Just how bad is it to apply make-up at your desk? And what about cyclists getting changed and draping their kit all over the place?

[ChickenVindaloo]

Following on from the thread about eating breakfast at work, can we discuss applying make-up at your desk?

I have a complicated skin-care routine and like to have time for my various creams to sink in before applying make-up. I also find that I get sweaty on my commute (I'm unfit) or my make-up can be ruined by rain.

I get to work via a combination of very busy buses/car/walking. (On different days).

Does it matter if the office is open-plan or more private? Is it wrong to apply perfume? Most of my colleagues are other women, if that matters. Does it depend if it's full on contouring vs a bit of lipgloss?

Also, some folk cycle and change at work. The office then looks like a teenager's bedroom with clothes draped everywhere.

Many thanks for your thoughts!

Sadly I've never been able to sleep on public transport!

If quite a few staff cycle, companies could provide a drying cabinet if there's space for one. We've a couple of them where I work, so no smelly, wet Lycra draped around.

daisypond good idea - however in the law firm where I work they're stingy at best of times so luckily none of us cycle!

I have learned so much from watching women put their make up on on the train. It's fascinating. Left to myself I'd be a tinted moisturizer and lip gloss girl so I love to see other people's routines.

I haven't read the whole thread but I can't imagine most bosses would be thrilled about people sitting at their desk doing their make up on work time!

"venusinscorpio

I just want to point out to Poppy and Maraschino that I am lucky enough to have flawless skin and so I only put makeup on while on the train to piss people like that off smile"

I like to apply my cosmetics in the privacy of my bedroom and would absolutely loathe to think people were judging me for behaving inappropriately on public transport. In addition, people must think you are pretty disorganised generally - not to mention in your place of work - if you have to resort to applying make up in a public zone.
(I am guessing you probably also eat at your desk - if you have one.

Why wouldn't I have a desk, Poppy? Do I sound like a person who doesn't have a desk? How terrible.

I think the drying cabinet sounds like a great idea, for coats etc as well as cycling clothes.

poppy your 'views' on organisation or disorganisation are cracking me up...

ever thought of blogging about this or writing a book, like maybe etiquette??

have you indeed approached any of these slatterns putting on makeup on public transport - indeed taken it off them??!! perhaps you should do that.

It's case-by-case isn't it? and individual circumstances.

obv the difference between public and private space has to be observed.

I ride into work a lot, and fair distance, and am never shoving my clothes all over the place. Its just being a grown up and respectful of others

and never get why women adjusting/applying their make up on a train should annoy anyone. The dexterity is admirable.

putting on makeup on public transport really is NOT inappropriate - as far as I am aware there are no notices saying not to do this..

however there was an excellent campaign on London transport a few years back - to be more considerate eg not to eat smelly food, be considerate with headphones etc which on public transport... a few people blatantly flout these - I can HEAR your poxy music through your headphones you know. is this also inappropriate??!!

but why is it 'inappropriate'? It's nothing to do with anyone else surely?

I think doing it at work should be approached with caution - the lady I knew was in a minority of one and it did become an office joke, seeing her scurrying away with make up bag in hand after checking morning emails, if ever she was missing from her desk "oh probably brushing her teeth" etc etc so it did build up a picture of her being a bit disorganised/scatty.

"SatsukiKusakabe

I think doing it at work should be approached with caution - the lady I knew was in a minority of one and it did become an office joke, seeing her scurrying away with make up bag in hand after checking morning emails, if ever she was missing from her desk "oh probably brushing her teeth" etc etc so it did build up a picture of her being a bit disorganised/scatty."

Indeed...

Really? How weird. Everywhere I've worked lots of women put on or top up makeup in the loo. I don't need to because I've already done mine on the train, of course.

putting on makeup on public transport really is NOT inappropriate - as far as I am aware there are no notices saying not to do this..

good grief, are you one of those people? Do you really need a written list to clarify what is or isn't appropriate? It would be quicker to write what you can do if you are missing basic common sense and manners.

If you think you look cute, sexy or interesting by tarting up in public, I can assure you don't. (and women with flawless skin don't need to cover it up )

Oh, don't worry, you are not pissing me off. I find it highly entertaining in a cringy kind of way.

Yes, really. She used to do it mid morning, starting from scratch, spread all her kit out, it was always being remarked on. You could set your clock by her. Not just reapplying lipstick etc. Things get noticed if you're too indiscreet about it, is all I'm saying. She was always taken a bit less seriously.

Big law firm, but like a village.

Likewise, maraschino. But it's you I'm cringing for.

There are way worse things people can do on public transport than apply make up. Bags on seats, smelly food, playing loud music.

I'm not going to live my life worrying about whether random strangers are judging me or not. Life is way too short.

If you think you look cute, sexy or interesting by tarting up in public, I can assure you don't. - well isn't that ladened with judgement! tarting up?

and i'd slightly disagree with the not cute/sexy thing. I can assure you au contraire that a woman paying attention to her appearance does have a mildly attractive (almost 'sexy') frisson. Not that one stares, but an admiring glance now and then as progress is made is harmless, n'est-ce pas?

I will make a point of checking this out with my male hetro buddies! Am sure the response will be "don;t care about it - nothing to do with me" sort of thing.

Perfume in a small office is awful especially if it's a strong one and if you are clocked in on works time doing your make up isn't really on either.

I have an offender in my office except she reapplies it all again 15 minutes before she clocks out for lunch ... total piss take. Then as other colleagues are eating (split lunches) she sprays strong perfume before swanning out the office leaving us all to choke.. and despite being told continues to do it cause the boss is scared of her

is it that sex thing? Men don't care about it. Women keen to judge each other?

Men don't care about it.

totally untrue. I work mainly with men, and lost count of the morning rants against commuters and woman putting their make up on. I don't know why, I even end up defending our right to put make up on.

I never said it's wrong to wear make-up, some people here seem to need more than others. StrictlyPan I do get male admiring glance towards my legs, but I am pretty sure they woudn't be so admiring if I was doing my personal grooming in public! Same with your face, or your hair even.

venusinscorpio Likewise, maraschino. But it's you I'm cringing for.
Hahaha Someone is getting bitter.