SAUDI ARABIA

Flaunting flair in the face of grief

For some Saudi ladies, makeup is not just for happy occasions

July 21, 2017

Shahd Alhamdan

SAUDI GAZETTE

JEDDAH — Women nowadays style their hair and wear makeup not just on happy occasions, but while attending somber events such as funerals as well.

Some young ladies who are makeup addicts started wearing special makeup for somber occasions.

Although the habit of wearing makeup and hair blowout during funerals are spreading in the Kingdom, many members of society deride the trend saying such behavior is disrespectful to the person who passed away and his family.

Others believe wearing heavy makeup is against the teachings of the religion.

However, most young people consider wearing a light and natural makeup such as mascara as acceptable even during funerals because they put on cosmetics for their own happiness and not to show off.

Sally Mohammed, a private sector employee in her late 20s, explained that during funerals, the family members and loved ones of the deceased need support, care and respect.

She added that the way to show such respect to wear demure clothes and have a modest look.

"I attended funerals where some relatives of the deceased as well as a few other attendees had simple hair blowouts and they wore light makeup, such as brown mascara and very light and natural smoky eye. Even though this occurs at some funerals, I know these actions are still not culturally accepted in Saudi society,” Mohammed said.

Laila Al-Sanie, a Saudi female working as an assistant portfolio manager, said, “It is not respectable to wear makeup and put lipstick while going to a funeral.”

Rotana Daous, who works as an administrative assistant, is also against wearing makeup during funerals.

She explained that she was against such behavior because funerals are tragic and sensitive occasions for people who are close to the deceased. The family may be facing a hard time to cope with the reality of losing a dear one, she added.

For Daous, therefore makeup is only for happy occasions.

Reem Alfatni, a Saudi female working as an accountant , said, “Family members of the deceased may not like to see friends and relatives enjoy during their time of grief and therefore going to a funeral wearing full makeup is showing total disregard toward the family's emotions.”

Maha Ahmed, a private sector employee in her 30s, says girls wear makeup to boost their self-confidence.

"For me, it is acceptable to wear natural makeup. If the makeup is light and it is just mascara and thin eyeliner, there is no harm in wearing it even at somber events. Wearing makeup will help hide the sadness that you have inside and it gives you a decent look," Ahmed said.

"When someone dies in the family I put mascara and light lipstick or lip-gloss. Even if I am sad I do not want people to feel sorry for me,” she added.


July 21, 2017
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