Q: Is a Shaafi’ee female allowed to wear make-up etc if she is in iddah after three talaaq?
A: It is sunnat for a Shafi’ee lady not to use cosmetics and adornment during her iddat of three talaaq. However, it is permissible do so and if she does use makeup and cosmetics, she will not be sinful. On the other hand, a woman who has lost her husband is prohibited from beautifying herself during the iddat. For her it is compulsory to abstain from all forms of adornment. (Haashiyatul Jumal)