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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to not wear makeup to work?

477 replies

TheSunflower · 31/10/2018 06:15

I am starting a graduate job in January. I don't normally wear makeup. Am I sabotaging myself if I do not wear makeup?

Or should I wear makeup?

It is a corporate job.

OP posts:
Languageofkindness · 31/10/2018 06:21

I’ve never worn it in my 20 year career (last 10 years at senior management level) and it has never been problematic for me.

GreatDuckCookery6211 · 31/10/2018 06:22

As long as you're well groomed ie clean hair, face and nails etc then no I don't think you need to wear make up. Although I think tinted moisturiser gives a fresh look without being too heavy.

Aquamarine1029 · 31/10/2018 06:22

Personally, I would. You'll look far more polished and professional. It doesn't take much to make yourself look loads more put together. A BB cream to brighten your skin, under eye concealer for dark circles, a flattering blush for some colour and a bit of mascara and lip gloss works wonders.

BetterEatCheese · 31/10/2018 06:25

Nope, don't wear it if you're not comfortable: I wish more women were brave enough not to. My mum never has and I brought up not thinking it was a big deal at all. I now only wear a little mascara

IamtheMistressofmyFate · 31/10/2018 06:27

Aquamarine - would you advise a male colleague to brighten their skin and wear a flattering blush in order to look more professional?

OpinionCat · 31/10/2018 06:28

I do but only because I don't feel comfortable without. Although, when I have a tan and my eyelashes done (individuals) then I sometimes don't wear makeup.

It depends how comfortable you feel to be honest.

Believeitornot · 31/10/2018 06:28

I know plenty of senior women in my profession who never wear make up!

Just be presentable.

phlebasconsidered · 31/10/2018 06:28

Bollocks do you. I hate all this "but it looks professional" crap. No, it looks like make up.

I wear lip balm in the Winter. My extremely professional head doesn't bother. My extremely professional colleagues either do or don't bother. We do all look clean and presentable. That's all that is needed.

We wouldn't expect men to go through the rigamarole of altering their looks every morning.

Don't bother if you don't want to. My skin at almost 50 is great - partly , I suspect, because I have never worn make up or bothered with a fancy cleaning routine apart from water and soap!

BadderWerewolf · 31/10/2018 06:29

I agree with Aquamarine1029 it's 5 minutes to do (tinted moisturizer, mascara, blush, lip) and definitely gives a more polished and professional look.

IamtheMistressofmyFate · 31/10/2018 06:31

Why did we start calling blusher blush?

Winegumaddict · 31/10/2018 06:31

Do if you want or don't if you want. Yes to looking presentable so neat hair, clean nails etc. But I would say the same to anyone wanting to look professional. Good luck

phlebasconsidered · 31/10/2018 06:31

Yeah. 5 minutes longer in bed and not giving a toss about blusher is my preference!

OliviaBenson · 31/10/2018 06:36

I've never worn make up to work and it's done me no harm. Be yourself!

HunterHearstHelmsley · 31/10/2018 06:38

Don't wear it if you don't want to.

Don't start wearing it then stop. That seems to cause issues Confused

SocksRock · 31/10/2018 06:40

Senior professional role here, not worn makeup in 20 years at work. Don’t wear it if you don’t want to, as long as you are clean and neat.

AwkwardSquad · 31/10/2018 06:41

Be yourself. Clean and groomed, definitely, but I don’t think you need to start wearing makeup if you don’t already. There are plenty of senior women where I work who don’t, although it’s public sector so the culture may be different.

I started wearing makeup as a teenager to cover up bad skin and then lacked confidence to go out without it. I regret that.

Donthugmeimscared · 31/10/2018 06:41

I've never worn makeup in my life and as long as you are well groomed it doesn't matter.

noworklifebalance · 31/10/2018 06:43

As long as you look well kempt it doesn't matter whether you wear make up or not.
Make up does not = looking professional.

PyeWackets · 31/10/2018 06:44

So much about wearing make up isn't a choice is it, society has decided women look more professional with it, more put together, but only women. Just another extra thing we have to do that chaos don't.

bluetongue · 31/10/2018 06:44

I only wear it to work if my skin breaks out or otherwise if I have a few spare minutes in the morning. Luckily I have dark lashes and eyebrows so it’s not as though I look washed out if I don’t wear it.

Oysterbabe · 31/10/2018 06:44

I don't wear it, I can't be arsed.

user1494050295 · 31/10/2018 06:45

See what others do when you start. If it's banking/law I would suggest some minimal make up when you start

WhatToDoAboutWailmerGoneRogue · 31/10/2018 06:45

I’m a manager and I’ve never worn make up in my life. If the company is the sort to want their women wearing make up in order to “look professional”, you shouldn’t want to work for them anyway.

Isleepinahedgefund · 31/10/2018 06:45

I like wearing makeup, but I definitely don't think you need to wear it anywhere. If you're not comfortable wearing it then don't! It's certainly not a requirement.

Oysterbabe · 31/10/2018 06:45

I do tint my eyelashes and brows slightly darker though as I'm blond. That takes 15 minutes once a month.