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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To wonder what possess someone to apply their make up on the train?

156 replies

Bearbehind · 04/03/2015 20:26

Is that extra 5 minutes in bed really worth it when you have to apply your make up on the train?

Woman opposite me on the train proceeded to empty half of Boots onto the table and put her make up on.

The funniest bit was the lipstick application- I've never seen someone make a perfect 'O' with their move to put on Lipton- could help thinking of those dodgy blow up dolls!

Who is actually so unphased by it they they can do it?

OP posts:
Choccyhobnob · 05/03/2015 14:35

I don't really see the problem unless powder is flying everywhere. I don't do it very often, only if I've really overslept. I'll always do the foundation and powder at home before I leave as that takes seconds then save the intricate eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara for the train! Think I've only done it a handful of times in 9 years though.

ZoomZoomToTheMoon · 05/03/2015 14:50

I like it when people do it, and I like doing it. I'd maybe not do a full-blown, night-out face involving loads of foundation, mascara, dramatic lips etc because that does take time and a steady hand. But I will do a basic concealer/powder (v oily skin), lip gloss, eyeshadow and eyebrows – either if I haven't had time at home, or just before arrival if I'm meeting someone.

It's something I never saw as a child, my mum wore very little make-up and was very po-faced about it. It's a thing I discovered as an adult and it makes me feel part of a fun club, so when I see a woman doing it I just think "Ooh I love her eye colour!" etc. (Or a man for that matter. Love a man in make-up)

MsMarvel · 05/03/2015 15:12

I do this. It gives me an extra 20 mins in bed.

Although that's only if I do it at all. Sometimes my hour on the train is better spent by having a snooze. This is happening more and more and I've just been going to work make up free.

Don't see the issue Tbh.

squoosh · 05/03/2015 15:22

I love watching people apply their makeup on public transport. I find it so relaxing to spy on them as they do it.

mildlyacquiescent · 05/03/2015 15:34

I don't think that being unfazed by what other people may or may not be thinking about you at silly o'clock in the morning is antisocial. Confused Seems very sensible to me.

Especially as it seems that most people are relaxed about this and very few people do get their tits in a tangle about it, if you take this thread as a sample.

spidey66 · 05/03/2015 16:34

I once sat next to someone on a crowded tube putting nail varnish on. It stank. I was sooo tempted to accidently on purpose nudge her and spill it.

keepsmiling2015 · 05/03/2015 16:52

Really? It's so not a big deal. I've done it plenty of times. Extra lie in, pass some time on the train happy days. Why would it bother you.

mswibble · 05/03/2015 17:02

I've often got on the train and had a sneaky look in my compact to discover that I looked like Aunt Sally, cue me hastily trying to diffuse my overzealous blusher application. Happened alot in winter when I had to rely on stupid 'daylight' lamps at home. Or that my mascara has smudged to buggery and I have black streaks across my brow bone (oh the hardship of having long lashes!).

OllyBJolly · 05/03/2015 17:04

I do it, but I'm of an age where it hardly makes a difference. I love watching younger women do it and just how fabulously they manage perfect eyeliner, and beautiful shading. I do sometimes want to lean over and say "DON'T" when they get the eyebrow pencil out and start drawing big thick lines over their brows...

I was sitting on the London tube once and the lady opposite me took out a razor and trimmed her eyebrows, and then ran the razor over her shins.... That was a step far for me.

iwantgin · 05/03/2015 17:18

I'd rather someone was applying make up than munching on a stinky hot pasty. Now that is anti social.

Jengnr · 05/03/2015 17:59

Meh it's make up. If I had a commute I would do it. Effective time management innit?

airedailleurs · 05/03/2015 18:18

I find it fascinating to watch women do this as I use very minimal make-up, in fact I use it as a tutorial...

mildlyacquiescent · 05/03/2015 18:21

I always reapply my makeup after scarfing down a pasty on the train. :)

dazedandconfused73 · 06/03/2015 23:52

Can't imagine NOT doing this - would never get the chance at home!

mayfridaycomequickly · 07/03/2015 00:14

I sometimes do - I'd rather spend the time reading though. I nearly bought a foundation brush today though as a girl on my train was using one the other day and her foundation was flawless!

VoyageOfDad · 07/03/2015 00:26

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

itsbetterthanabox · 07/03/2015 00:29

I used to do my makeup on the bus everyday. I didn't knock anyone or get makeup on them so can't think why they would care.
It saves an extra 10 mins and I'm just sitting on the bus anyway. I use a hand mirror but I can do it without a mirror too.
People who have issue with this it is due to sexist reasons that they think women should look a certain way for them and like to pretend there is w facade that women look like that all the time

53Dragon · 07/03/2015 00:29

YABU
I couldn't care less if someone wants to put their make up on. Whereas eating a stinky burger or making a loud 'important sounding' phone call pisses me right off.

ScrambledEggAndToast · 07/03/2015 07:20

I've got nothing against anyone else doing it but wouldn't do it myself as I'd feel too self conscious. Plus if I couldn't get a seat and it was standing room only then I probably wouldn't be able to do it anyway.

SnowBells · 07/03/2015 07:51

Don't do this myself, but seriously...

Sitting on a train = idle time

You might as well be productive.

SnowBells · 07/03/2015 08:02

And to those who think putting on makeup on a train is antisocial- you've gotta be kidding me. Are you meant to socialise on the train?

I am guessing you never had to deal with real antisocial behaviouron the train? Like drunk people?

BabyDubsEverywhere · 07/03/2015 08:11

I rarely put makeup on at home, unless its for a night out, seems a total waste of time.

In the morning on the bus, the train, in DHs car if he is dropping me off, in friends car if we are going in together... I don't wear much, powder and eye make up mainly and I use applicators so no dirty hands before or after!

Can't see why anyone would care if I am honest.

FaktiskErJegIkkeEnNerd · 07/03/2015 08:34

ollybolly, wow, shock at witnessing a woman run a bic over her shins! that's too much.

I don't 'care' Babydubs, but if it's on public transport it's like being forced to witness something private. it's putting other people in an intimate zone with ou whether they want that or not.

LadyFlumpalot · 07/03/2015 08:38

I do mine on the train. However, I will only do it if I get a pair of seats to myself or am on one of the big tables. Otherwise I feel it is too close and could possibly make the poor person squished in next to me uncomfortable.

Disclaimer - I live in the arse end of nowhere so my train is quiet.

FickleByNurture · 07/03/2015 08:41

This morning we are off to see grand-PiL. I have a 6 mile cycle ride to the train station. You bet I'll be putting on makeup and doing hair on the train because doing it before is a total waste of time. I'd also rather not take up the train's disabled loo(they don't have normal ones) just to make myself look pretty.