Can I use skincare and makeup while fasting?
Yes, you can use skincare and makeup while fasting. Creams, serums, sunscreen and foundation stay on the surface of your skin and are not food or drink, so they do not break the fast. Just keep products away from your mouth and avoid breathing in sprays on purpose.
Why creams and makeup are fine
The Quran describes the fast as staying away from eating, drinking and intimacy from dawn until nightfall (Quran 2:187). Scholars explain that the fast is broken by something entering the body through an open passage, such as the mouth or nose. Skin is not such a passage. Products applied to the skin may be absorbed slightly, but that is not considered eating or drinking. This is the view of most scholars, and it covers:
- moisturizer, serum, face wash and sunscreen,
- foundation, powder, blush, eyeshadow and eyeliner,
- body lotion, hair oil and aftershave.
The same reasoning applies to deodorant. See Can I wear deodorant while fasting?
Things to watch
- Lip products: lipstick, gloss and balm are fine as long as you don't lick or swallow them. If you notice a taste, spit it out. See Can I use lip balm while fasting?
- Sprays: setting spray, hair spray and perfume mist are fine, but don't breathe them in deeply on purpose. Spray away from your face.
- Products you put near the mouth or nose: such as teeth-whitening gels or nasal creams. Use them at night, to be safe.
- Eye makeup: kohl and eyeliner are fine. Some scholars note you may taste it in the throat. If so, the fast generally remains valid.
Makeup and wudu
This is more important than the fast itself. For wudu to be valid, water must reach your skin. Thick, waterproof foundation can form a layer that blocks water. If you wear it, remove it before wudu, or choose lighter products that let water pass through. Many women put on makeup after Fajr prayer and reapply it after wudu later in the day. See Can I make wudu with makeup on?
Modesty and intention
Ramadan is a good time to think about why we wear what we wear. Makeup is allowed for most scholars when worn modestly, and many women choose to keep it very simple in this month. If you're wondering about wearing it in public with hijab, see Can I wear makeup with hijab? A natural look saves time too, and you can focus on worship.
- Skincare and makeup on the skin do not break the fast.
- Don't swallow lip products or breathe in sprays on purpose.
- Waterproof makeup can stop water reaching the skin, so remove it before wudu.
- Keeping makeup light in Ramadan is a nice habit, not a requirement.
People also ask
Can non-Muslims attend iftar at a mosque?
Yes, non-Muslims can attend iftar at most mosques. Message the mosque first, dress modestly and arrive before sunset; you don't have to fast or pray.
Read the full answer →Can I work as a chef or waiter while fasting?
Yes, you can work as a chef or waiter while fasting. Handling food doesn't break the fast; just don't swallow it, and look after yourself in the heat.
Read the full answer →Can I use a miswak while fasting?
Yes, you can use a miswak while fasting. The Prophet did and it doesn't break the fast. One school prefers skipping it after midday; don't swallow bits.
Read the full answer →Can I take pills to delay my period during Ramadan?
Usually yes, if a doctor confirms it is safe. Many scholars allow delaying a period to fast, others prefer making up the days. What to consider.
Read the full answer →Can I rinse my mouth when it feels dry while fasting?
Yes, you can rinse your mouth while fasting if you spit it all out and don't swallow or gargle. Keep it light; scholars differ if some slips down.
Read the full answer →