Is it non-feminist to wear make-up?

[jinglesticks]

My dad told me off for wearing make-up claiming it was wrong on feminist grounds,and I can kind of see what he means, but I don't want to because I like wearing make-up. It does uphold the notion that women are meant to be pretty and decorated for men. Plus it's an inequality in that men don't feel they have to wear make-up and spend time making themselves look better in this way, whereas women do. Also the cosmetic industry promotes feelings of inadequacy in women, because we don't all have perfect skin etc. I can also see why someone like my dad who helped fight sexism in the sixties only to be faced with the ridiculous post-feminism of the spice-girls encouraging us to celebrate our femininity via the means of fake eyelashes and knee-high boots would be annoyed at me wearing make-up.

So what do you think? I like to think that I wear make-up in a quirky, colourful way, expressing individuality rather than trying to look like a model. Am I just kidding myself?

indeed omni - they have quite differnt politcial implications. But raise it as make up isn't as 'straight forward' as it may first appear - hence me noting much further up that make up is not restricted a hetro-sexual dynamic.

I don't usually wear make up but if I ever do, I probably do it to fit in with other women. Have rarely come across a man who cared. Dh thinks I don't need it. Must book him in for an eye exam...

I don't wear any makeup, never have (I'm 29), I just never felt the need to do it. This doesn't seem to have stopped me getting a good education, wonderful partner and well-paid job (hated the job and quit in the end but that's another story...). Maybe I could have earned another 15% if I'd put some coloured paint on my face every morning, but I don't really see how that would work.

Anyway, I tend to feel they can keep their 15%, I don't need it and I don't want it on those terms.

And yes I do look tired or pale or unwell sometimes (if I am those things) and will no doubt look my age as I get a bit older. Sometimes men look tired or sick or old, and no one suggests that they should have to hide or be ashamed of these things. If the sight of my face repulses anyone so much, they are not obliged to look at me. I'm not covering up with makeup any more than I would with a veil.

Well said, Ephiny.

I never wear any make up either. I am not ashamed of my face, I have no reason to hide it. I like it just as it is. There is nothing wrong with looking tired on occasion, as you say. All human beings get tired. And so what if I look my age? We all get older.

Not that women can win by wearing make-up as they get older, they will get "mutton dressed as lamb" comments. So since in any case we can't win, why waste our money!

I don't care if other people around me wear make up, it's entirely up to them. It annoys me to be told that that's how things should be.

And lack of make-up didn't stop me from having a good job (I also quit!) and meeting my partner.

i wear make up and perfume because i want to.i love putting my make up on and squirt of perfume- makes me happy.

and make up doesn't need to be pat butcher

clinique, bobbi brown all do neutrals and understated look

I also don't have any problem with people wearing makeup if they like wearing it, none of my business what you do.

But I don't like it, and no way am I wearing it just to make men like me more or to ingratiate myself with an employer, and I'm certainly not going to feel obliged to paint a bright pretty smile on my face to save people from seeing a woman daring to look openly tired or sad or whatever I happen to be feeling. reminds me of those men who order you to smile in the street .

For me feminism is about having choices (and I know that my experience may not be the same as or align with the greater 'Feminism').

To me, it's about the choice to work (or not), get married (or not), keep my pregnancy (or not), etc.

For me makeup falls under that category. I want to be able to choose to wear it or not. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. Ideally I would like to neither be punished nor rewarded for it - and think men should have the same choice. I too like a bit of eyeliner on a man . I would be VERY angry if someone told me I was required to wear makeup or that I wasn't allowed. My face, my choice. (I understand women can make choices due to social pressure, but to me that is a reason to strive for greater culture change that allows women more freedom, not a reason to remove choices from women)

These days I usually wear makeup when I go out as an avoidance tactic. I know everyone gets tired etc and ought to be able to wear it, but honestly, I'm pg and I'm tired and ill (greenish-looking) ALL THE TIME, and I'm really, really weary of having to talk about it with nosy concerned people.