Himself up as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Eph 5:2). Likewise, our prayers, praise, and sacrifices are termed fragrant offerings, acceptable to God (Ps 141:2; Phil 4:18; Rev 8:3).
Reflection and Application
- Consider how much time and resources you invest in external appearance versus developing inner character qualities
- Reflect on whether your beauty practices align with biblical principles of modesty and godliness
- Evaluate if your focus on appearance might be distracting from your spiritual growth and witness
- Examine ways to balance appropriate personal care with prioritizing spiritual development