The most asked question about makeup is (at least from young women who wish to lead a Godly life): is wearing makeup sinful or simply a way of feeding my vanity?

The answer is "no".

While many women today do have an issue with vanity, and one can certainly spend a sinful amount of time on your makeup and appearance, wearing makeup itself is not sinful at all.  In fact, the desire to look beautiful is something inherently feminine and is the way God has created us! Cosmetics are merely tools we women can use to cover blemishes, lengthen our lashes, redden our lips, and enhance the beauty God has blessed us with.  It is NOT meant to replace our natural beauty, or be a mask to hide behind, and this is where many women make the mistake of grouping cosmetics and vanity in the same category.  We women were created to be beautiful, and to beautify the world around us (and, no, I'm NOT saying this is the ONLY thing we were created for, but it is part of our role as women).  Enhancing our physical charms is not necessary to do this, but when one hasn't slept in a week, has had a major breakout, or just feels low, adding a little blush and mascara works wonders on our appearance and our mood.  A good comparison would be a beautiful wood floor.  The wood itself is beautiful in it's natural state, but when you add a little stain and varnish, it enhances the natural beauty and makes it even more lovely. 

Women have used cosmetics throughout the centuries; the pioneer women stained their lips with berries to make them appear redder and fuller, Egyptian women used charcoal to line their eyes, and archaeologists have even found the remains of ancient compact cases in the ruins of Greek cities! I read an article once inside an old magazine from the fifties for young wives that instructed them to always apply a little lipstick and powder before their husbands came home from work so they looked fresh and beautiful instead of tired and worn from the day.  I think this is a wonderful tip, and hope to use it myself someday! When we are making an effort with our appearances for others, rather than for our own gratification, it's harder for vanity to become a problem.  When you apply makeup, your goal should be to make yourself look like you naturally would on your best day; eyes bright, skin smooth, and cheeks glowing.  For special occasions a little extra makeup is appropriate and fun to do, but you should still look like yourself and not as if you've painted on a new face.