30+Bible Verses About Makeup/ Best Guide 2024

“Your worth is found in God, not in outward appearance—discover what the Bible says about makeup and beauty.”

In today’s society, makeup and appearance often play a significant role in how we perceive ourselves and others. But what does the Bible say about beauty and the use of makeup? While Scripture doesn’t directly address modern cosmetics, it provides valuable insights into how God views beauty and how we should approach our appearance.

Exploring biblical perspectives on beauty helps us align our understanding with God’s values. This post will examine what the Bible teaches about makeup, appearance, and inner beauty, guiding us to appreciate the true essence of beauty as seen through God’s eyes.

1. The Bible’s View on Outward Appearance

Verses:

1 Samuel 16:7 – “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”
Proverbs 31:30 – “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
1 Peter 3:3-4 – “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
Isaiah 53:2 – “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.”
Proverbs 11:22 – “Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.”
Matthew 23:27-28 – “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”

Real-Life Example:

A person who spends hours perfecting their outward appearance but neglects their inner character may initially attract admiration, but over time, it becomes evident that true beauty lies in integrity, kindness, and faith.

2. Makeup and Modesty in the Bible

Verses:

1 Timothy 2:9-10 – “I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
Isaiah 3:16-17 – “The Lord says, ‘The women of Zion are haughty, walking along with outstretched necks, flirting with their eyes, strutting along with swaying hips, with ornaments jingling on their ankles. Therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion; the Lord will make their scalps bald.'”
1 Peter 3:3 – “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.”
Jeremiah 4:30 – “What are you doing, you who devastated yourself? Why dress yourself in scarlet and put on jewels of gold? Why highlight your eyes with makeup? You adorn yourself in vain. Your lovers despise you; they seek your life.”
Ezekiel 23:40 – “They even sent messengers for men who came from far away, and when they arrived you bathed yourself for them, applied eye makeup and put on your jewelry.”
Matthew 6:28-29 – “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.”

Real-Life Example:

A young woman who chooses to dress modestly and focus on her inner qualities, rather than relying on heavy makeup and extravagant clothing, finds that she earns respect and admiration for her character rather than her appearance.

3. Inner Beauty and Its True Value

Verses:

1 Peter 3:4 – “Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
Proverbs 31:25-26 – “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
2 Corinthians 4:16 – “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
Psalm 139:14 – “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
James 1:23-24 – “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”
Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Real-Life Example:

A woman who devotes time to developing her spiritual life and cultivating the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, and kindness, radiates a beauty that transcends physical appearance and draws others to Christ.

4. The Role of Makeup in Cultural and Religious Contexts

Verses:

Esther 2:12 – “Before a young woman’s turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics.”
Genesis 24:22 – “When the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold nose ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels.”
Song of Solomon 4:1 – “How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes behind your veil are doves. Your hair is like a flock of goats descending from the hills of Gilead.”
Isaiah 61:3 – “And provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”
Exodus 35:22 – “All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the Lord.”
Jeremiah 2:32 – “Does a young woman forget her jewelry, a bride her wedding ornaments? Yet my people have forgotten me, days without number.”

Real-Life Example:

In some cultures, makeup and adornments have historical significance, such as in the story of Esther, where beauty treatments were part of royal customs. Understanding these contexts helps balance cultural practices with biblical principles.

Bible Verses About Complainin g

5. Avoiding Vanity and Excess

Verses:

Ecclesiastes 1:2 – “‘Meaningless! Meaningless!’ says the Teacher. ‘Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.’”
Proverbs 31:30 – “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Isaiah 3:18-24 – “In that day the Lord will snatch away their finery: the bangles and headbands and crescent necklaces, the earrings and bracelets and veils, the headdresses and anklets and sashes, the perfume bottles and charms, the signet rings and nose rings, the fine robes and the capes and cloaks, the purses and mirrors, and the linen garments and tiaras and shawls.”
1 John 2:16 – “For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”
James 4:6 – “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’”
Proverbs 27:20 – “Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are human eyes.”

Real-Life Example:

A person who becomes overly focused on their physical appearance may fall into vanity, which can distract from spiritual growth. Learning to prioritize humility and contentment over outward beauty leads to a more fulfilling life.

6. Makeup as an Expression of Creativity and Self-Care

Verses:

Exodus 31:3-5 – “And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.”
Proverbs 14:1 – “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.”
Proverbs 31:22 – “She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Psalm 149:4 – “For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.”
Psalm 90:17 – “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.”

Real-Life Example:

A woman who uses makeup as a form of creative expression and self-care, without letting it define her worth, reflects the joy and beauty of God’s creation while maintaining a balanced perspective.

7. Finding Balance: Inner and Outer Beauty

Verses:

1 Timothy 4:8 – “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
Proverbs 3:15-16 – “She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.”
2 Corinthians 3:18 – “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Psalm 34:5 – “Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”
Isaiah 61:10 – “I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”

Real-Life Example:

Balancing inner and outer beauty, a person can enhance their appearance with makeup while focusing on developing godliness and character, knowing that true beauty shines from within.

Does the Bible consider makeup to be sinful?

The Bible does not explicitly label makeup as sinful, but it emphasizes the importance of modesty, humility, and inner beauty. While wearing makeup is not inherently wrong, it should be used in a way that honors God and does not lead to vanity or excessive focus on outward appearance. Balancing makeup with spiritual growth ensures that your beauty reflects God’s love and goodness.

Answers to Key Questions

Is it wrong to wear makeup according to the Bible?

The Bible does not directly prohibit makeup but encourages modesty and inner beauty. Makeup should enhance rather than define your worth.

How can I balance inner and outer beauty as a Christian?

Focus on developing godly character traits while using makeup as a form of self-expression, ensuring that your appearance reflects your inner values.

What does the Bible say about vanity and excessive focus on appearance?

The Bible warns against vanity and excessive focus on outward appearance, encouraging believers to prioritize inner beauty and godliness (Proverbs 31:30; 1 Peter 3:3-4).

Are there any biblical examples of people using makeup?

Yes, the Bible mentions makeup and adornment in several contexts, such as Esther’s beauty treatments and Jezebel’s use of eye makeup (Esther 2:12; 2 Kings 9:30).

How should Christians approach beauty standards in society?

Christians should prioritize God’s standards of beauty, focusing on inner qualities like kindness, humility, and love, while not conforming to worldly standards that emphasize only outward appearance.

Conclusion

While the Bible doesn’t provide a direct stance on modern makeup, it offers valuable insights into how we should approach beauty and appearance.

By focusing on inner beauty, modesty, and godliness, we can use makeup and adornment in a way that honors God and reflects His love. Let your beauty be a reflection of your faith and the light of Christ within you.