Using a food to dye one’s lips on Shabbos
It is forbidden to apply makeup on Shabbos.[1] The following law will thus discuss if it is permitted for a woman to cause her lips to become dyed through eating strong colored foods, such as beats and the like.
May one eat a food that dyes the lips red?[2] It is permitted for a woman to eat fruits and the like which leave a red pigment on her lips so long as this is not her intent.[3] If, however, she intends to dye her lips red, then doing so is forbidden due to the dyeing prohibition.[4] It is permitted for a man to eat these foods in all cases, [so long as he does not intend to dye his lips for beauty purposes].[5]
May one eat colored ices if he intends to dye his lips?[6] It is forbidden for a woman, [or female child who is above the age of Chinuch], to do so. [It is permitted for a man, or male child to do so, so long as he is not intending to do so for beauty purposes.]
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[1] Admur 320:27; Michaber 303:25; Mishneh Shabbos 94b; 95a
[2] Shabbos Kehalacha Vol. 3 20:17-18; Piskeiy Teshuvos 303:14; Yabia Omer 6:37
[3] Shaar HaTziyon 303:65; Ketzos Hashulchan 146 footnote 19
The reason: The Ketzos Hashulchan ibid offers 6 reasons as to why this is permitted, despite the fact we rule that by women it is Derech Tzevia to dye the face, and amongst these reasons is that: 1) It is done is a way of Derech Achila, the way of eating. 2) It is done in an irregular way-Keliacher Yad. The Shaar Hatziyon ibid states the reason is because it is not common to dye the lips. Vetzaruch Iyun Gadol, as certainly women dye the lips. Furthermore, even if one were to learn the intent of the Shaar Hatziyon that it is not common to dye using fruits, nevertheless since it is common to dye the face it should nevertheless be forbidden, just as we rule regarding cleaning the hands on a cloth. [Ketzos Hashulchan ibid; Shabbos Kehalacha ibid]
[4] Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid; Shabbos Kehalacha ibid
[5] See Admur 320:27; M”A 303:19; M”B 303:79; Ketzos Hashulchan 146 footnote 20 based on Admur Kuntrus Achron 302:1
The reason: As it is not common for a man to dye his body.
[6] Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid; Shabbos Kehalacha ibid
