The feeling of makeup

Did anyone watch the BBC program Glow Up presented by Stacey Dooley - sort of Bake Off for Makeup? Just interested as many of the challenges in that were creating incredible escapism makeup, not about "looking pretty" - obviously in daily life people don't make themselves up to look like a tree or a troll - but there is a valid point that makeup is often about creativity, colour, self expression, individuality - not just about beautifying 🤷🏽‍♀️

It feels dirty and I’m aware of it. Only wear it rarely these days. When i had my first baby i just couldn’t imagine having foundation lipstick on etc and smearing it over a baby, babies touching your face etc. I also feel and act differently when I’m in make up, heels mode - like I’m suddenly aware I’m female, different - a lady

Another one who intensely dislikes the feeling of make up and nail polish. But I have 'sensory issues' so am not surprised if other people are less bothered by the feeling.

There are other directly painful beauty procedures I do endure for the sake of conforming to absurd but internalized beauty norms, like having my legs waxed. In fact I'm much less bothered by outright pain than some other sensations, which does me no good at all because tend to put up with problems instead of registering them properly.

I also felt the foetuses move quite early (from week 10) when I was pregnant. Couldn't understand how other people couldn't feel them. Not a strong sensation, but a tiny thing moving around in my womb with a feathery touch, that grew into kicking and pushing. Wondered then if I just have a strong sense of touch and that's why I'm often a fusspot about sensation (and especially was as a child), rather than it being a problem with how I deal with sensations.

I've had the phrase "pain is beauty" repeated to me so many times by other women - about plucking eyelashes, waxing, wearing high heels, going out in clothes that are wrong for the weather etc. It's hardly new information that a lot of women "endure" beauty practices they find uncomfortable for the sake of fashion.

Oh for fuck's sake. Would people be happier if I'd made a longer post about assuming other women endured it "like I used to, until I finally woke up and smelled the internalised misogyny"? I kind of thought that bit went without saying, but never mind.

Fine. I think the post about women "enduring" make- up was deeply insulting to women.

I'm fascinated at the way all this feminist analysis you (general you) go in for still apparently leaves so many of you incapable of deciding off your own bat that make up isn't for you. I find a lot of what is said extremely infantilising.

It's partly because this kind of defensive attitude that means that people don't acknowledge the huge affect advertising and marketing has on us.

It's not infantilising women - or men either - to ask questions or comment on how we're influenced by societal pressure and by marketing and advertising. You can pretend it doesn't exist all you like. But I can tell you (as someone who's worked in marketing), it not only exists, how people act (in large numbers) is very often predictable.

Yes of course many people will wear make up, even though it feels uncomfortable, because of societal pressure. That's the way it works. If you think this kind of pressure doesn't affect you, in one way or another, you're deluded (as are many people, though, handily enough for the companies selling you products).

I don't wear make up FWIW. But I'm under no illusions - I know I'm affected by marketing and societal pressures, despite being perhaps more aware of it than many due to my job.

No, Lass, the post you've quoted wasn't patronising. It was factual: someone said they hated it and assumed others did too but forced themselves to like it. They didn't say that in a mean or judgmental way. People do do things for fashion and beauty, it's why fashion and makeup exist, they're not for health reasons.

Yet somehow you've taken that very personally and openly attacked every woman who has said she felt she had to wear make up when she didn't want to. Why?!

Fine. I think the post about women "enduring" make- up was deeply insulting to women.

I'm fascinated at the way all this feminist analysis you (general you) go in for still apparently leaves so many of you incapable of deciding off your own bat that make up isn't for you. I find a lot of what is said extremely infantilising.

Lass you're either being deliberately rude or just stupidly obtuse there. Of course many people can "think for themselves". Whether they can stand up to consistent endless social pressure and norms is quite another question.

Are you immune to all social pressures and expectations then, Lass? If you are I think that's very lucky for you, and extremely unusual. Most of us are raised in such a thick fog of conditioned behaviours that it can take decades just to recognise that you're in fog, let alone to get out of it. It's not a question of being unable to think for oneself.

Well, that is regretful. The idea that a woman would feel pressured into wearing makeup that she felt uncomfortable in and that felt inauthentic for herisregrettable. Societally speaking

Are women really so incapable of thinking for themselves?

I had no idea either Erythronium - this thread made me google!

And, yeah, false nails I could definitely feel and hated with a passion the one time I tried them. Not worth it. At all.

The only makeup I can actually feel is lip gloss (which is why I don't wear any basically ever) and false lashes (which l do feel but not in a bothersome manner and would only ever wear when really piling it on for a special occasion).

I'd always assumed everyone else was the same - especially because I've sensitive skin and break out in hives from pretty much just looking into the general direction of e.g. most moisturisers. Of course, this has also meant that I'm very careful about what makeup I would even consider trying, never mind buy.

I can't feel make up once it's on but false nails are a massive pain in the arse.

Another here who cannot bear the feeling of makeup.

Although there is one time when I can wear masses of makeup and be totally at ease: when I'm acting. Up on a stage, performing a role, being someone else. Then makeup works for me.

I don't feel anything and am amazed by those saying they do, but it makes sense if you have sensitivities of any type. I feel more attractive wearing it knowing I'm wearing it if that makes sense, but I can't feel it. I also like applying it and getting that 'all done' feeling when it's just right.

Nail polish is even better- I love gel nails, so smooth, I end up stroking them all the time.

If it feels horrid or claggy, I like to think I wouldn't bother. I bought some Spanx a while back for a big speaking event, struggled to get them on, put on the outfit and promptly took them off again. So constricting.

Honestly, you know those moments where you end up blinking in surprise, I've had one of those with this thread.

I'm autistic and can't stand makeup on my face or nails - I tried so many expensive types after a boss literally told me I had to wear it, and sent me with a colleague on a lunch hour to buy some. This was way back before I was diagnosed but I just hated it.

I still force myself to wear some every day at work and just feel it all day on my face - yet another sensory thing I hadn't realised was weird.

I also assumed others just put up with it in exchange for how it made them look (no rudeness there, why wouldn't you do something that made you more socially liked and popular?)

No wonder so many people love it!