Is it permissible to display some light adornment to non-mahram men based on the understanding of some exegetes of the verse: "except what is apparent thereof"?

This issue is well-known in the books of scholars, specifically regarding the definition of the "apparent adornment" (az-zina az-zahira) that a woman is permitted to display to non-mahram men. The disagreement on this matter is well-known. The Salaf (early generations) differed on the "apparent adornment" with two main opinions: Ibn Mas'ud and those who agreed with him said it refers to clothing, while Ibn Abbas and those who agreed with him said it refers to the face and hands, such as kohl and a ring. Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah mentioned that Allah made adornment two types: apparent and non-apparent, and permitted her to display her apparent adornment to non-husbands and mahram relatives.

Sheikh al-Shinqiti mentioned that there are three opinions regarding the "apparent adornment": 1. That it refers to what a woman adorns herself with that is external to her natural creation and does not necessitate seeing any part of her body, such as clothing. This is the most evident and cautious opinion. 2. That it refers to what she adorns herself with that is not part of her natural creation, but necessitates seeing a part of her body, such as kohl and henna. 3. That it refers to some part of a woman's body that is part of her natural creation, such as the face and palms.

Al-Shinqiti favored Ibn Mas'ud's opinion that the apparent adornment is that which does not necessitate seeing any part of a woman's body when looked at, because it is the most cautious opinion and furthest from temptation.

Regarding modern makeup, excessive use for the purpose of tabarruj (displaying one's adornment) to non-mahrams is almost certainly prohibited, especially if a woman applies it specifically for adornment when leaving her home.