I have to admit it's an issue for me. I only wear eye-liner and mascara and I would really love to give them up - but I HATE how I look without it. I go back and forth. So it's an issue of accepting what has been given to me by God. And, many women (and I'm guilty of that as well) wear make-up to look more attractive to men. Same as putting on "sexy" clothes - one never does it for the sake of clothes, but rather to attract male attention. I realized when I was trying to dress sexy or whatever that it's a sin not only because I'm being vain, but (this is even worse) I'm tepmpting others around me. Okay, that my one cent.
Make-up
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romiosini
I like that you have your avatar of Saint Xenia, Olga. (Though, I may not be a woman, I too would sometimes wear sexy men's clothes to attract women, there was a time in the past I attracted some homosexuals, without any intention or noticing they were being attracted! :shock: ) Nightmares. But if it is a desire of anyone, to keep himself or herself of worldly things such as make-up, one must first put it in mind that everything is done for the Lord and our salvation. The issue on make-up is acceptable for an Orthodox Christian to wear make-up outside of Church for many reasons such as work, social...etc. It's just like the traditional issue with the Hair-cutting or Beard-shaving, (the beard tradition is only for priests but for everyone as a sign of high respect and elderly wiseness.) Now the "burning in hell" part... well, having make-up on doesn't mean a person has no faith, just like a priest without doesn't mean he isn't a worthy priest you know... There are exceptions...
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Maria
- Archon
- Posts: 8428
- Joined: Fri 11 June 2004 8:39 pm
- Faith: True Orthodox Christian
- Jurisdiction: GOC
- Location: USA
When I met my husband, he was delighted that I was not into wearing makeup. In fact, he told me that he was allergic to it. So I don't wear any. I can truly say that I am so thankful to be liberated from wearing masks, like some of my old teachers.
It's hard to believe, but in the 1960's it was almost a necessity for women to wear makeup. A properly educated lady wasn't considered "polite" or socially acceptable if she didn't wear some lipstick. In fact, I recall my mom always wore these accessories in public: lipstick, nylons, gloves and hats, matching purse and shoes, which were considered the proper attire for ladies. Slacks and long skirts were just not in fashion then.
My have things changed. Women dress like men and wear underwear in public. These fashions are far worse than lipstick, in my opinion. 
Your sister in Christ,
Elizabeth
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Justin Kissel
"To she who knows what good is, and does it not, to her it is a sin"
If you don't see a problem with make-up, then I certainly have no authority to judge you. If, however, you think it wrong but wear it anyway, while I still have no authority to judge, I will be perplexed by the seeming contradiction between belief and praxis.
