Spoiler alert: the Bible doesn’t have a chapter called “Thou Shalt Not Use Lip Gloss.” It does, however, mention makeup a handful of times—and the context is wildly different from your Instagram feed.
In 2 Kings 9:30, the wicked Queen Jezebel “painted her eyes” before facing her doom. This is basically the ancient equivalent of putting on war paint for a really bad day at the office. But here’s the twist: Jezebel wasn’t condemned for wearing makeup; she was condemned for being a tyrannical, idol-worshipping nightmare of a human being. Blaming her crimes on her eyeliner is like blaming a fork for your terrible cooking.
Eyeliner: The Original Superpower
Meanwhile, the prophet Jeremiah (4:30) mocks Jerusalem by saying, “Though you enlarge your eyes with paint, in vain you beautify yourself.” Ouch. But notice the target: it’s fake confidence and empty trust in appearances, not the kohl itself. God seems to have a beef with motives, not mascara wands.
And don’t forget Ezekiel 23:40, where God describes pagan women who “painted their eyes” to attract lovers. Once again, the sin is infidelity and idolatry, not the smoky-eye tutorial. So unless you’re using your lipstick to make a blood pact with a golden calf, you’re probably fine.
