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Boyfriend doesn’t want me to wear makeup “hates it”

258 replies

itsprobablyjustaphrase · 21/06/2025 22:30

My boyfriend of 2 years has started making comments about me wearing makeup. I’ve never worn a lot of makeup, just some concealer, mascara and fill my brows in. Sometimes, if we’re going out I will put more makeup on, maybe some blush or eyeliner but it never takes me more than 5 minutes! It’s not a lot at all. I have nothing against people who like to do their makeup, I think it looks lovely on people, I just don’t have the skill or patience to do it.

Since Christmas he has been saying:

“You don’t need makeup”
“I prefer you without makeup”
“Your foundation doesn’t match your skin tone, look at this line”
“Why are you putting make up on you’re going the shop!”
“Why are you painting your face?”
“You don’t need all that”
“I hate it when you wear lipstick”
“Your lipstick is wonky”
“you don’t need all that on your face”

I wear makeup because I don’t like my bare face, it does feel like a security blanket to have some mascara on to open up my eyes a bit. I’ve always worn it, with or without a boyfriend.

Part of me thinks he’s doing it to be nice, but the other half thinks he’s being nasty?

I don’t know why this has suddenly become an issue. But it’s making me feel a bit down.

Aibu to think it’s quite mean?

OP posts:
itsprobablyjustaphrase · 21/06/2025 22:34

I do wear a tinted moisturiser (not foundation) when I am going out (should have mentioned that!). Maybe it is too dark, I’ll see whether I can get a better idea from a makeup counter!

OP posts:
MrsO3 · 21/06/2025 22:34

Sorry but he’s not “doing it to be nice.” It sounds controlling. What’s it got to do with him if you wear makeup or not?! How would he feel if you made comments such as “I hate it when you wear that t-shirt”?!

myplace · 21/06/2025 22:33

And so it begins.

That’s controlling. Has anything happened around that time? Did you get a promotion, or did a man speak to or compliment you? Did he get a confidence knock?

minipie · 21/06/2025 22:33

Well your OP says you wear concealer mascara and brows only. But your BF mentions foundation and lipstick. Which is it?

Ultimately it’s your face, your choice and he should be more tactful. But maybe your foundation/lipstick does look a bit too obvious and need a rethink?

awkwardasfuck · 21/06/2025 22:33

Tell him it's up to you and to like it or lump it, or dump him because he's turning into a controlling prick

HelenCurlyBrown · 21/06/2025 22:32

Unless you’re terrible at makeup and he’s trying to tell you (and his comments make me think that), he needs to be quiet.

Newgirls · 21/06/2025 22:31

It’s up to you what you wear of course. (Is there any chance at all that you are wearing too dark foundation etc? Can you ask a make up counter person?)

TinyTempest · 21/06/2025 22:31

Tell him you'll wear what you want and to never mention it again.

And mean it.

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