What are the laws of putting make up on shabbos and yom tov and can I put clear lip-gloss on, on Shabbos?
Answer:
Most make up cannot be applied on Shabbos or Yom Tov, because it involves the prohibition of tzove’a, coloring (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 303:25, and Mishna Brura 303:79).
Although Rav Moshe Feinstein (Iggros Moshe, Orach Chaim 1:114 and 5:27) ruled that it is permitted to use powdered makeup that is not long lasting, other authorities disagree (such as Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, Shmiras Shabbos Kehilchasah Chap. 14, note 158), and it is better to be stringent wherever possible, and apply the makeup before Shabbos.
Concerning lip-gloss, the leniency of Rav Moshe will not avail, because unlike powdered makeup, this is too permanent in nature. This applies even for clear lip-gloss, which authorities maintain is still a form of coloring (see Shmiras Shabbos Kehilchasah 14:58, in the name of Rav Shlomo Zalman; this is also stated in the name of Rav Moshe).
