Ethan Walker
The question of whether wearing makeup is a sin is a divisive issue among Catholics. Some sources argue that wearing makeup as adornment is a sin, while others say it is acceptable. The key factor in determining whether wearing makeup is a sin seems to be the intention behind it. If makeup is worn with sinful intentions, such as vanity, pride, or inordinate desire for attention, it may be considered a sin. However, if it is worn for legitimate reasons, such as covering skin blemishes or surgical scars, or to simply enhance one's natural features, it is generally accepted as permissible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| St. Augustine's view | Condemned makeup that is used to deceive, create a false mask, and completely alter one's appearance |
| St. Cyprian of Carthage's view | Wearing makeup is "an assault on the Divine handiwork, a distortion of the truth" and cosmetic wearers "will not see God" |
| St. Thomas Aquinas' view | Wearing makeup is only a sin if it is for the "sake of sensuous pleasure or in contempt of God" |
| St. Alphonsus Liguori's view | Wearing makeup is permissible if it is a cultural custom, but it is a venial sin if it is done to please one's husband or to appear more beautiful |
| Padre Pio's view | Makeup is permitted as long as modesty in dress and apparel are maintained |
| General consensus | Makeup is not inherently sinful, but it becomes sinful if it is used to tempt others to sin or out of vanity |
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What You'll Learn
- St. Thomas Aquinas says wearing makeup is a mortal sin
- St. Alphonsus Liguori says it's not a mortal sin if it's a cultural custom
- St. Augustine condemns makeup that deceives or alters appearance
- The Church says it's wrong to introduce immoral behaviour
- Makeup is okay if it's to cover skin blemishes or surgical scars
St. Thomas Aquinas says wearing makeup is a mortal sin
St. Thomas Aquinas, in his Summa Theologiae (II-II, 169.2), considers the use of makeup a mortal sin when it is done with a sinful intent. He acknowledges the words of St. Cyprian of Carthage, who condemned women who painted their faces with "yellow pigments, black powders or rouge, or by applying any dye that alters the natural features". Cyprian believed that these women were assaulting the "Divine handiwork" and distorting the truth, and that they would “not see God”. Aquinas agreed that wearing cosmetics is a sin when done for “sensuous pleasure or in contempt of God”.
Aquinas identifies several circumstances where makeup could be used with a sinful intent. Firstly, it could be a source of vanity, where a woman feels afraid of others' opinions of her without the use of cosmetics. Secondly, it is wrong to use makeup with the intention of leading another person into lust or controlling them, such as when a woman uses makeup to be attractive to someone who should not desire her.
Aquinas also believed that the very act of covering one's face with makeup is a kind of lie, quoting St. Augustine, who said, "To dye oneself with paints in order to have a rosier or a paler complexion is a lying counterfeit". However, he makes a distinction between using makeup to completely change one's appearance and using it to conceal a blemish, with the former being more deceitful.
While Aquinas considered the use of makeup with sinful intent to be a mortal sin, he did make an exception for married women. He stated that if a married woman uses makeup to please her husband, she can do so without sin. This is because married women may adorn themselves moderately with cosmetics to please their husbands.
In conclusion, St. Thomas Aquinas believed that wearing makeup could be a mortal sin when done with a sinful intent, such as vanity, lust, or deceit. However, he allowed for the use of makeup by married women to please their husbands without considering it a sin.
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St. Alphonsus Liguori says it's not a mortal sin if it's a cultural custom
The use of cosmetics has been considered a moral issue in the Catholic Church throughout history. St. Alphonsus Liguori, named by the Church as a doctor of moral theology, discusses makeup and other modes of dress in his text, 'Moral Theology'.
St. Alphonsus Liguori states that wearing makeup is not a mortal sin if it is a cultural custom. He writes that women can follow their local customs of wearing makeup without committing mortal sin, as long as they do not have any sinful intentions. He clarifies that wearing makeup to please one's husband or to appear more beautiful is still considered a venial sin.
St. Alphonsus Liguori's perspective is significant because the Church holds the doctrine taught by doctors of the Church, such as St. Alphonsus Liguori, to be of great importance. Their moral judgments are endorsed by the Church and are considered to have a higher standing than those of other theologians.
However, it is important to note that St. Alphonsus Liguori's position on wearing makeup within cultural contexts does not negate the broader Catholic discussion on the morality of cosmetics. The Church has traditionally held that while it is acceptable to follow societal customs, introducing or promoting immoral behavior that is not yet socially accepted is wrong.
Other Catholic figures, such as St. Thomas Aquinas, have also weighed in on the matter. Aquinas acknowledges the words of St. Cyprian of Carthage, who condemned women who altered their appearance with pigments and powders. Cyprian believed that such practices were an "assault on the Divine handiwork, a distortion of the truth," suggesting that these women would "not see God." Aquinas, however, offers a nuanced perspective, stating that wearing cosmetics is only a sin when done for "sensuous pleasure or in contempt of God."
The discussion on the morality of wearing makeup within Catholicism is nuanced and multifaceted. While St. Alphonsus Liguori provides guidance on cultural contexts, the broader debate considers the intentions behind the use of cosmetics and the potential for objectification and deception.
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St. Augustine condemns makeup that deceives or alters appearance
St. Augustine's views on makeup are informed by his belief that humans are created in the image of God. According to Augustine, using makeup to deceive or alter one's appearance is a "lying counterfeit", as it distorts the truth of God's creation. In his writings, he condemns the act of dying one's complexion to appear rosier or paler, considering it a form of falsification that obscures the true self.
Augustine's perspective aligns with the teachings of St. Cyprian of Carthage, who expressed strong words against women who used pigments, powders, or dyes to alter their natural features. Cyprian believed that such practices were an "assault on the Divine handiwork", suggesting that those who engage in them will "not see God".
St. Thomas Aquinas, building on Augustine's ideas, distinguishes between the use of makeup to conceal blemishes and the use of makeup to change one's entire appearance. Aquinas argues that the former is acceptable as long as it is done with the right intention. However, he acknowledges that makeup often serves to conceal a woman's natural self, which aligns with Augustine's concern about deception and alteration of appearance.
While St. Augustine is known for his condemnation of makeup that deceives or alters appearance, other saints have offered nuanced perspectives. St. Alphonsus Liguori, a doctor of moral theology, distinguishes between mortal and venial sins. He asserts that following local customs of wearing makeup without sinful intent does not constitute a mortal sin. However, he considers it a venial sin if done solely to please one's husband or enhance beauty.
The views of these saints reflect the complex nature of the Catholic Church's relationship with makeup and appearance. While some practices may be condemned, the Church also recognizes the importance of individual circumstances, intentions, and societal norms.
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The Church says it's wrong to introduce immoral behaviour
The Catholic Church has long considered the use of cosmetics a moral issue. While the Church acknowledges that wearing makeup is often a social custom, it draws a line at introducing or promoting immoral behaviour that is not yet socially accepted.
St. Thomas Aquinas, for instance, believed that wearing makeup is a mortal sin because it is deceptive. However, he made an exception for married women, stating that they could wear makeup to please their husbands without sinning. This is because the intention behind the action is not "sensuous pleasure or in contempt of God".
Similarly, St. Alphonsus Liguori, the Church's doctor of moral theology, stated that women could wear makeup without committing a mortal sin if it was a local custom and they had no sinful intentions. However, he considered it a venial sin if done to please one's husband or to appear more beautiful.
Other saints, such as St. Cyprian of Carthage, condemned women who painted their faces, believing it to be an "assault on the Divine handiwork, a distortion of the truth". He went so far as to suggest that these women would "not see God".
The Church's stance on makeup is not just directed at women. For men, the moral issue is not the act of wearing makeup but rather when it is used to attempt to become a woman, according to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
Overall, the Church's position on wearing makeup is that it is permissible as long as it is done without pride, vanity, or inordinate desire for attention, and in moderation.
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Makeup is okay if it's to cover skin blemishes or surgical scars
The use of makeup has been a moral issue in the Catholic Church throughout history. Some Catholics argue that wearing makeup as adornment is a sin, while others disagree. According to St. Thomas Aquinas, wearing makeup is a mortal sin as it is deceptive, but it is permissible in certain circumstances. He states that the use of cosmetics is only a sin when done for the "sake of sensuous pleasure or in contempt of God." Similarly, St. Cyprian of Carthage condemns the use of makeup as "an assault on the Divine handiwork, a distortion of the truth." However, he makes an exception for married women, stating that they can adorn themselves to please their husbands without sinning.
St. Alphonsus Liguori, named the doctor of moral theology by the Church, agrees with Aquinas' stance. He asserts that women can follow societal customs of wearing makeup without committing mortal sin as long as they have no sinful intentions. However, he believes it is often a venial sin, even if done to please one's husband or enhance one's beauty.
While the aforementioned saints take a critical view of makeup, the general consensus among Catholics is that makeup is permissible when used for the right reasons and in moderation. It is acceptable to use makeup to cover skin blemishes, surgical scars, or acne, as it restores the natural order rather than distorting it. This aligns with the belief that makeup should be used to enhance one's natural features rather than alter them significantly.
Additionally, the use of makeup for professional purposes, such as appearing on stage or television, is also considered legitimate. Overall, the intention behind wearing makeup is crucial, and as long as it is not driven by pride, vanity, or an inordinate desire for attention, it is generally acceptable within the Catholic faith.
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Frequently asked questions
Catholics are divided on the issue of wearing makeup. Some believe that wearing makeup as adornment is a sin, while others say it is fine as long as it is not done with sinful intentions, such as vanity, pride, or inordinate desire for attention.
According to Catholic teachings, it is permissible to wear makeup under certain conditions. These include:
- It is done without pride, vanity, or an excessive desire for attention.
- It is done in moderation, as excessive makeup may indicate a lack of modesty and humility.
- It is used to enhance one's natural features rather than alter them significantly.
- It is used to restore the order of nature, such as covering scars or blemishes.
The Catholic Church has historically considered the morality of wearing makeup, and the general consensus is that it is not inherently immoral. St. Thomas Aquinas stated that wearing makeup is only a sin if done for the "sake of sensuous pleasure or in contempt of God." Similarly, St. Alphonsus Liguori argued that following local customs of wearing makeup without sinful intent is generally acceptable.
While the focus is often on women, there are legitimate reasons for men to wear makeup as well. These include covering skin blemishes or tattoos, for performances or artistic purposes, or for costumes and Halloween parties. The key moral issue, according to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, arises when men attempt to present themselves as women, denying their given bodily nature.
