To think a woman can look professional and presentable at work without make-up?

[RevoltingPeasant]

I have been pondering this recently, as a new convert to the Style & Beauty forum.

I go through stages with make-up, where sometimes I can't be bothered for weeks and then I wear the whole shebang every day for ages. I don't think 'looking professional' depends on make-up: I would say neat slacks and blouse with understated jewelry and a generally 'on-task' manner counts as a professional appearance.

But I have noticed quite a lot of people who feel they have to wear make-up for work. Is this so in your workplace? Would you care if you were interviewing for a post and a female candidate was bare-faced? AIBU to think you can look totally professional without paint?

.......I say that because I have heard older men in the profession make snidey comments about 'well put together' women, along the lines of 'hope she doesn't fall over in those heels' etc. I wondered if in some male-dominated environments, women who were exposed to hardcore versions of those attitudes might present themselves accordingly.

But that was just a random speculation and not to do with your average non-make-upper!

you don't need make-up. I like to wear some but I know a lot of women who never do and they look professional. I think the trick is that your hair has to be well done.

Some people look worse with make-up because of their colouring. I have a friend who is flaxen haired and she really can't wear anything, even mascara without it looking unnatural and obvious in an unfortunate way. She looks lovely without since she has great skin.

Urgh, I take offence at my own misspelling of offence

tiger that's not a bad start Olivia does a great big fat shouty

Can I say that for the record I AM NOT OFFENDED

This thread's gone odd.

blonde look let's not fight, honest :) I didn't find your first response fully clear so just wanted clarification, wasn't digging. My comment to salmo above was because she seemed to feel she was being got at. It wasn't directed at you. I'm not trying to single you out, I just responded to you at first. Not picking - really!

Blonde and Lily only joined MN today, Just saying....

Oh it's just you seemed to really want a fight from me when you posted -

Blonde you really seem to have been riled by my OP for some reason. I know this is AIBU, but this was a rather 'musing' thread than 'outraged'.

After singling me out twice before that.

I work in a professional environment and I wear make up every day. Some of my female colleagues don't wear any but they come to work looking smart, clean and with tidy hair and look every bit as professional as me. I would find it odd if they started turning up wearing it to be honest just as they'd think I was ill if I stopped.

I enjoy wearing make up, it enhances my features, makes me feel more feminine and attractive and good about myself. However what I can't abide is those that apply with a trowel and wear three pairs of false eyelashes just to pop to Spar.

Anyway back to the thread.

I'm leaving it alone now - said all I needed to say but usual crosses the line by calling me a troll.

blonde no no no! I apologised after that. Maybe you didn't see :) I wasn't trying to fight but you seemed to have got the wrong end of the stick to what I was saying, so I kept trying to explain.

I am naturally quite pacific honest. And look, people do respond to others here, it doesn't mean they're singling them out. It's starting a convo, is all.

Thanks for the apology Revolting

Maybe I was slightly more riled at the assumptions made on the thread than the actual OP - so I apologise to you too.

But after being called a troll, I find theres no point contributing to this thread.

So enjoy it as it's an interesting debate.

Ah, this is nice

I think it really depends on the environment you are working in.
As a professional working in the automotive industry, wearing make up and being 'pretty' has one very big draw back. People (read men) tend to not to take me as seriously as when I don't wear make up.

High heels, skirt etc are just out tbh. You can't round a factory dressed like this and then expect people to listen to you and take you seriously. and tbh this is just not practical in that environment either

Peace and love, people

My problem is that people don't take me seriously because I look young. This doesn't usually last long, but if it's someone I only have occasional contact with then it can carry on for a while. Particularly if they are an older male.

Jolly yes, that. When I first started working in my profession I was about 26. I once ran into a student and her mum in town and the student introduced me.

Mum 'You're very young aren't you?'

It's really not a compliment, is it.

Goodness me. Anyone would think this is a benefits bashing thread. Chillax, ladeeez

We often have Benefit bashing threads in S & B. Lots of posters think it's overpriced shite

Exactly. And obviously nothing to do with how professional my hair/clothes look. It is only based on age.

I do occasionally wear a slightly low cut top to some of those meetings though. I find the old blokes sometimes lose their train of thought when faced with the faintest hint of breast. Serves them right for dismissing my opinion every time I say anything. Even if they then do what I suggested but pass it off as their own idea.

jolly. Are you me?

Miss! - I love Benefit. I am now hugely offended as you clearly mean to imply I am a slag with more money than taste actually I have neither.

Jolly you want to start minuting those meetings. They will think you are being a good traditional girlie by offering, but in fact, you will record all their ideas as your own...

Just thinking, boring erse that i am I, that in the wild it' s the males who have the bright feathers and make the big displays in order to woo the female into courtship. Yet in humans, you have to get out there and colour your human plumes, lashes and boots.

Revolting

Erase paste is ver' good