Makeup and Religious Life

[MarysLittleFlower]

Personally I believe that its very very important for a religious to leave the things of the world. Often the thing that keeps from union with God is a trifle attachment we just don't want to give up. I don't mean regarding the original post and treating skin conditions, but regarding religious wearing jewellery / adornments/ doing nails / makeup to look "prettier". I remember the nuns of St Teresa's time wore jewellery and spent much time in the parlor and she was trying to discourage that. I think as religious its important to give ourselves only to God not just in the act of leaving everything, but continuing that act in everything we do. I don't want to be judgemental of such Sisters but I think its a danger frankly and that's one reason why a habit is a good thing. 

Edited January 18, 2016 by MarysLittleFlower

[Spem in alium]

I think it's very important to be presentable, because one sister not only represents herself, but also the sisters with whom she lives, and even to an extent her congregation. In my case, in some ways I need to be more presentable than most because I have a health issue which makes me quite recognisable. As an example, one day I went out for some exercise, wearing tracksuit pantaloons and a t-shirt and looking very ordinary (and definitely wanting to look ordinary and 100% incognito), and someone just happened to pass and say "Hello, Sister, how are you?"  People often remember me easily, because of how I look, which sometimes means I don't get much "down-time" (when we go out just for fun or shopping, we sometimes wear casual clothes because we're relaxing) but also in a way makes me more conscious of my appearance and my attention to personal grooming. I don't wear makeup, and never really have, but do wear perfume and use hand cream.

[dominicansoul]

The communities I entered never allowed makeup, cosmetics, nail polish, hair styles, etc.  In fact, there were no mirrors except in a private bathroom where the Sisters would go to cut their hair and needed a mirror.  I liked that much more than having to worry about makeup and looking made up.  I don't really think women need make up to look professional or beautiful, in fact, I happen to think most of the women in the convent with me were the most beautiful when they were in their habits sans makeup and hairdos and colored nails. 

I guess what I'm saying is, when you enter religious life, your focus certainly shifts from your own self to God and others.  You kind of forget about make up and all that stuff, it becomes unimportant...

[Julie]

1 hour ago, dominicansoul said:

The communities I entered never allowed makeup, cosmetics, nail polish, hair styles, etc.  In fact, there were no mirrors except in a private bathroom where the Sisters would go to cut their hair and needed a mirror.  I liked that much more than having to worry about makeup and looking made up.  I don't really think women need make up to look professional or beautiful, in fact, I happen to think most of the women in the convent with me were the most beautiful when they were in their habits sans makeup and hairdos and colored nails. 

I guess what I'm saying is, when you enter religious life, your focus certainly shifts from your own self to God and others.  You kind of forget about make up and all that stuff, it becomes unimportant...

Did either community allow the use of special soap? Since the original question about makeup stemmed from a skin problem, I imagine that havinh some "special" soap could be more of a health/hygienic thing than a vanity thing, though I guess even bad acne isn't really all that district ice of health.

[dominicansoul]

23 minutes ago, Julie said:

Did either community allow the use of special soap? Since the original question about makeup stemmed from a skin problem, I imagine that havinh some "special" soap could be more of a health/hygienic thing than a vanity thing, though I guess even bad acne isn't really all that district ice of health.

yes, the community allows for health issues and hygiene