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QUESTION: What sort of makeup is used by undertakers? On the deceased, I mean, not their own personal beauty regimen. Does it tend to stay on unlike on a living person who sweats it off? How long would it last on a deceased person? 

J.N., North Carolina

Dear J.N.,

While there are companies that make specific cosmetics to use on a decedent, regular cosmetics may also be applied. In Judaism, as I have mentioned in prior articles, we have closed caskets. We keep things very simple and natural. I would assume that the cosmetics would last for quite a while, depending on the preservation conditions.

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