Feminism: chat
Knittingupastorm · 29/08/2021 20:35
Well, my DH doesn’t really like it so I don’t wear it for him, no. I don’t wear it often but when I do, it’s for me.
(He only doesn’t like it in a “prefers me without it” way similar to how I might say I prefer him clean shaven, he doesn’t dictate what I wear or anything)
saladcreamandegg · 29/08/2021 20:40
No. I long to wear bright red lipstick as I think it looks fabulous but I don't like my teeth so I don't wear it. That's all about me... nothing to do with men. The only thing my DH has ever said about lipstick is "HOW MUCH?!!" When I was with him and bought a lipstick and lipliner in MAC 😆
Xiaoxiong · 29/08/2021 20:47
I like it, my DH isn't a fan so I'm definitely not doing it for him! I like wearing a bold red lip, particularly at work, it makes me feel strong and confident - no idea why. I treat it like an accessory, like earrings or a scarf, add a red lip or a plum lip. I haven't worn it as much recently as lipsticks and masks don't mix!!
Elephantsparade · 29/08/2021 20:54
Its a strange question really. Im sure most women wear lipstick because they think it makes them look nice rather than to gratify men. But why women think lipstick makes them look nice is probably more complex and might include some impressing men elements aning lookung healthy, fitting in to a group etc
lazylinguist · 29/08/2021 21:01
I think it's arguable that make-up originated largely as a way of making yourself more attractive to the opposite sex, but once it became the norm for women to wear it, it became often more about just looking a bit 'better' than you look without it. More for yourself and for other women (because let's face it - other women are far more likely to notice, appreciate or be critical of your make-up than any man will).
I certainly have worn make-up (and outfits) in order to be attractive to men in the past (though I would say that was more for my gratification in feeling attractive to them). But I still wear make-up now, and I'm not interested in attracting any men!
Knittingupastorm · 29/08/2021 23:07
@Palmyra
Isn't that just conditioning? But in truth why do it?
What do you mean, why do it?
If you go down that route, why wear anything you think you look nice in? Is it always to attract a man.
Labracadabradoodle · 29/08/2021 23:21
Nope. But then, neither do I do anything else purely because a man will find it pleasant.
Make up should be worn because the wearer likes to do so, and not for any other reason.
I drink beer from a pint glass, wear trousers, have short hair... hopefully people can see past what colour my lips are. Its a bit sad if they can't.
LobsterNapkin · 30/08/2021 01:20
Not specifically, but I think it's pretty clear that the desire to "look attractive" as a species is related to the sexual impulse. By both sexes. Socially normative markers of attractiveness take on other roles though, and also we just become accustomed to them. So if lipstick were ubiquitous for women it might seem odd to the eye to see a woman not wearing it - she might look odd.
Palmyra · 30/08/2021 08:08
Why do you ask OP, what's your view?
I was people watching, when I saw a particular woman with very bright noticeable lipstick. That's when I suddenly thought "In the 21 century, what's the actual point of lipstick, why enhance your mouth?", unlike eye makeup which accentuates your eye colour (I assume), why are you accentuating your mouth. What is that communicating? That got me to thinking about its origins. Hence the question.
TrifleCat · 30/08/2021 08:52
If you were looking at it from an anthropology angle you could reason that we all (women and men) like to be viewed as beautiful/good-looking as this signifies confidence and success, so the reason people like to wear makeup at home/on their own is it makes them feel good because they are enhancing their looks even if just to themselves.
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