God provides guidance on many aspects of life, including the use of cosmetics, as part of His broader instructions for living according to His standards. His word offers examples and teachings on such matters to help us evaluate whether what seems normal in our culture aligns with His will. These instructions are given for our sanctification and for the sake of teaching our children, ensuring that we distinguish between the holy and the profane in every area of life.

The subject of dress, decorum, and church customs often strikes at the heart of human vanity, particularly in the use of cosmetics. This visible aspect of our lives challenges us openly, as it is evident to everyone from whom we might seek respect and approval. Cosmetics, as part of personal appearance, reflect deeper cultural and spiritual priorities. Cultures that prioritize sensuality often embrace immodesty, while those valuing material possessions may become enslaved to high fashion. In contrast, cultures embracing true Christian piety aim for personal holiness in their dress, including the use of cosmetics, emphasizing biblical principles like distinction, functionality, and modesty. Dress, and by extension the use of cosmetics, is not neutral; it inevitably reflects a code, whether by design or default, shaped by moral and philosophical implications.

In the context of biblical teachings on attire and adornment, the use of cosmetics is addressed with a cautionary tone. Regarding their use, it is noted that cosmetics were certainly employed in ancient times, as evidenced by studies of Egypt, though not to the same extent in Israel. This difference is attributed to Israel having a measure of instruction from God's word, despite their many sins. There are no direct commandments in Scripture concerning cosmetics, but the clearest example is associated with Queen Jezebel, a Gentile and wife of King Ahab, where the reference is entirely negative due to her well-known deceitful and seductive heart. Further insight suggests that cosmetics represent a form of vanity, understood in the biblical sense as futile or useless in relation to God and His purpose. They are seen as futile in favorably impressing God, glorifying Him, or earning His respect, and useless in preparing one to be in God's image or to enter the kingdom of God. Cosmetics, alongside modern fashions, do not depict the godly, harmless, childlike innocence taught by Jesus Christ. Historically, as contact with the outside world increased, the use of makeup in America grew, reflecting a loss of innocence and a degeneration of values, aligning the nation more with worldly trends than with biblical standards.