Can a Woman Wear Makeup in Front of Mahram Men? Clear Answers from Islamic Opinion

Wearing make-up for non-mahram men is forbidden. This ruling is based on Qur’anic verses and Islamic traditions, and its purpose is to preserve women’s modesty and chastity and to prevent temptation and corruption in society. However, regarding wearing make-up in front of mahram men, there are different opinions.

What is the ruling on wearing make-up in front of mahram men?

Wearing make-up in front of mahram men is not objectionable provided that this act does not cause temptation, corruption, or lead them to sin. By “leading to sin” the meaning is not only that they might seek to commit adultery; rather it primarily means that seeing you in that state could arouse them and lead their conduct to sinful acts. There are different views on this matter:

Views of some jurists

Some jurists believe that a woman wearing make-up in front of mahram relatives such as her father, brother, uncle, etc., is permissible because these men are mahram and marriage between them is impossible.

Views of other jurists

Other jurists hold that even wearing make-up for mahram relatives is disliked (makrūh), because it may stimulate desire.

Practical precaution

Therefore, the cautious (precautionary) position is that a Muslim woman should avoid striking or attention-seeking make-up even in front of her mahram relatives.

Important points in this regard:

Definition of mahram

A mahram is someone with whom marriage is forbidden.

What counts as attention-seeking make-up

Make-up that attracts the attention of non-mahram men or that stimulates sexual desire is considered attention-seeking make-up.

The purpose of applying make-up

If the purpose of make-up is pleasing one’s spouse, there is no problem; however, it should not attract the attention of others.