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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

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

263 replies

RevoltingPeasant · 05/04/2013 13:39

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?

OP posts:
MissBeehivingUnderTheMistletoe · 05/04/2013 21:02

Oh we haven't had a really good bunfight since it all went a bit funny over the BH weekend. It must be time for another one

Salmotrutta · 05/04/2013 21:03

I don't think I've been horrible, snide or patronising.

I certainly didnt intend to be and I don't think I have.

Salmotrutta · 05/04/2013 21:04

I kind of object to being told I'm being horrible, snide and patronising though.

tigerdriverII · 05/04/2013 21:07

Can I get in with an "ahem" before Olivia does?

BlondeLuxLisbon · 05/04/2013 21:07

You've come across as patronising to me in the way that you addressed me.

And I think the do you find slap offensive comment was a bit snide.

Horrible? No you've not been horrible.

But you might have not been snide or patronising, it's just how I've personally perceived it.

Either way it's not nice to be on the receiving end of it Sad

ivanapoo · 05/04/2013 21:09

I look prettier and more defined when I have make up on (in my opinion) so I feel better about myself as a result. I don't wear it every day but I wish I could be bothered to - my skin is very patchy and I'm so fair it looks like I don't have eyelashes without any mascara.

It also makes me feel more mature, somehow - I wouldn't go to a business meeting without any on.

I have a few colleagues with good skin and dark hair and tbh I think they look better without make up (and they rarely wear it).

VinegarDrinker · 05/04/2013 21:09

The "slap" comment is what people are getting their knickers in a twist about?! I thought I must have missed something earlier in the thread.

Righty ho

MrsDoomsPatterson · 05/04/2013 21:09

These make up threads always go the same way: Even the contemplation of a juicy tube & you're fucked. Automatically a vain thicko who has a tide mark everyone sniggers at, oh yeah and you're orange because you're totally incapable of matching your skintone to a bottle of foundation.

So predictable.

Sunnywithshowers · 05/04/2013 21:10

YANBU. I used to commute and put make up on in the loos when I got there. I forgot to put any on one day and no-one noticed - it was a revelation :) So now I only put on make up when I want to.

And as has been said above, I shouldn't need make up to be taken seriously just because I'm a woman.

Salmotrutta · 05/04/2013 21:10

Well, we'll just have to agree to disagree.

I'm off. I don't like being accused.

jinsymaw · 05/04/2013 21:11

Salmotrutta, ignore. You have you're opinions and they have theirs. If they are to be rude to you, turn the other goddam cheek and let rip. for fox' s glacier mints we were only chatting
about make up and anyone who is sane knows that a 'bit of slap' enhances everyone's natural beauty.

Salmotrutta · 05/04/2013 21:11

That was to Blonde and Lily by the way.

Salmotrutta · 05/04/2013 21:12

I know that jinsy but I'm offended actually.

VinegarDrinker · 05/04/2013 21:13

I really do think I am reading a different thread to everyone else.

Where is the supposed anti make up hatred?!

Original poster
RevoltingPeasant · 05/04/2013 21:13

MrsDoom I actually put on my make up this morning whilst listening to R4. Do I get a special prize? :)

OP posts:
JollyPurpleGiant · 05/04/2013 21:14

I'm actually pretty distressed at the suggestion that people don't wear make up in order to appear more masculine and to compete more effectively in a male-dominated environment.

That is absolutely not the case for me. I'm just me! I don't wear make up because I don't like wearing make up. My job is male dominated but I have never had any hurdles put in my way because I am female, therefore I have no urge to appear more masculine... or more feminine. I'm just me!

MrsDoomsPatterson · 05/04/2013 21:14

Yes, you get a Womens' Hour Widget. Wear it with pride.

forehead · 05/04/2013 21:14

I am in the legal profession.
I too love makeup and wear it every day.
The problem is that some women don't know how
to apply makeup and therefore end up looking like
'clowns.
But I truly believe that most women do look much better
with a little bit of slap on, particularly when they are over
a certain age.
BTW, I have great skin , but enjoy wearing makeup.

Original poster
RevoltingPeasant · 05/04/2013 21:15

Vinegar I dunno, I didn't think this would make everyone so testy!! salmo you aren't horrible/ being horrible.

OP posts:
usualsuspect · 05/04/2013 21:16

Ignore them Salmo, some weird posters about today.

Original poster
RevoltingPeasant · 05/04/2013 21:16

jolly goodness I didn't mean everyone who doesn't wear make up!!!! I was speaking from my own profession and just rambling. I often don't wear make up when I don't have time or feel stressed. I can go for weeks without it before going back to my standard 'look'.

OP posts:
Salmotrutta · 05/04/2013 21:17
Confused
BlondeLuxLisbon · 05/04/2013 21:17

salmo you aren't horrible/ being horrible

I said that she is not horrible.

I also did explain to you why I found what you said offensive, so I'm quite taken aback that you said I hadn't bothered to explain myself.

You have singled me out 3 times now too.

VinegarDrinker · 05/04/2013 21:18

Surely the number of people saying most/all women would look better in make up and they don't understand why everyone doesn't wear it is more offensive (if you happen to be on the hunt to take offense at something)?

It's make up people, not world peace
Wear it if it makes you happy
Judge me for not wearing it if you must

tourdefrance · 05/04/2013 21:18

Well I never used to wear make up at work or home but have recently started wearing it at work. I work in a corporate male dominated (80% male) environment and noticed that the senior women do wear make up. I have also started wearing more skirts and it definitely makes a difference. I hate it and feel like a doll and take it off as soon as I get home.