Written by Kimberly in: Makeup
21 Apr 2011Is it OK to not wear makeup to work? Hmmm… interesting question isn’t it? For me personally the answer is it’s definitely not OK to not wear makeup at work! It’s actually part of my job requirement, but that’s what happens when you work at a makeup counter! ![]()
So what about everyone else? Teachers? Office workers? Food service? Medical workers? Sales people? Is it okay if they don’t wear makeup? Well, honestly, the answer is of course it’s “okay”… no one would probably be that upset about it. However, you need to ask yourself exactly how you want to be perceived? How do you think your co-workers, customers/students/patients or boss would perceive you? Do you think they would say you’re the most professional? Unfortunately, it’s not always about your quality of work, but also about the image you portray.
When you take the time to put on a little makeup, it says you care. You care about being polished, professional and being the best YOU you can be. It says you’re detail oriented and are prepared for anything. I know it seems silly and perhaps even a bit shallow, but it’s true.
Please don’t misunderstand me, I’m not telling you to get all glammed up to go to work… in fact doing so could have a negative reaction as well! There is definitely a fine line! What I’m saying is a little lipstick and mascara can go a long way.
Ultimately this is something that every woman must decide for herself. If you’re not into wearing makeup, that’s totally fine, but I implore you to at least try out wearing a little and see what happens. How did others react? How did it make you feel??
So what do you think? Is it okay not to wear makeup? Be honest! How do YOU react when you see a sales person, or real estate agent, or food service person with out makeup. See! That’s all I’m saying! Everybody does it, it’s just human nature. It’s such an easy fix, too!
Here’s the bare minimum: Some sort of lip color (lipstick, gloss, or lip stain), A little cheek color, and at least mascara on the eyes. That’s it! You can totally do that!
Look girls, this is nothing new. I’ve talked about it before. People do judge you for how you look. It sucks, I know! But with a little effort you can change the way people perceive you. YOU have the power to do that! No one but you. Knowing that is half the battle, the other half is totally up to you. You can choose to take my advice and run with it and see what happens, or ignore me. Either way, I’m all about you feeling and looking your best ALL the time. ![]()
Good post, Kimberly! I definitely think everyone has to define their own rules but looking “put together” helps anyone be more successful in their career. When I worked outside or did grunt work it was mostly about sunscreen and minimal makeup but when I was a manager and a buyer it was about looking very professional and looking like the total package. I personally don’t go without since I have undereye circles and skimpy lashes!
Trina,
Thank you so much for your comment!
It’s true, everyone needs to make their own rules and decide what works best for them. Whether you’re wearing makeup or not, it’s about the total package, the image that you’re portraying and how you want others to perceive you. Makeup is just one of many tools that can help you fine tune your appearance.
You know, of course, that I almost always wear makeup to work – even if it is the bare minimum. In fact, co-workers notice when I don’t wear it and know that I’m not feeling well.
I personally don’t care if others wear it or not, but you are absolutely right about the judgments people receive – both good and bad.
A co-worker stopped wearing make-up over a year ago and just recently stepped up her wardrobe and wears a little make-up almost each day (I think our boss talked to her about projecting a professional image). The combination of the two has made a huge difference. Our boss is happy and the co-worker now gets regular compliments on how she looks, which makes her feel better too.
So, I wish the world wasn’t so judgmental, but I’m guilty of judging others too. I wear the make-up to make myself feel better. I like the way I look with it better.
Angela,
Thank you for the comment… I appreciate your honesty. I too wish the world wasn’t so judgemental.
Let me say for the record that you are gorgeous without makeup and have one of the most beautiful souls I have ever had the privilege of encountering. I’m so glad you get what I’m saying about doing what you need to do so you feel better about yourself. You don’t HAVE to do it, but it really does make a difference!
I actually disagree. People do judge you for the way you look and that’s what made me dysmorphic for awhile. The remedy is to realize that if people look down on you for not wearing makeup, THEY need to change, not you. Be comfortable in your own skin! I used to think, “I will be comfortable in my skin and stop wearing makeup…once I get my face perfect.” but you know what I realized? I’ll never be perfect, especially when I’m two inches from a mirror hating every tiny bump and loathing my overall appearance.
Sandy,
You’re absolutely right, you SHOULD be comfortable in your own skin! I would never want you to wear makeup if you didn’t want to. You need to do what’s right and comfortable for you. Do whatever makes you happy! No one is perfect, or ever will be, but a little makeup can go a long way in boosting some women’s self confidence in the areas that they dislike the most. For most people, when they feel more confident, they portray that to others. Wearing makeup’s not about loathing your appearance, it’s about enhancing your natural beauty and helping you to love the way you look.
Thanks so much for your comment!
I definitely do not think you have to wear makeup to look professional.
I do think in order to look professional, you need to take care with the image you are projecting, and makeup is one way to do that. I’ve chosen to focus on my hair and clothing, and although I sometimes enjoy a bit of makeup, it might only happen once a week. I’ve been told my my manager that she is particularly impressed with how professionally I present myself on a regular basis. So, I think I’m doing ok. Don’t get me wrong, I like to play with eyeliner and lipstick, and sometimes I just need that color. But most of the time, I feel just fine without.
Jennifer,
Thanks so much for your input!
Although I must admit I’m curious how your coworkers would react if you were to wear a little business appropriate makeup on a more daily basis. Would you get a positive response, or negative… or would you get a reaction at all? Hmmm….? Experiment time perhaps?
From the age of about sixteen until quite recently, I wore makeup every day. Concealer, foundation, mascara, liner, the works. Actually, it didn’t boost my confidence. I just felt even worse about the way I looked without it.
I dared myself a few weeks ago to go makeup free for a week. Shockingly? No one seems to react. No one minds. I don’t get people recoiling in horror from me. And I actually have a lot more confidence now.
… do you see where I’m coming from? I won’t wear makeup now. I think if my employer demanded it, I’d probably quit and find a better job. I just think it’s sad that we’re to the point where women’s natural faces are considered that unsightly.
Annabel,
First of all, thank you for your comment. Yes, I do see where you’re coming from, but I think you misunderstand where I’m coming from… I’m not saying that any employer has the right to demand you to wear makeup, or society for that matter, all I’m saying is it’s miraculous what a little makeup can do. I don’t think women need to use it to feel good about themselves, but I think it’s a wonderful tool to help enhance you’re natural beauty and play up you’re best features.
I think Jennifer should continue doing exactly what she’s doing, and I’m really glad she shared her perspective here. It sounds like she is very effectively projecting a professional image without make up. That this is difficult to relate to for those who feel inadequately presented without it (or are in the business of selling it, or making websites devoted to it) is irrelevant. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.