Why do you wear make up?

[clarequilty]

Just that, really.

[HalfSpamHalfBrisket]

Because I have very deep set eyes and unless I use concealer I get asked if I am unwell.
Because I'm getting loads of hormone related zits, and having had lovely clear skin before, I cover them up as they make sad.

[fieldfare]

Most days I just wear tinted moisturiser, mascara and some rose lip balm but then I'm running around with children and not in a customer facing role anymore.
When I had to be suited and booted for work I was a lot more highly groomed.
I wear make-up (whatever amount) because I like how I look with it. But I also like how I look when I've not got any on, as long as I've had enough sleep and drunk enough water!

[dexter73]

I like the way it makes me look.

[Naebother]

It makes me look better.

[SuckAtRelationships]

To enhance my good features (eyes). No reason really. I am definitely not on the hunt for a man or anything.

[FamiliesShareGerms]

Like other posters, it covers up the bad bits (bad skin, dark circles) and enhances the good bits (long eyelashes, but fair without mascara). That's about the sum of it!

[CoTananat]

I don't wear it but I'm starting to get interested in the whole idea. Is there a good thread on S&B where I can go to learn? Like the bra threads?

(I've never found a foundation that remotely matched the colour of my skin, which is a really strange pink. )

[SundaySimmons]

Primarily to make my skin look better. Mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow opens my eyes. Lipstick plumps my lips and blusher enhances my cheekbones.

I do not go out without wearing make up. Never. Even if my house was on fire I would stop to put it on!

[BaronessTeapot]

On some days I wear make up and style my hair.

On other days I don't wear make up and my hair goes in a scrunchie.

It just depends how I feel.

[Sallystyle]

So I don't look like I am surviving on very little sleep.

I have been told I resemble a heroin addict without eye makeup

[Eliza22]

When I was in my 20's I was fascinated by the power of transformation. My mum always told people my sister was the pretty one (she was, too) but I had "something about me". When I started wearing makeup regularly in my early 20's, just basic stuff, not like 14 yr olds do today, I suddenly "became" pretty and as a former Tom boy, I loved it! I loved playing with it.... I'm still drawn to the counters like a kid in a sweet shop. The packaging, the colours and textures. Like jewels.

In my 30's I wore it to hide my lack of sleep. (Kids)
In my 40's, to hide the massive stress of divorce
I'm 51 next month and now, I wear it because I feel tired without it and "together" with it on. I can honestly, honestly say, that I wear it for ME. Not my husband or society or to fit in.

[DameDoom]

Good make-up ( not necessarily expensive though) is so transformative and it gives me a massive confidence boost. I look washed out and so much older without it - am happy to go bare-faced at the weekend at home but I haven't left the house or answered the door without some level of make-up since I was about 15 - am 41 now. I really enjoy products and my mum started me on an excellent skincare routine at 12 so all this stuff is second nature. I don't wear a great deal and veer towards the youthifying glowy look. My colleague never wears it and believes it to be rather vain and a bit of a foolish frippery - can't help but think she is missing out on something rather fun.

[VenusRising]

I wear make up so people don't keep asking me if I'm alright, and do I need to sit down

I can look a bit haggard without it, but a touch of mascara and liner and I think I look better.
A swipe of bronzed around and about makes me look warmer, iykwim!

[ZacharyQuack]

I wear makeup to justify the amount of money I spend on it.

[runningforthebusinheels]

Because I'm so amazingly pale without being an English rose that I have to. My face is just blank otherwise - but simply add some foundation, eyebrow pencil, eyeshadow, a tiny bit of eyeliner, mascara and lipstick and I look fine. I never look overmade up, but without makeup I look pale and wan. And 60. (I'm 42).

[Remotecontrolduck]

Because I love the way it looks.

Simple as that really.

[Monty27]

Foundation to cover my skin tone which is not naice, mascara to make me look awake, and bright red lipstick to make me look glam :) but probably fails

Don't wear a lot more. I spend about 2 mins doing it. A bit longer if I'm going out to a party or something and I may even try to put a bit of eyeshadow on.

:)

[tigerdriverII]

It looks good. I like it. I want to.

Most days I don't wear it. This summer I have as I have a bit of a tan and a nice even tan looks so much nicer than a blodgy old fizz hog.

[runningforthebusinheels]

Btw:

[Monty27]

BRILLIANT! Bit like me but not the eyeliner and only occasionally blusher.

Why do I wear make up OP? Cos I'm worth it!

[Monty27]

Sorry that was in response to Running's link. Thanks for that. :)

[msshapelybottom]

I only wear eye make up, eyeliner and mascara, or nude eyeshadow shades and mascara. I just like how it enhances the way my eyes look...not totally different, just...more IYKWIM?

I used to wear a lot of purple eyeliner (green eyes) but now I prefer a more natural look.

Hate foundation, concealer, blusher and lipstick though. I'm happy to go about with blotchy skin but don't take my mascara away!

[LynetteScavo]

It makes me look less dead.

I don't wear much, especially if I have a tan, but I wouldn't throw away my makeup bag.

[LaurieFairyCake]

It protects my skin. Make up provides a barrier between you and pollutants.

Some make up is actively good for the skin like mineral make up.

I look 10 years younger than my actual age from having worn make up since my late teens.