Sprays
- Deodorants: it is permissible to use spray deodorants on Shabbos; there is neither any issue of memareiach (smoothing) given it is liquid, nor refuah (engaging in healing activities) given that healthy people use deodorant.
- Roll on deodorants may only be used if they dispense a liquid deodorant; if they dispense a gel which is smeared on the body, this is forbidden due to memareiach (SSK 14:36).
- Insect repellents: for the same reasons as deodorant, insect repellent sprays or liquids may be used on Shabbos (SSK 14:35).
- Perfumes: it is permissible to use liquid perfumes on Shabbos. However, these may only be applied to the body and not to fabrics, scarves, sheitels etc due to the prohibition of molid reiach, causing a fabric to absorb and thus give off a smell (SSK 14:36).
Using Lipstick on Shabbos
- Lipstick may not be used on Shabbos. Depending on its texture, the application of the lipstick is either prohibited due to molid (or nolad; changing its state from a solid to liquid like consistency) or memareiach (smoothing). Additionally it is forbidden due to tzoveia, dying.
- Clear lipstick: This latter reason applies even by clear lipstick, as it is applied to add shine and gloss to the lips, thus changing their appearance (SA 303:25, SSK 14:64, fn 167, 170).
Using Nail Polish on Shabbos
- Nail polish: due to tzoveia, dying, nail polish may not be applied on Shabbos. As by lipstick, this applies even to clear nail polish.
- Removing nail polish: it is problematic to remove nail polish on Shabbos. A woman who has not removed her nail polish and needs to go to mikva should try and ask a non-Jew to remove it. Where this is not possible, consult a Rav for practical guidance (SA 303:25, SSK 14:63, 66).
Using Makeup on Shabbos
- Cream based makeup: It is forbidden to apply cream-based makeups on Shabbos, both due to the memareiach (smoothing) and tzoveia (dying).
- Liquid based makeups are also forbidden to apply due to tzoveia, as the liquid content means the makeup adheres to the skin for a meaningful period of time.
- Powder based makup: Contemporary authorities debate whether powder based makeups may be used on Shabbos given they only last very temporarily, or whether they remain forbidden under the melacha of tzoveia. Rabbinic advice should be sought before using such makeups on Shabbos (SA 303;25, SSK 14:65, fn 173)
