Going without make up

midlandsmissus

I was on a break in work the other day and an advert came on for a show where girls had their make up taken off them for the month or something similiar.

My colleague turned to me (we're both 25), and says with a look of utter horror 'Oh my God could you imagine going without make up for a month'. She seriously looked like it would be the worst thing that ever happened to her. I couldnt believe her. And I know another girl like her who wouldnt go outside her door unless she had a full face of makeup on.

I very rarely wear make up. I would wear it on a night out as its all part of the fun of getting ready to go out, but I would never wear it during the day.

I've no problem with people wearing make up but for girls to shake with horror at the idea of going without it surely thats going too far. Are girls getting addicted to it?

I said to this girl at work that I could easily go without it and she was like 'Wow.That's really good though'. I also pointed out to this girl at that I never wear make up at work and she said she wouldnt have realised. I think women think they look alot worse without make up than they really do.

So: could you go without make up for a month?

fullstop

Absolutely. I hardly ever wear make-up TBH

Das Kitty

Less a question of addiction more a question of self confidence. I know some girls who call it their "mask".

Irrespective of it being a full face of slap or an eyebrow pencil (as it is with me), it's used to make you feel better about how you look.

I would worry if someone got really upset by the prospect of having to go makeup-less in public though, I think it's probably a sign that their sense of self-worth is tied up completely in their physical appearance. Not healthy.

Honey-ec

I wouldn't like to go without make-up for a month but I could do it if I had to. I wear minimal make-up every day to work, for me it's the equivalent of brushing your hair, it just looks more professional and polished. If I was going out at night, I'd do "the works". However, I really don't understand women who won't even pop out to the shops for the paper without their full party face on.

shellyboo

midlandsmissus wrote: »

So: could you go without make up for a month?

I definitely could.

I never wear make-up to work, except if I have a meeting with someone outside the company; and only wear it socially on nights out. My bf prefers me without it as well, so unless I'm getting dolled up I never wear it when I see him.

I think it's more laziness than anything else, though... I just wouldn't be bothered doing it every day.

I will say though that I have female friends that I have NEVER seen without makeup on - my mother would never go out without hers on either.

shellyboo

Honey-ec wrote: »

I wear minimal make-up every day to work, for me it's the equivalent of brushing your hair, it just looks more professional and polished.

I think this too... hence the makeup for meetings. Kind of bad, on reflection though, that makeup is seen as looking 'professional' whereas barefaced isn't.

RxQueen

I dont wear make up to work and rarely when im off, wear it on a night out of course but thats about it.


dont get why some people, feel to need to wear a layer of make up at any given time >.<

Das Kitty

shellyboo wrote: »

Kind of bad, on reflection though, that makeup is seen as looking 'professional' whereas barefaced isn't.

Same as well groomed facial hair on a man is more professional looking than a shaggy beard.

It depends on the industry as well, makeup is frowned upon here as it can get onto the medical devices. Off to chair a meeting with some managers now with my bare face.

kingtut

As a guy I much prefer girls who did not hide behind a ton of makeup. I have seen so many nice girls with no makeup on only to see them with makeup on and think to myself "OMG what have they done!"

Women are wonderful things, why do so many of them feel the need to hide their natural beauty? It's one thing to put a small amount of makeup but their is a fine line between 'a small bit' and 'overkill'.

That is my two cents......

I'm curious as to what women think is overkill on men?

homerun_homer

I'm with Kingtut on this one. The most attractive girls for me are the ones not caked in make up.

NewFrockTuesday

I dont think I would step ouside the house without it. I used to have no problem going without, but now ...no...I just couldnt. Id feel very very odd. Thats in Dublin. At home in Achill Id waltz abou thet place pretty much make up free except for mascara and a bit of powder.

The usual I would step out with in Dublin is mascara, concealer, light foundation, blusher, a bit of liner, nude lip gloss and a bit of bronzer. Im not talking about plastering it on - esp in weather like this - I'd look like a panda in no time flat - but a light layer just to enhance or hide.

In answer to could I go for a month without - no. No way. Wouldnt even think about it.

RacoonQueen

Even when I wear make up I wear very little, usually looks like I'm not wearing any at all. Even when I'm going out at night I'd still wear the same as I'd wear during the day. Not into bronzers and eye shadows and blush and all that crap. Just not my cup of tea sitting in front of a mirror for an hour.

kingtut

kingtut wrote: »

I'm curious as to what women think is overkill on men?

Shiney pointy snakeskin shoes accompanied by a swagger that looks like it is trying to convince of you something.

shellyboo

RacoonQueen wrote: »

Just not my cup of tea sitting in front of a mirror for an hour.

To be fair, doing proper, full makeup takes me at the MOST 15 minutes, that's allowing for ****ing it up and having to start all over again...

midlandsmissus

Deepsense wrote: »

I dont think I would step ouside the house without it. I used to have no problem going without, but now ...no...I just couldnt. Id feel very very odd. Thats in Dublin. At home in Achill Id waltz abou thet place pretty much make up free except for mascara and a bit of powder.

The usual I would step out with in Dublin is mascara, concealer, light foundation, blusher, a bit of liner, nude lip gloss and a bit of bronzer. Im not talking about plastering it on - esp in weather like this - I'd look like a panda in no time flat - but a light layer just to enhance or hide.

In answer to could I go for a month without - no. No way. Wouldnt even think about it.

No offense but - you think that`s a light layer!

g'em

kingtut wrote: »

I'm curious as to what women think is overkill on men?

I'd rather we stay OT and discuss the woman & make-up issue tbh

NewFrockTuesday

midlandsmissus wrote: »

No offense but - you think that`s a light layer!

None taken. Yah I know. What I mean is that I dont trowel it on. Alot of bits and bobs there but all lightly layered. I know some people will think its alot...most Id say....but Im probably a bit older than the average poster as well. Its not a vanity "Im so gorgeous" thing, its just how I start my day to feel good.

I can honestly say it would be a different person that wuld be presented without makeup. I dont know if that makes sense.

kingtut

g'em wrote: »

I'd rather we stay OT and discuss the woman & make-up issue tbh

Sorry G'em


*Leaves, adorns wig, high heels, make-up, puts dress on*

Right I'm back! Well for me....can't live without blusher.

Thanks, kingtutarina

g'em

Everyday I wear Le Touche Eclat under my eyes and some mascara - I don't think I'd be traumatised without it, but I just like the way it stops my eyes from looking like I haven't slept in 3 weeks. I work front-of-house, so I guess it's my duty to look respectable and give a good first impression.

kingtut

g'em wrote: »

Everyday I wear Le Touche Eclat under my eyes and some mascara - I don't think I'd be traumatised without it, but I just like the way it stops my eyes from looking like I haven't slept in 3 weeks. I work front-of-house, so I guess it's my duty to look respectable and give a good first impression.

You attribute wearing make up to looking respectable? Therefore someone who wears none is not respectable? Do you mean it somehow makes the person look more proffesional? Sorry don't mean to come across as mean or rude, I'm just curious

g'em

kingtut wrote: »

You attribute wearing make up to looking respectable? Therefore someone who wears one is not respectable? Sorry don't mean to come across as mean or rude, I'm just curious

Quite a leap there...

No, I consider my overall look to contribute towards how 'respectable' I look, which includes clothes, make-up, footwear, haircare and personal hygiene. *I* feel that I look better (and more 'respectable') with make-up because without it I feel I look drawn and washed out.

I never for a nanosecond would suggest that someone who does not wear make-up is not 'respectable'. And I use the word respectable in the context that it's what my superiors would consider respectable and the image they (who pay my wages) would like me to convey.

Ginny

I rarely wear makeup in work, only if I'm feeling rough, at the weekend I'll only wear it if we're going out.
It just never crosses my mind that I meed to put it on.

kingtut

g'em wrote: »

Quite a leap there...

g'em wrote: »

No, I consider my overall look to contribute towards how 'respectable' I look, which includes clothes, make-up, footwear, haircare and personal hygiene. *I* feel that I look better (and more 'respectable') with make-up because without it I feel I look drawn and washed out.

I never for a nanosecond would suggest that someone who does not wear make-up is not 'respectable'. And I use the word respectable in the context that it's what my superiors would consider respectable and the image they (who pay my wages) would like me to convey.

Ok that makes sense Thanks

g'em

kingtut wrote: »

The question itself was a bit bizarre to me - I said I wear make-up because it makes me feel more respectable and you seemed to extrapolate/ twist it. No harm intended on your part though, I'm just getting super-cynical in my old boards age...

midlandsmissus

Deepsense wrote: »

None taken. Yah I know. What I mean is that I dont trowel it on. Alot of bits and bobs there but all lightly layered. I know some people will think its alot...most Id say....but Im probably a bit older than the average poster as well. Its not a vanity "Im so gorgeous" thing, its just how I start my day to feel good.

I can honestly say it would be a different person that wuld be presented without makeup. I dont know if that makes sense.

Yeah if it makes you feel good then why not.I dont think age is an issue tho as I see teenage girls absolutely plastered and caked and orange, and think how can they think they look good like that?But its probably an insecurity thing with a lot of girls.

I definitely dont think Im stunning,but I definitely have the attitude where I couldnt care less what other people thought of my looks. Not that anyone ever notices if I wear make up or not, people really dont look at other people that closely.

liah

Well.. yes and no.

I have no problem going without most makeup, but I would require mascara or an eyelash tint because my eyelashes are blonde and, since my eyes are quite big and round, they would look absolutely odd if I had nearly invisible eyelashes. I can't stand how I look with no eyelashes, it looks so strange.

Other than that, yes.

Geranium

I'd wear make up every day, I could go without it, but not without a reason to. My make-up probably doesn't make as much difference to my looks as i think it does, but the important thing is it makes me feel better about myself.

I'm constantly hearing guys complaining about girls wearing make-up, but I honestly believe they don't notice make-up unless it's done really badly (caked on, orange etc). I've had conversations with guys who say they don't like make up, but couldn't even see that I was wearing a full face of it when I pointed it out to them.

Irish women are obsessed with make-up. It's crazy how many girls wear foundation, blusher, the whole shebang on a daily basis. Here in Brussels, it's much more common to see women with no or minimal make-up. I couldn't be bothered going to that trouble every morning. 'Light make up' for me means some neutral eyeshadow, maybe a bit of blusher and powder but I often go out without any make-up, as I did this morning. A small thing of foundation lasts almost a year for me, I couldn't imagine having to spend so much money replacing it every month!

midlandsmissus

Geranium wrote: »

I'd wear make up every day, I could go without it, but not without a reason to. My make-up probably doesn't make as much difference to my looks as i think it does, but the important thing is it makes me feel better about myself.

I'm constantly hearing guys complaining about girls wearing make-up, but I honestly believe they don't notice make-up unless it's done really badly (caked on, orange etc). I've had conversations with guys who say they don't like make up, but couldn't even see that I was wearing a full face of it when I pointed it out to them.

That just shows you that make up doesnt really do anything.

Its more a comfort thing. Which is fine.Just when people get too dependant on it and think they are pig ugly without it, theres a problem.

shellyboo

Geranium wrote: »

I'm constantly hearing guys complaining about girls wearing make-up, but I honestly believe they don't notice make-up unless it's done really badly (caked on, orange etc). I've had conversations with guys who say they don't like make up, but couldn't even see that I was wearing a full face of it when I pointed it out to them.

I think this too. I think guys see minimal makeup as "no makeup" and no makeup as "oh dear, she looks tired and pale".

midlandsmissus

shellyboo wrote: »

I think this too. I think guys see minimal makeup as "no makeup" and no makeup as "oh dear, she looks tired and pale".

Or maybe she's just put a full face of make up on for no effect whatsoever.

Ive worn make up and havent worn makeup and guys couldnt tell the difference.

I also know guys who say their girlfriends look best first thing in the morning.

MissFlitworth

I like makeup a lot, an awful lot. Don't wear it to work because I need to be able to get up and leave the house pretty much straight away, sleep is way more important to me than grooming or breakfast, but when I do wear it it's cos I look great with it on. Way better than I do barefaced. People who see me with makeup on might be of the impression that I have cheekbones, and eyebrows that don't suddenly turn blond about a third of the way over my eye leaving me looking like a surprised rottweiler. I love doing my makeup, especially my eyes, could spend half an hour or more doing them, I find it really soothing.

I could definitely go a month without but I'd be bored! Although, if makeup includes nail varnish then I just couldn't.

I can understand not wearing makeup at all, or only sticking to light makeup, it's totally a personal choice. What I don't understand is makeup bashing, especially when it comes from a 'Urrrh makeup- I only wear clear mascara/tint my eyelashes/use a drop of concealer, anything else is just nasty!' perspective (not that anyone here is doing that, it's just something that's wrecked my head in the past) Make-up is make-up, I don't get why people feel like they can judge based on the degrees of it they wear!

Agh- that was way off topic, back on- I could go without makeup for a month but seriously wouldn't want to

Xiney

I go out without makeup quite often.

But I really feel self concious if I meet someone I know and I haven't got at least concealer under my eyes - because I seriously look like the living dead without it.

Some people have better skin than others, as well.

midlandsmissus

MissFlitworth wrote: »

I like makeup a lot, an awful lot. Don't wear it to work because I need to be able to get up and leave the house pretty much straight away, sleep is way more important to me than grooming or breakfast, but when I do wear it it's cos I look great with it on. Way better than I do barefaced. People who see me with makeup on might be of the impression that I have cheekbones, and eyebrows that don't suddenly turn blond about a third of the way over my eye leaving me looking like a surprised rottweiler. I love doing my makeup, especially my eyes, could spend half an hour or more doing them, I find it really soothing.

I could definitely go a month without but I'd be bored! Although, if makeup includes nail varnish then I just couldn't.

I can understand not wearing makeup at all, or only sticking to light makeup, it's totally a personal choice. What I don't understand is makeup bashing, especially when it comes from a 'Urrrh makeup- I only wear clear mascara/tint my eyelashes/use a drop of concealer, anything else is just nasty!' perspective (not that anyone here is doing that, it's just something that's wrecked my head in the past) Make-up is make-up, I don't get why people feel like they can judge based on the degrees of it they wear!

Agh- that was way off topic, back on- I could go without makeup for a month but seriously wouldn't want to

Yeah you're right it's all down to personal preference really.

I actually get annoyed when I have eyemake up on as I really just want to rub my eyes and I cant!!

MissFlitworth

midlandsmissus wrote: »

I actually get annoyed when I have eyemake up on as I really just want to rub my eyes and I cant!!

That's another reason I don't wear makeup to work anymore (even if I could get up on time), manys the time I've had an itchy eye or something, not really thought about it, had a good rub and looked down at my hands to see smeary mascara goodness all over the back of them

Malari

Xiney wrote: »

Some people have better skin than others, as well.

Yes they do! I can get oily skin and I get flushed too if I'm busy, so I wear a light layer most days. Some people just need a spot of concealer for tired eyes, others eyebrow pencil or masacara for blonde lashes, others just lippy.

Could I go without it? Sure. Would I want to or feel comfortable? Not for long.

But you could say the same thing about cutting your hair, wearing small items of jewelry, shaving your legs. Could you do without all these things? Of course, but I don't really see what the advantage would be of depriving yourself of them either.

It's less to do with self-esteem, which is what a lot of people seem to think, and more to do with making yourself feel nice.

Twee.

I very rarely wear make up to work or college. If I'm having a bad day, then I might do and cheer myself up a bit
However, I would not go a month without make up. I always wear make up on a night out, or if I'm heading somewhere in the afternoon I'll just put on some concealer, powder, eyebrow pencil, mascara and tinted lip balm.

shellyboo

Yeah, I guess I need to qualify my reply... I would go a month without makeup, but I wouldn't go on a night out during that month! I could do it, but I wouldn't feel comfortable in certain situations without it.

SeekUp

I could go without it. In fact, perhaps I will. Perhaps it'll be a start-of-summer au naturale thing.

I knew a woman who wouldn't let anyone see her without makeup. She'd put on makeup in the morning, go about her daily business, and at the end of the day she would wash her face and apply a fresh coat. You know, just in case there was an emergency during the night and she had to be seen by emergency workers or something.

I'd hate to have to wash her pillowcase!

Xiney

SeekUp wrote: »

I could go without it. In fact, perhaps I will. Perhaps it'll be a start-of-summer au naturale thing.

I knew a woman who wouldn't let anyone see her without makeup. She'd put on makeup in the morning, go about her daily business, and at the end of the day she would wash her face and apply a fresh coat. You know, just in case there was an emergency during the night and she had to be seen by emergency workers or something.

I'd hate to have to wash her pillowcase!

ewwwww

SeekUp

No really, it was like a coat of paint!

IvyTheTerrible

SeekUp wrote: »

I could go without it. In fact, perhaps I will. Perhaps it'll be a start-of-summer au naturale thing.

I knew a woman who wouldn't let anyone see her without makeup. She'd put on makeup in the morning, go about her daily business, and at the end of the day she would wash her face and apply a fresh coat. You know, just in case there was an emergency during the night and she had to be seen by emergency workers or something.

I'd hate to have to wash her pillowcase!

God her skin must have been a mess!

metaoblivia

I love make up. I just really enjoy applying it and experimenting with it. The way make up can bring out bone structure or alter a person's look is just fascinating to me.
I wear make up to work, and since I've been really into retro looks for a while, it includes black liquid liner (which I'm aces at) and sometimes bold shades of lipstick (I usually prefer neutral colors, but sometimes I get adventurous).
I think what some people need to keep in mind is that there is a middle ground between caking on make up and wearing none at all, and that middle ground varies from person to person.
For example, I have almost black hair; big, very dark eyes with long black lashes; and sallow, pale, freckled skin. So firstly, on some mornings when I haven't had enough sleep, I do look like that girl who crawled out from the well in The Ring. And secondly, when I say I wear black liquid liner and black mascara 5 days a week, that sounds dramatic to people with lighter hair and eyes. But it's not as dramatic on me because of my coloring.
That's the key to make up application I think - figuring out what works best for your coloring and bone structure.
So all of that said, yes I could go a month without make up. I don't need make up or feel ugly without it. I just really enjoy it. And I think that, in the right hands, it can be used responsibly.

havana

I work with a girl who gets up at the same time as me in the morning to do her make up. I start 2 hours before her! I rarely wear make up unless i'm going out and even then its a quick 5 minute job. The amount of time some girls take amazes me. What can they be doing? I've worn it to work breez times, if i have something on after or don't feet the best and they always ask who i'm trying to impress!

ellade3

I could go without wearing make-up for a month but i would really really really prefer not to! I dont wear it everyday and could go to the shop without any on but thats about it. Would need to wear at least some mascara if i was going anywhere else even meeting friends. I just feel better if i have my make-up on

metaoblivia

Oh and, I don't get the comments about it taking an hour or even half an hour to put on make up.
I leave for work at 8:30am. I get up at 8:00am, eat breakfast, make lunch, pack my gym bag, figure out what I'm going to wear, wash my face, brush my teeth, do my hair (which is usually in rollers) and apply my make up, which normally includes foundation, concealor, bronzer, liquid liner, mascara, eye shadow and lipstick. My make up application takes 10 minutes. And that's taking my time.
The longest I've spent on make up tops out at 30 minutes, and that was when I was giving myself a Clockwork Orange look for Halloween using liquid liner. I don't understand how it could possibly take someone an hour to apply normal make up.
But in fairness, I don't understand a lot of things, make up related or not.

Wibbs

TBH Beyond lippy, mascara and the addition of eyeliner for a night out, I don't like it at all on a woman. I personally would have a strong preference for the natural(and I mean natural) look.

And yea I can see the diff, but I know what women mean when they say a lot of guys have no clue. I've known a guy who swore blind his girlfriend was makeup free and she was done up like the lassies at the max factor counter in arnotts. More coco the clown than coco chanel. Along with womens dress sizes and bra sizes the level of makeup present is an unknown to I would say most men. So if you feel comfortable with it or without it and are even vaguely worried about mens reaction, don't be. Unless you go for the eastern european Hooker look with electric blue eyeliner, they'll miss it.

Lia_lia

Yeah I'm not that fussed over make-up. I had never worn make-up at all until I was about 18. So I've only been wearing it for two years. I wear a bit of powder foundation most days to stop shinyness and a bit of blusher but that's it.

I wouldn't care if I was told I could never wear make-up again.

Lia_lia

liah wrote: »

Well.. yes and no.
I can't stand how I look with no eyelashes, it looks so strange.

Yeah I have practically invisible eyelashes too. My hair is very blonde and I can't wear mascara daily because I've very very sensitive eyes. So I only wear it if it's a special occasion or such. People say I look so different with mascara! Guess it's because I never wear it.

zoology lady

I've had this discussion with several of my friends, mostly men. All of the guys said they prefer no make-up, but used me as an example of no make-up. :eek:. I never ever leave my house without it! It is not caked on and I'm pale and my make up is not too dark , hopefully:rolleyes:.
I do go rarely go without foundation, but would still wear primer, concealer etc. my look is natural so I guess that could be why the men couldn't tell I was wearing any. Silly boys.
I would never consider going without it, ever. I have redness/acne so it ain't going to happen I realise that my make-up may not conceal these but it gives me ths confidence to leave the house, trust me I honestly have not left the house because of it.
But I do have an issue with young girls wearing it, mainly due to the fact its Caked on and orange to match their tan! I was never allowed to wear it, I was allowed a lil concealer when I was in 6th yr due to my acne but that was it. I really think parents and schools such have rules about it.

pikachucheeks

Could I go without make-up for a month?

In a word; no.

I have fun applying make-up, I like how I look with make-up and it gives me an extra confidence boost.

In recent times, I've cut down on how much I use - I used to love very heavy eyeliner, but I don't feel like I need it anymore, so I stopped.

I don't think there's anything wrong with women using make-up, and I also don't think there's anything wrong with women who prefer not to use it!

It's a choice! People should be respectful either way.