Can a woman use decorative cosmetics (mascara, eyeshadow, lipstick, foundation), perfume, or dye her nails and gray hair? #

If we turn to Holy Scripture, we find the Apostle Peter addressing women:

“Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”
(1 Peter 3:3–4)

Similarly, many Church Fathers criticized women for using cosmetics to alter their appearance. A heavily made-up woman has traditionally been associated with a harlot. Why does a woman use cosmetics? Primarily, to appear more attractive. Why? To appeal to men. A woman has only one man whose opinion of her appearance should matter—her husband. The opinions of other men should not concern her.

If a woman is not yet married, excessive use of cosmetics is also not commendable. Why? What kind of husband does she hope to attract? If she seeks someone drawn only to her altered appearance, such a union will likely not last long. Women age; childbirth and nursing change their bodies, and there will always be younger and more beautiful women. A marriage based solely on outward beauty cannot endure.

True beauty is not primarily an external characteristic but an internal one. Charm and allure are often unrelated to physical attractiveness. In their pursuit of external beauty, modern women sometimes unwittingly contribute to the kind of attention or even violence they later lament, as they cross the unseen line between ordinary attractiveness and an invitation to possessiveness.

However, none of this implies that a woman should appear unkempt or neglect her appearance entirely. It is perfectly acceptable to use hygienic lipstick or apply foundation sparingly when necessary. If a woman cannot wear a headscarf to cover her hair at work, she should still maintain a neat hairstyle and consider hair color as needed. All of this, however, should aim not at becoming an object of lust but at presenting a modest and dignified appearance.

— Priest Evgeny Gureev.