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I once heard that there is an ancient Hebrew legend saying that along with the fallen angels who descended to Earth from heaven (this is mentioned in Genesis), a certain Azazel came to people, an angel who taught the art of war to men and the use of cosmetics to women. In some translations of the Old Testament, the name Azazel is still found... But what interests me is the following (perhaps this does not concern the told legend): is it a sin, or are there even any references in the Bible to how God relates to female makeup, is the application of cosmetics condemned by the Bible, or is there absolutely nothing on this matter?

The name Azazel translates to "dismissal of the goat" or "scapegoat". The Mosaic Law contained a provision according to which the high priest, once a year, laid his hands on a goat, thereby transferring to it all the sins of Israel. This goat was then driven into the wilderness. It was this goat that was called the "scapegoat". In non-Jewish translations, and later in Jewish tradition, the word "Azazel" came to be regarded as the name of this goat.

The tradition of Azazel as one of the fallen angels does indeed exist. It arose rather late (no earlier than the 3rd century BC) in the Jewish milieu, and is recorded, in particular, in the apocryphal Book of Enoch. It belongs not to the Bible, but to mythological folklore, and, accordingly, its authority is very slight.

As for the attitude towards makeup and cosmetics, it is not spoken of directly anywhere. It is known that women of Old Testament times used cosmetics quite widely (in hot countries, eyeshadow helps protect the eyes from sunburn, and various creams and ointments help protect the skin from drying out by the sun). In any case, the Bible does not contain condemnation of this custom (for women). It is known that the trade of cosmetics was developed in Jerusalem during the earthly life of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The apostles in the epistles, however, speak quite definitely on this topic, in particular, the Apostle Peter (Pe1 3:3) and the Apostle Paul (Ti1 2:9-10). Without forbidding the use of cosmetics, they state that a Christian (and a woman as well) should care primarily for inward, spiritual beauty, and adorn themselves with modesty and good works. Thus, in this matter, as in practically everything else, the New Testament shifts the emphasis from the external to the internal, leaving the external to the conscience of each individual.

So the negative attitude of many modern Christians towards makeup is explained by the fact that makeup can be perceived as an expression of immodesty. In this case, of course, it does not deserve approval. But this is far from always the case, and there are no general rules here, nor can there be.

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