Removing Make-Up for Wudu

Question: I am concerned my make-up has not been completely removed. Is my Wudu/Ghusl valid if there is still some make-up on my face? 

Answer: 

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

Before answering your question, certain clarifications must be made:

What is a preventative barrier in Wudu?

The nature of water is that it is a light flowing substance and it reaches even the smallest of crevices. For this reason, the basis is that water does reach the skin and something would have to be a clear impediment of the water for the water to have not reached [Tahtawi/Shurunbulali, Hashiyat Maraqi al-Falah].

Mascara

If the mascara has a thin consistency like that of ink, oil, or lotion (for example), you can consider that the water does permeate through it and wash that which is underneath, because of the aforementioned nature of water [Ibid.].

If, however, the mascara has a paint-like consistency then it is considered a barrier for the water [Ibid.].

You mentioned in your question that the mascara you use is not waterproof. The optimal solution would be to avoid using mascara that is not waterproof, or if you can, only wear mascara on the days that you are not praying.

Hope this helps.

Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a graduate from Tarim; a student of Habib Umar and other luminaries; and authorized teachers of the Qur’an and the Islamic sciences