Makeup and vanity?

[s4angel]

this is how I see it.

the bible does tell us that we should not paint our faces, put ribbons in our hair or worry inordinatly about how we are dressed but instead to let the beauty of the lord shine in us and let that be our beauty.

I wear make up every now and again a little mascara,eyeliner maby a little eye shadow just to shake things up not because I feel more pulled togather or pretty that way but you all know the wild hairs we as woman sometimes get.

I mostly will not wear it though I don’t like the way it makes my skin feel, and honestly after about an hour wearing eye liner and mascara it gets irritating so I take it off. I don’t care if I am looked down on because I don’t wear the stuff I don’t need it and niether does any other woman.

I was raised by my father so my views on this are a little different. We do not put a light under the bed but instead stand it up where every one can see it. You are beautiful no matter what and if you do wear make up realize you are just as beautiful with out it.

 

[gardenswithkids]

Dear OP,

I’m sorry you posted your question in this forum because I don’t believe it is a morality issue–and because the opinions you got vary from “no problem” to quotes from prophecies of the last days! How are you supposed to know?..

The original poster asked her question in moral theology because she wanted to know the Church’s position. She asked:

…I’m curious if the Catholic Church teaches anything on women wearing makeup?.. If there is no particular Catholic teaching, what do you all think?

I think it’s safe to say that the Catholic Church has no official position on women wearing make-up one way or the other. (One poster wrote that she had developed a theology about it, but that is entirely different from The Church having a theology about it.) Since there are no official teachings about make-up, the opinions expressed on this thread are largely just opinions.

The Church does teach that vanity is a sin. But when one crosses from taking care of one’s appearance and into the sin of vanity is not clearly defined. I think it’s an appropriate topic for a moral theology discussion. Perhaps better still, it’s something to bring to prayer and honest self-evaluation before Confession if one suspects oneself is guilty of the sin of vanity.

 

[w2bp88]

I know exactly what you mean. For the past 8 or so years I’ve been wearing makeup everyday and I would refuse to leave the house without at least a little. I know the feeling of feeling ugly without makeup, I’ve totally been through it. The funny thing is that lately I’ve been starting to notice my natural beauty and when I look in the mirror without makeup I kinda like how I look without it. This is very new to me especially since now I leave everyday just covering up the dark circles under my eyes (I have genetic dark circles). I’m not sure where this change came from but I think it has something to do with my new faith.

As for whether it is vain or not, I think it can be if you are using it for the wrong reasons. I think it would be bad if you are piling it on to attract male attention or to feel superior in looks to other girls. On the other hand, if you are using just a light amount to make you feel more comfortable then I don’t think it is a problem.

 

[budgie2]

A woman who wears make up is not as beautiful as a woman without. Do I need to carry my beauty in a bag or can I aim to be an object of natural beauty designed by God? If I wear make up I am like a painted flower. Without I can be a real flower, the genuine article. Would I paint over the petals of a rose to make them beautiful?

This is also about my spiritual beauty. St Therese de Lisieux was called a Little Flower by God and all women are asked to be examples of natural femininity in bloom. Some women may be leading unholy lives and therefore wear make up but not wearing make up can be one of a lay woman’s means to holiness.

A painted rose is beauty through the eyes of another person, the artist, male or female. A real rose is beauty in it’s raw state as designed by God. A painted rose is a still life. It does not breathe, grow, and is not swayed by any breeze. No insect every feeds from it. However, it may have had a life in the mind of it’s artist. A real rose is also decorative but it leads a life which is not seen by others. A real rose grows, lives, decays, dies. But when a real rose decays it retains some of it’s essence, it’s scent. Dried rose petals are pretty. A still life does not wither with age in the same way. It just gathers dust.

I aim to be a real rose like St. Therese de Lisieux. No paint’s going near my petals.

dailypainters.com/paintings/keyword/rose
designerfied.com/17-rose-photos-from-my-garden.html

 

[kage_ar]

Church of budgie2 -

you go to hell for wearing mascara on a tuesday morning or for using a tampon but condoms are okey dokey!

Please, sister, get yourself to some Catholic teaching. Watch EWTN on line, listen to EWTN radio on line or on shortwave, find some solid footings!

 

[Sr_Sally]

Craisin, a little bit of makeup, such as you describe, is consistent with what is considered good grooming. To wear makeup like this is to show respect for yourself and others. To omit it might indicate a carelessness about your appearance that would cause others to draw negative conclusions about you, which would be detrimental to you in the workplace and in your personal apostolate.

Betsy

St Josemaria Escriva actually recommended that women wear a bit of makeup as part of good grooming.

I do know women who will not even let their husbands or children see them without make-up and I believe that to be obsessive. But to put on a bit of mascra and blush as part of your morning routine (brush hair and teeth, etc) is not.

At 23 do you feel that you look too young without makeup? Your comment about feeling that people don’t take you seriously without it suggests that. Perhaps you can go to a trusted person to give you pointers on presenting your ideas in meetings or conversation to make you more sure of yourself. I would suggest the writing of St. Josemaria Escriva or St. Francis de Sales (who both wrote for people in professional positions) in addition to a little live coaching.

 

[lizaanne]

As an educated woman I would never wear it except for very few occasions.

No paint’s going near my petals.

Oh just stop it. Just stop before you bury yourself even deeper in your own deception and lies. You can’t even keep your own story straight.

~Liza

 

[gabriel22a]

The original poster asked her question in moral theology because she wanted to know the Church’s position. She asked:
I think it’s safe to say that the Catholic Church has no official position on women wearing make-up one way or the other. (One poster wrote that she had developed a theology about it, but that is entirely different from The Church having a theology about it.) Since there are no official teachings about make-up, the opinions expressed on this thread are largely just opinions.

The Church does teach that vanity is a sin. But when one crosses from taking care of one’s appearance and into the sin of vanity is not clearly defined. I think it’s an appropriate topic for a moral theology discussion. Perhaps better still, it’s something to bring to prayer and honest self-evaluation before Confession if one suspects oneself is guilty of the sin of vanity.

I realize that vanity is a moral issue and understand academically why she posted it in this forum. I did not clearly state my feelings. I feel sorry for the OP. Yes, she’s an adult, and yes, she did get some good advice, including yours.

However, she laid herself open to hear the opinions of people that I’m afraid will only resonate in her mind as potentially negative and extreme answers to the questions. And while the “out there” responses are only opinions, I feel that her question was used by them as a forum to air their particular pet legalism of the day. This, I feel, is not helpful to a girl who is genuinely seeking to see if she is on the right path.

Maybe I worked with young people for too long. I feel protective of them, even if they are legally adults. That is why I suggested she seek the Lord in prayer. From all that she wrote, I believe my (very traditional) priest would tell her to go easier on herself and that, in her situation, being concerned about vanity is probably an indication that she is not in that state. But, as you pointed out, this is just an opinion site. And these are just mine.

 

[Dorothy]

Hi everyone,

I’m curious if the Catholic Church teaches anything on women wearing makeup? Lately I’ve been struggling with wearing makeup…I wake up every morning and feel like I NEED to wear mascara for the day or else I will look completely ugly and no one will pay any attention to me, or respect any of my ideas. Granted, I do not wear a lot of makeup - usually natural looking mascara, subtle brown eyeliner, and a touch of blush. Yet, I’ve worn this everyday since I was 13 years old (I’m 23 now) and lately have felt like I am not satisfied with the face the Lord has given me unless I have this little bit of makeup on!

So is this vain? Is the Lord displeased that I wear makeup and to desire to look pretty everyday? If there is no particular Catholic teaching, what do you all think?

Thanks!

A little make-up can be a part of good grooming, and make you feel better because you are presenting yourself to others in the best way possible. Your body is the temple of God, and there is nothing wrong with tastefully wanting to look presentable and pleasant!

When it is immoderate, in my opinion, then it can become a problem…such as when one spends a lot of money on make-up and takes a very long time to apply it, and still has concern about how one looks.

Put your best face forward, and then concentrate on the spiritual part!

 

[gardenswithkids]

I realize that vanity is a moral issue and understand academically why she posted it in this forum. I did not clearly state my feelings. I feel sorry for the OP. Yes, she’s an adult, and yes, she did get some good advice, including yours.

However, she laid herself open to hear the opinions of people that I’m afraid will only resonate in her mind as potentially negative and extreme answers to the questions. And while the “out there” responses are only opinions, I feel that her question was used by them as a forum to air their particular pet legalism of the day. This, I feel, is not helpful to a girl who is genuinely seeking to see if she is on the right path.

Maybe I worked with young people for too long. I feel protective of them, even if they are legally adults. That is why I suggested she seek the Lord in prayer. From all that she wrote, I believe my (very traditional) priest would tell her to go easier on herself and that, in her situation, being concerned about vanity is probably an indication that she is not in that state. But, as you pointed out, this is just an opinion site. And these are just mine.

Hi Gabriel,

I quoted what I did from your first post earlier because it reminded me that no one had completely answered her original question and informed her that there are no official Church teachings on the subject of make-up for women. At least there are none to my knowledge. Anyone who knows of Catechism quotes or papal encyclicals addressing the subject of make-up for women, please inform the rest of us.

Your advice to seek the Lord’s counsel in prayer was very good. And I agree that the original poster should go easy on herself. I also like some other comments from your first post that I didn’t quote or address because I couldn’t well covering too many points in one post. And now I’ll add a few more thoughts on this subject…

While I agree that this topic can invite all sorts of opinions from one extreme to another, I think the sin of vanity is a good topic for discussion on moral theology. We rarely talk about vanity, which I think is a faily common sin for women. Men can struggle with vanity too, but lust seems to be a bigger problem for men, on average. (And women can struggle with lust too, as humans can fall prey to any and all of the “seven deadly sins.”) Seems to me that a woman’s vanity can encourage their desire to be attractive, which can encourage immodest dress and such. That, in turn, spurs on men with their lust. But… if lustful men didn’t give that attention to immodest, vain women, the issue of vanity for women might be lessened.

Behind this also lies the question “Is it inately wrong to want to be attractive?” Is that vanity? or is vanity when that natural desire is carried to an extreme? or is vanity something else entirely? While people debate about wearing make-up or not, the question of “what is vanity” seemed to get lost.

 

[choose_to_love]

Liza, I guess I just do not agree that wearing makeup is the same thing as good grooming. All the things you and others list - - washing, trimming hair, brushing teeth, etc., all apply to women as well, and most have a connection to physical health. Further, one could do all those things and not put on makeup. Why, then, do men not wear makeup if it is part of good grooming? Why are men not expected to highlight or maintain the glory of God’s creation as women do?

I suggest that at its heart it is because it is designed to attract male attention. Wait! Before you run me through with (literary) flaming spears, I do not think that represents the typical use, and I basically agree that if one is not dependent on it to have a positive self-image, and it is used in moderation, it is probably no big deal and not a particularly crucial moral issue.

But I also do not think that it changes the premise upon which makeup is founded, which I suggest is to attract men, to make women appear desirable, and that it values women’s appearance over all other qualities; it does not look to the person but to qualities. Just because society and women have accepted this premise, does not change it. Isn’t there tons of literature on this subject?

Now, by the same token, does it have to mean all the things? No, I suppose it doesn’t, but the fact that there is such a disparity between what is expected of men and women should at least make one think about why this disparity exists and how it came to be; especially so given traditional/historical male influence in Western culture. Whether it means all those things as practiced by women today in every circumstance is a fair question.

 

[LilyM]

Liza, I guess I just do not agree that wearing makeup is the same thing as good grooming. All the things you and others list - - washing, trimming hair, brushing teeth, etc., all apply to women as well, and most have a connection to physical health. Further, one could do all those things and not put on makeup. Why, then, do men not wear makeup if it is part of good grooming? Why are men not expected to highlight or maintain the glory of God’s creation as women do?

I suggest that at its heart it is because it is designed to attract male attention. Wait! Before you run me through with (literary) flaming spears, I do not think that represents the typical use, and I basically agree that if one is not dependent on it to have a positive self-image, and it is used in moderation, it is probably no big deal and not a particularly crucial moral issue.

But I also do not think that it changes the premise upon which makeup is founded, which I suggest is to attract men, to make women appear desirable, and that it values women’s appearance over all other qualities; it does not look to the person but to qualities. Just because society and women have accepted this premise, does not change it. Isn’t there tons of literature on this subject?

Now, by the same token, does it have to mean all the things? No, I suppose it doesn’t, but the fact that there is such a disparity between what is expected of men and women should at least make one think about why this disparity exists and how it came to be; especially so given traditional/historical male influence in Western culture. Whether it means all those things as practiced by women today in every circumstance is a fair question.

Since when does trimming hair have any connection with health? Or washing DAILY? I’m referring to the body, of course, not just the hands which IS necesary for health.

Sure, if you never wash you might get skin conditions or other health impacts, but if you washed twice a week or so you should be fine health wise. The only reason for daily washing is to prevent BO - which certainly doesn’t imapct on peoples’ health.

And there are other tradeoffs - men are expected to be more athletic and physically fit and capable, so the onus is on them much more than women to put the yards in at the gym or doing other exercise. Not just for health, but to look well-muscled.

 

[gabriel22a]

Hi Gabriel,

Behind this also lies the question “Is it inately wrong to want to be attractive?” Is that vanity? or is vanity when that natural desire is carried to an extreme? or is vanity something else entirely? While people debate about wearing make-up or not, the question of “what is vanity” seemed to get lost.

You’re right. The issue of “what is vanity” did get lost. To me, it was lost when I thought from OP’s post that she was not guilty of it. I thought she wanted an answer to her question and she got several good ones. She also was thrown a lot of nonsense that I am praying did not do her more harm than good.

Maybe a separate thread about what constitutes the sin of vanity would be helpful. I know I would be interested in it as a separate issue from wearing makeup, which seems to be a hot button issue here. I am going to study what the Church says about vanity.

In the meantime, I am going to go back to lurking a little more so that I can more fully understand the purpose of these forums. My sister said she used to involve herself with these and wackos pop up all over. She said you mostly have to ignore them if you think the other content is valuable.

Thanks for piquing my interest about vanity and God bless.

 

[budgie2]

It depends on how I try to make myself look attractive. I may wear make up to make my face shiny and brightly coloured aswell as nail varnish. It makes myself resemble a precious metal or a gem stone. My body is not meant to shine and I may wear it at the expense of my halo. I can make my body glister or my soul can shine with the light of the Holy Spirit. I may be making my face and other aspects of my body shiny to attract a materialistic man. Make up can turn a woman into an idol, and is used in Hollywood star culture.

All that glisters is not gold. Who is wise enough to choose the lead casket? Obviously, not St. Josemaria Escriva.

absoluteshakespeare.com/plays/merchant_of_venice/merchant_of_venice.htm

 

[RachelKH]

Just to throw in my 2 cents, because maybe if the OP is thinking about why she wears make-up and if it is to attract men, then maybe this is relevant. I don’t really make up often, and then only a little. I feel comfortable and pretty enough w/o it usually. I have 4 daughters and want them to feel comfortable w/o needed to spend time, money, and effort on ‘fixing’ their faces. Just like I want them to feel good about their bodies w/o push-up bras, showing cleavage, tight clothing, short shorts and low-waisted pants, and especially spike high heels. All these things tend to make them into ‘eye candy’ for men, rather than people to be respected for their good minds, hearts, abilities, etc. My husband gives in to lust and has occasionally tried to fight it, and from those times he has let me know what triggers his objectifying girls/women. Unfortunately, make-up is one of those triggers. He sees women who dress a certain way or wear more than a touch of make-up as saying ‘Go ahead and lust about me. I’m fine with it, my husband, parents, brothers are fine with it. I’m here for your viewing/lusting pleasure and am not worth more.’ This is only my husband’s explanation, and unfortunately I have to live with it/him. It makes me very insecure sometimes about my own desireability, but I try not to let his problems change my appreciation of who I am. He says I’m beautiful and attractive, but that is all seperate from his lust issues. Sometimes he loves me, sometimes he lusts after me – there is a big uncomfortable difference.

 

[nablaise]

I think make up can be a sin if they are meant to ‘mask’, to decieve.

Lying is a sin. So if we try to look differently than the way we really look, I think that would be a sin, specially if we are masking natural, healthy body.

It seems to me that make up can cultivate a low self-estime instead of boosting confidence. How can I see you as confident if you need to mask yourself?

I agree with the lady who said that she would like them banned. Well, not exactly banned, but she is right they are bad for women. Personnally, I never liked women with make up. They look confusing to me. They don’t look real. And may of my girl friends are not particularly beautiful, but they are more beautiful to me than anyone who put on makeup.

I think what is important is to take good care of our body without masking or altering it.

God bless

 

[peary]

Hi everyone,

I’m curious if the Catholic Church teaches anything on women wearing makeup? Lately I’ve been struggling with wearing makeup…I wake up every morning and feel like I NEED to wear mascara for the day or else I will look completely ugly and no one will pay any attention to me, or respect any of my ideas. Granted, I do not wear a lot of makeup - usually natural looking mascara, subtle brown eyeliner, and a touch of blush. Yet, I’ve worn this everyday since I was 13 years old (I’m 23 now) and lately have felt like I am not satisfied with the face the Lord has given me unless I have this little bit of makeup on!

So is this vain? Is the Lord displeased that I wear makeup and to desire to look pretty everyday? If there is no particular Catholic teaching, what do you all think?

Thanks!

What’s that Carly Simon song again? Oh, yeah - “You’re So Vain”

On a more serious note, I see nothing wrong with what you are doing. It isn’t anything out of the ordinary. It sounds like a healthy action to me - a bit narcissistic in the reasons you have given for wearing makeup (“I will look completely ugly and no one will pay any attention to me, or respect any of my ideas…”).

My personal opinion: I don’t think that it is strictly vanity because vanity becomes a sin in excess, and appeals to lust. There is nothing that I know of in a Church teaching that a desire to look your best (and present your best) every day is sinful. In fact, it shows a respect for one’s body.

 

[gabriel22a]

It isn’t anything out of the ordinary. It sounds like a healthy action to me - a bit narcissistic in the reasons you have given for wearing makeup (“I will look completely ugly and no one will pay any attention to me, or respect any of my ideas…”).

I think that if you substitute the word “insecure” for “narcissistic” you have a good point.

 

[whatevergirl]

*haha This thread is something else!

I never thought such a topic could get so many different reactions!

 

[peary]

I think that if you substitute the word “insecure” for “narcissistic” you have a good point.

I’ll go with that, too!