In Islamic law, wearing makeup is categorized as zeenah (beautification). According to scriptural guidelines, a Muslim woman is fully permitted to use cosmetics in moderate amounts within her home, in front of her husband, her mahrams (unmarriageable male relatives), or in women-only environments.
However, classical and contemporary jurists emphasize that displaying personal adornments, including visible makeup, before non-mahram men in public contradicts the foundational purpose of the hijab, which is built upon modesty (Haya’). Therefore, a woman should refrain from wearing public makeup, maintaining an unadorned, modest appearance outside the home.
