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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To do my make up in Pret?

272 replies

user1457213512 · 04/08/2017 07:55

I'm in Pret for my morning coffee. Didn't make the time to do my make up before I got the bus. Would I bu to do it here, discretely, in Pret? I was about to do so but then realised I've seen this classed as unreasonable on mm not before, and now I'm scared! Well not really, but if it's a massive faux paux I won't do it.

So as not to drip feed... All the benches outside in the high street are wet.

OP posts:
wildjim · 04/08/2017 10:12

I still don't understand why so many feel this shouldn't be done.

Please may someone who feels this way explain why.

("because it's tacky" is not an explanation!)

whippetwoman · 04/08/2017 10:13

I would just feel jealous that you are able to go about fresh faced. I am so haggard and knackered these days I wouldn't leave the house without makeup But being so knackered I doubt I would even notice you putting it on anyway...

EdmundCleverClogs · 04/08/2017 10:14

If I don't have time to put make up on I don't wear it.

How is it lacking standards to put makeup in anywhere but at home? The OP did have time to put it on, just not in her house. Really bizarre old fashioned ideas here, yet to see a good explanation as to why it's wrong to put on makeup in public.

NoLoveofMine · 04/08/2017 10:14

I'm amazed anyone's remotely bothered by it; why would you even give someone doing it a second glance? Unless you were very into make up and admiring/out of interest.

FreyaJade · 04/08/2017 10:16

I'm always reapplying my lipstick in cafes, the toilets are usually too in demand to do it in there, I wouldn't like to have to do other makeup in public though.

NoLoveofMine · 04/08/2017 10:16

whippetwoman you don't need make up. Only wear it if you love doing so, there's nothing wrong with any woman's face without it.

PitilessYank · 04/08/2017 10:19

I don't wear makeup but it wouldn't bother me at all to see someone applying makeup in public.

Genghi · 04/08/2017 10:20

Do it. Nobody will bat an eyelash. I often do my makeup on the train/tube, nobody cares (even in 1st class)

SunnySkiesSleepsintheMorning · 04/08/2017 10:21

YABU. I don't see why it's misogynistic to think it's not very nice to groom yourself in a place where people eat food. I'd feel the same way about a man applying his facial care routine or brushing his hair.

inkzooka · 04/08/2017 10:22

Why do people constantly equate things that aren't even related? God, it's makeup, not fucking shaving!

WhataHexIgotinto · 04/08/2017 10:23

Well until last week I would have said do what you like, but after being in Costa with a friend when the woman next to us did a full face of make up, from scratch, I would say no! Grin

Can't say it was enjoyable being dusted with loose powder and sprayed with setting spray as I was having my croissant. And I was late because I couldn't tear myself away from watching her put her false eyelashes on ...

Wh0Kn0wsWhereTheTimeGoes · 04/08/2017 10:23

Fine in the toilets, but not at the table, powder flies everywhere (even eye-shadow) and no one wants it in their food or coffee. No perfume spraying either.

user1497557435 · 04/08/2017 10:29

Yuck

EdmundCleverClogs · 04/08/2017 10:31

Fine in the toilets, but not at the table, powder flies everywhere (even eye-shadow) and no one wants it in their food or coffee. No perfume spraying either.

I completely agree with no perfume. However, a bit of makeup powder possibly flying over to you when you consider how many skin and other particles are already around you anyway in a public place - I know what's more disgusting in all honesty. Mugs that have been used a million times, dead skin, old food, flying spittle, coughs and sneezes, bacteria everywhere, makeup sounds quite tasty now!

FindoGask · 04/08/2017 10:32

I wouldn't do it, but I'm not offended by someone else putting make-up on. In fact I quite like watching women doing their make-up - there's a sort of methodical, ritual thing going on. It's not like you're clipping your toenails!

myusernamewastaken · 04/08/2017 10:35

I wish i had the confidence to do my make up in public but i dont even like my dh watching me applying it....ami the only woman who needs privacy to do her make up?

Cornettoninja · 04/08/2017 10:36

If you want to, do it (dare say you've made your decision by now though Grin)

For me I just don't like it. Not sure why, if there's no hair brushing or spraying then it's no skin off my nose really but it gets on my nerves.

I think it's the flagrant vanity of it all. I get the same irritation from people who eye themselves up in shop windows for an uncomfortable length of time or are forever preening. Male or female.

It's a snap judgement of a person based on a quality I don't find very endearing I suppose.

TwoDrifters · 04/08/2017 10:37

This is purely my own opinion (obviously), but putting on makeup just feels like something personal and private that I do for my own clean and smart presentation; like flossing my teeth or cleaning my nails, neither of which I would do in public, let alone in a place where others are eating and drinking.

If I have to cover up a spot, I really don't want other people seeing the facial contortions I pull in order to stretch my skin and make it smooth for the better application of foundation or the ridiculous open mouthed expression I usually make when doing mascara.

However, I recognise this is my personal issue! If/when I see others doing their makeup in public, I usually admire their insouciance.

LaurieMarlow · 04/08/2017 10:42

I think it's the flagrant vanity of it all

Another great example.

Women, remember that others place high value on your looks and there's pressure to look your best always , but you must never be seen to care about this yourself, to monitor your appearance overtly or to take any pleasure in it. Got that?

Genghi · 04/08/2017 10:43

So I presume the people judging women publically putting on make up, don't take change out of or into their often stinking shoes in public? They don't change their kids' nappies in a semi-public area? They don't bite their nails? They don't curse or drink alcohol to excess or snog their partners or do anything else that's inconsidered inappropriate in public? If so good on you you boring sods Grin

SizeSevenShoes · 04/08/2017 10:46

Just waiting for this thread to appear in The Fail.....

Slimthistime · 04/08/2017 10:48

OP if you're going to use the bathroom please leave the door open so anyone who actually needs the loo as a loo can come along and alert you that they need it!

SprinklesandIcecream · 04/08/2017 10:54

What an overreaction to make-up. Why is it tacky? Hmm

Do it OP! Those who have an issue with it, have no real reason. It doesn't affect them anyway so can't understand their issue with it.

ConstanceCraving · 04/08/2017 10:54

It wouldn't disgust me but I would think it were a bit unnecessary tbh and wonder why you weren't applying it in the toilets.

BecauseWeCanCanCan · 04/08/2017 10:55

What do people think about putting/retouching make up at your desk at work in an office? I do it most days before I come home - I find it quick and easy to do.