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Original poster

Question re making yourself look pretty....

133 replies

AliGrylls · 21/06/2011 19:28

Why do women still subject themselves to pain to make themselves look pretty? I am talking with reference to eyebrow plucking, waxing of all body parts and wearing high heels that have the potential to cripple. Also make-up - what do feminists say about make-up?

I ask this question because since I have given up work and had kids I have not bothered to subject myself to any of the above (bar the occasional eyebrow pluck) and I feel liberated by it. I have realised that making yourself look good is actually a pain in the bum and also DH doesn't care very much about what I look like (obviously not as much as I thought he did when we met anyway).

Thoughts please.

OP posts:
Original poster
AliGrylls · 21/06/2011 20:54

Is that sarcastic PM? One is about hygiene and one is about what we put ourselves through to be accepted into "society". Will definitely read thread about compulsory femininity.

OP posts:
PuppyMonkey · 21/06/2011 20:41

What about brushing your teeth, are you allowed to do that?

ilovedora27 · 21/06/2011 20:21

I dont wax anywhere or shave my legs. Do my armpits but thats it. Its a whole lot easier than my husband who has to shave his face especially when he had a job where he had to shave every day or get shouted out. I do think it depends more on how hairy/dark you are though than gender often.

MarionCole · 21/06/2011 19:45

Agree with AF - I do the stuff I do to make myself look healthy. A bit of tinted moisturiser, blusher, occasionally fake tan on arms/legs, not much else.

PssstOverHere · 21/06/2011 19:40

My DH wouldn't know if I'd plucked/shaved/waxed and doesn't care if I wear make up or not. I do still do all of those things though, nothing to do with men though, I think if I turned up at toddler group/preschool with a mono-brow, hairy legs and a moustache I would be judged far more harshly by the other mums than by any man.
I want to fit in with the crowd, want to make some friends in my new area so I play along with the 'beauty' regime.

madwomanintheattic · 21/06/2011 19:39

you need to read the resisting compulsory femininity thread. Smile

AnyFucker · 21/06/2011 19:37

I don't make myself look pretty

I make myself look not-dead Smile

I don't wax nor wear high heels

But I do wear a little make up and pluck my eyebrows, because it makes me look better (but not pretty )

MrsKarbonara · 21/06/2011 19:34

Hmm not much time at mo but basically, yes. I agree. Someone more wordy will be along soon!