Should Women Be Required to Wear Make-Up?
Ranked #278 in Culture & Society, #6,566 overall
Do Women Have To Wear Make-Up To Be Socially Acceptable?
A woman who goes out without cosmetics on her face is viewed as "letting herself go" or "not taking care in her appearance" in our culture. A woman who goes to a job interview with a face free of makeup is seen as sloppy. A woman in America can legally be fired for failure to wear makeup.
While many women claim wearing make-up makes them feel good about themselves, I think they wouldn't feel bad about themselves make-up free if our culture didn't pressure them to wear make-up in the first place.
I also think that it's mostly women who put pressure on women to wear make-up rather than men preferring women to wear cosmetics.
What do you think?
photo by Loleia, SXC
Contents at a Glance
My Experience with this Crazy Idea
Why should I wear make-up if I don't want to?
At one place of employment here in West Michigan I was approached by my employer and taken aside. She told me that I needed to take care of my appearance to fit with the shop's image.I had no idea what she meant. I showered daily, ironed my clothes, brushed and flossed, and kept my hair neatly styled and groomed. I said as much to her. She seemed angry that she had to explain but she told me she meant make-up. She insisted on at least eyeliner and lipstick when I rebelled at the idea of foundation. No way was I going to use foundation! And at the time, I had the most lovely skin. It's still pretty nice, but back then it was (aside from two small scars, one by my eye and one in my eyebrow) flawless. I can't imagine why she even suggested it! Why should I wear make-up if I don't even feel I need make-up?
I've never since had anyone tell me I had to wear make-up to keep a job but I've had some pretty heavy handed hints come my way at two other places of employment since. But not too long ago, I came across a few stories of women terminated from their jobs due to refusal to wear make-up. Their stories inspired me to write this page.
Should I Wear Makeup?
Should you wear makeup? Shouldn't it be up to us?
What's Your Opinion? Is It OK To Require Women To Wear Make-Up?
Please, no swearing in comments, Squidoo is a family friendly website.
Do You Think Women Should Be Required To Wear Make-up For Work?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, absolutely.
Dani says:
If there not going to pay for you to buy make up, dont wear it!
Posted February 22, 2012
aron says:
blame the women who spend 2 hours doing hair and makeup every morning they raised the standard lol....
Posted February 14, 2012
daniela says:
yes they look more presentable unless your a gym teacher just put on mascara anda touch of eyeliner but no lipstick
Posted January 29, 2012
Sarah says:
Your employer has the right to tell you how they expect you to dress and appear in their business. They can dictate what color nail polish you use, how long your nails are allowed to be, and what colors you can dye your hair. Scientific studies also show that well-applied, modest make-up makes women look more TRUSTWORTHY, COMPETENT, and CONFIDENT than their bare-faced counterparts. That is the image any employer should want their employees to present. When you step into a place of employment, you accept the dress code they expect - cosmetics included.
Posted January 02, 2012
kim says:
If it looks good wear it!
Posted December 31, 2011
Jane says:
Just get tinted moisturizer, chapstick at the least, you don't have to wear the whole typical things to be wearing makeup. I find most women that don't wear makeup also don't invest in products that help moisturize, protect, or prevent their skin from getting skin cancer, sun exposure, aging.
Posted October 30, 2011
Tiffany 2 Hott says:
you should have to wear makeup anytime you go out in public where its a social gathering or work, etc. i know some women who do not wear any at all and you can totally tell...their skin looks so unclear like they havent washed their face in weeks. i just want to throw a face cloth at them. these women really need to step up and conform to society. without the make up and heels and diets and everything else that is pressured onto us, they arent going to get anywhere in life.
Posted October 09, 2011
Ben says:
Yes, because our society isn't obsessed enough with superficiality, the self-esteems of teenage girls aren't low enough, and women aren't mean enough to each other.
Posted October 06, 2011
Cat says:
Make up should be used with skill and knowledge. It is not meant to make a woman look like she's wearing a mask, just enhance some features and hide imperfections. Some women don't need makeup, and have perfect skin, others do, because without it they look sick and unhealthy.
Work is about often image and your appearance makes people feel good, Why scare them with an unhealthy washed out face?
So that said, make is subtle, and don't purchase products that test on animals, or contain dangerous ingredients.
Posted August 25, 2011
Imma Hypocrite says:
Has anyone noticed that the majority of recent "yes" votes are all from anonymous users? ;) The only ones that come from logged-in identities are those with clever posts.
Most survey results that claim that ~80% of women wear makeup, and another ~80% dye their hair. It's no wonder that conventional women feel threatened by the exoticism of women who do not alter their appearances. In fact, I believe that taking the time to keep your skin healthy and beautiful naturally (proper diet, exercise) obviously requires more work (confidence, restraint, knowledge) than even the most detailed cosmetic beauty routine.
Posted August 21, 2011
Cinnamonbite says:
I haven't worn make-up in years for 2 reasons. 1) it never made me a stunning beauty and 2) in defiance to the poor customer service I get when I don't wear make-up. Yes, other women absolutely do not like it when you thwart society. I punish them by being a functional human without make-up anyway and since they MUST do SOMETHING with me, as a customer, even if it's the very worst they can manage, it sticks in their craw. So, yes, I think it should be required so I can have even more power over the masses.
Posted June 20, 2011
nadjaiskeniskie says:
Everyone should be required to wear make-up. Pets should have to as well. We need more fake in the world.
Posted May 17, 2011
Brittany says:
You shouldn't wear make-up if u don't want to just because someone is telling you to, they are not the boss of you and you should just ignore them and I hate girls that pressure other girls to wear make-up!
Posted July 28, 2010
Your boss says:
If you cannot put an effort into your appearance, how can I be sure that you put an effort into your work as well?
Posted June 13, 2010
Shawna says:
Makeup shouldn't be required for all jobs, but women need to understand how much more seriously they will be taken if they conform to society's concept of beauty. If you feel beautiful in a baggie shirt and boxers at home, more power to you, but in the professional world you must conform to that standards that society has. If you can't deal with that reality, get a job in a more casual environment. No matter how "beautiful" you feel with purple hair, or how comfortable some men feel with large beards, the place for those attitudes is in more liberal career paths, not the corporate world.
Also.. Amber, wtf are you talking about? Please explain to me how lipstick fades our natural lip color? Do moisturizers fade my natural skin color? How about tinted moisturizers? Does eye shadow fade my eyelids too? Please think about how stupid that sounds...
Posted May 21, 2010
Reality says:
Grooming should be a personal chioce but.....
I have a question for all of the "I do what I want" people:
If you were my boss, would you want me to show up for an important meeting with a 3 day old scruffy beard?
We all have to dress and groom to help our businesses look sharp. Men and women ARE different and have different grooming standards. That's life. I don't like shaving every day. If you don't like to groom then there are plenty of low end jobs waiting.
Posted March 04, 2010
Sue says:
Yes, please ladies, you look awful and plain if you don't wear makeup. A little eyeshadow, mascara, lip color and cheek color. Would it kill you to take an interest in yourself? I work with several women who don't wear any makeup what-so-ever....they are ugly. Just saying!!
Posted February 24, 2010
No way!
Danielle says:
Society is messed up. there. I said it. Honestly, we were not born with makeup on our faces, why should we worry about spending four hours applying needless chemicals to our faces only to risk severe acne and eye infections? Trust me, I'm a woman. I've been through the worst of wearing makeup, whch led me to my decision four months ago to go makeup free. We are all beautiful as we are, and it should be the choice of the woman whether she wants to apply makeup or not.
Posted February 20, 2012
Gabrielle Elaine Biggs says:
I have been debating about whether or not to wear makeup since I was old enough to wear makeup. Now, I am almost twenty years old and go on and off with wearing it.
On one hand, I love playing with color and love people staring at me! HAHA! That may sound awful, but I love it. My boyfriend always gets upset because I like other guys staring at me. They do when I do not have makeup on as well, but more girls and men with a 'glamorous' taste stare at me when I look like I just stepped out of a run way.
Then again, I do not want to set a bad example for other women by appearing to be 'a product of society', a 'Barbie Doll', or-as my Mother so bluntly told me-'fake'.
Once in a blue moon when I start wearing makeup again for a few weeks or a month, I feel like I look ugly without makeup on even though I have been told my whole like that I am beautiful.
Is this my sexuality or insecurity talking? Thanks!
Posted February 17, 2012
ZCademy says:
I don't think makeup should be a requirement (except for jobs where looking attractive is part of the job description, as in a model), but I do think women, myself included, should understand the social consequences of not wearing makeup. Whether we like it or not, it's sometimes important to go along.
Posted February 14, 2012
ADU YAW GYAMFI says:
no, ubeen natural is the best. women should please pretending.
Posted February 14, 2012
Tammy says:
TO REAILTY SAYS: THAT'S YOUR POINT OF VIEW, BUT EVEN WITHOUT MAKEUP, GET THE MEANING OF THEM TWO WORDS? I GUESS NOT. BUT ANYWAY YOU DON'T HAVE TO LOOK SCRUFFY YOU CAN BE BEAUTIFUL WITHOUT. MAKEUP AGES YOU, CLOGS YOUR PORES, GIVES YOU WRINKLES AND MAKES YOU LOOK LIKE A WHORE. BUT IF THAT'S WHAT YOU PREFER THEN SO BE IT. WOULD YOU PUT MAKEUP ON YOUR 5 YEAR OLD EVERYDAY OR TELL HER SHES UGLY GO PUT SOME MAKE UP ON. YOUR SKIN IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT HONEY. BUT IF YOU LIKE SHIT THEN WEAR IT YOUR CHOICE. BUT IN YEARS TO COME YOU BE LOOKING AT ALL THOSE BEAUTIFUL WOMAN THAT DIDN'T WEAR IT AND SAY GEEZ THEY LOOK YOUNG HOW COME I'M OLD? MAKEUP IS FOR THE DEAD DARLIN. ALOT OF MEN IN THIS WORLD WOULD ASK YOU TO TAKE YOUR FAKE FACE OFF AND BE NATURAL.
Posted February 13, 2012
Tammy says:
people try to be yourself not someone your not. let your skin breathe . if god wanted us to wear makeup we would of came with it. you don't have a clue whats in makeup only want you read and those so called models tell you. i dont care if you like or dont like my comments but people if you think your ugly without its because you been wearing it to long. buy garbage bags that will cover you up.
Posted February 13, 2012
Tammy says:
drink water makes your skin clear, quit greasey foods, change your pillow cases everynight, don't forget chocolate and clean your face thats all you need. if you want garbage on your face there's a garbage dump rub your face in it if thats what you want. my man says if he wanted to eat makeup he buy some. but you know what if a person don't like mt face without the garbage then their jealous because i look better than them .
Posted February 13, 2012
Tammy says:
for employers i think they know where they can go when they start telling me to wear makeup.
Posted February 13, 2012
Tammy says:
clear skin is the best and i think people only want you to wear it because they want you just as ugly as them
Posted February 13, 2012
Tammy says:
you will look 90 years old when your only 20
Posted February 13, 2012
Tammy says:
no i think make up when you wear it just as well to wear garbage bags
Posted February 13, 2012
Octavia says:
Mandating something like this into law or the workforce would be ludicrous. Anyone who said yes has no concept of reality or respects their freedom.
Posted February 12, 2012
Jessy says:
No, makeup actually makes you ugly! I saw this sales girl once who had a lot of makeup on, she looked hideous. The next time I saw her, she didn't have any makeup on and she looked really beautiful! As they say, simplicity is best.
Posted February 11, 2012
meryl says:
I don't think women should be required to wear makeup at work. However, you have to remember that in most places it is your privilege to work there not your right. If your employer thinks that make up is part of what comprises a professional polished look- and that is the message they want their company to convey- than make up you must wear. You just have to find a way to do it your own way. It's almost like a uniform if they choose it to be. You have to make the best of it.
Posted February 08, 2012
Simon says:
I am a genderqueer male that wore makeup every day in the office for two years. I wore it because I wanted to: it was part of my asthetic, and my gender identity. Never once was it a problem. Forcing someone to mimic someone else's idea of what they should and shouldn't look like is disgusting
Posted February 05, 2012
MaryStuart says:
With the possible exception of fashion models, actresses, and others whose job description is tied in directly to their appearance, I say "rubbish!" - and most especially if those same rules are not uniformly applied to men. So long as you are clean and professionally attired, whatever your gender, that should be sufficient for most everyday professional workplace settings. I am so sick of the superficial Hollywood culture, where physical appearance is valued to the exclusion of pretty much everything else, that has long infiltrated and dumbed down our society. What will some employers dictate next for women? Botox? Plastic surgery?
Posted February 04, 2012
Black Chic says:
I wear makeup because it gives me confident. However, I don't wear much makeup only some foundation and eyeliner. And no, women shouldn't be required to wear makeup because I used to not wear makeup. Sometimes I still don't. And it is good to let your skin breath and not wearing makeup doesn't mean that you are ugly. You just choose not to wear makeup. I believe that you should only wear makeup on special occassions because wearing too much makeup is not good for your skin.
Posted January 31, 2012
Alex says:
Of course not! Are men required to wear makeup? No. So why should women be? It's sexist to say that women should have to hide their "imperfections" in order to look professional. As long as you dress nicely and are hygienic, there is absolutely no need for makeup. It's fake.
Posted January 29, 2012
Sandra says:
no I am twenty and never wear make up yet I get compliments on my beauty constantly. I have worked many jobs and have never had anyone make comments about my need for make up but in fact the idea that women should be more comfortable with themselves.
Posted January 29, 2012
Requiring Women To Wear Make-Up Is Sexual Discrimination And Serves No Real Purpose
If you agree, add links (proof!) that help me make my case against forcing women to wear makeup in the workplace
Only clowns and actors should be required to wear make-up in their workplaces - anything else is sexual discrimination. Add a link that makes my case.
10 reasons to go without make-up - Times Online
Here we are again: the annual summer no-make-up ma more...3 points
Sex Discrimination for a Legitimate Business Purpose is Policy
PR: Ninth Circuit Upholds Harrahs Policy Requiring more...0 points
Ladies, If It Were Socially Acceptable, Would You Go Without Make-Up?
Women Should Wear Make-Up And It's Fine To Require Them To
Put your money where your mouth is and show us why.
Post links that point out why you think this is so.
Why You Should Wear Makeup
Why You Should Wear Makeup0 points
Why Do Women Wear Makeup?
"Why do women wear makeup?" is one of the most popular searches people make regarding make-up. Clearly, plenty of people don't even understand why women wear makeup so it's bizarre so many women still feel forced to wear makeup.
Men, Do You Prefer Women to Wear Make-Up?
Books about Safe, Sane, and Cruelty Free Make-Up
Quotes From Some Men About Women Wearing Make-Up
"Make-up might make you look better, but it tastes AWFUL!"
"I don't think woman should put so much stress on wearing make-up... be happy with yourself.. you are beautiful."
"Why do women wear makeup, anyway?"
Was this Page about Wearing Makeup in the Workplace Interesting or Helpful?
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How Do You Feel About Make-Up?
Should women wear makeup because they are made to feel they have to?
Is make up necessary for women? Or is it socially acceptable to face the world with a clean face?
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etremity
Feb 20, 2012 @ 6:19 pm | delete
- Interesting topic (:
For more on What women want
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Ron
Jan 18, 2012 @ 8:50 pm | delete
- I have no complaint if a woman uses a touch of makeup to cover a zit or a blemish. My real gripe is the horrible way women paint the environment of their eyes. Blondes should never have black eyelashes, and even brunettes shouldn't use eye-liner or phony eyelashes (which makes their eyelashes look like the thick woolly legs of a black centipede, or something revoltingly insect-like. Why look like a side-show freak and fancy you look beautiful?
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canoz
Jan 18, 2012 @ 7:58 am | delete
- I have never used makeup and I feel quite happy with my avatar (which by the way was taken by my husband). I don't feel plain, pale or blah! I loved the comment that someone mentioned about having good skin from the inside out and having to work at it a little more. I personally love the look of an ageing woman, like my mom, with greying hair and a peaceful smiling demeanour. Much better than clogged wrinkles, perms and blue rinse. I read a readers digest article once about a woman who logged 2 profiles on a dating site... one all made up and the other completely natural (make up, hair etc). Guess which one got the most hits?! By far!
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skiesgreen
Jan 15, 2012 @ 6:15 pm | delete
- It appears that I might have been here before but forgot to rate it. You have done a wonderful subject here and I am with you all the way. *Blessed* and featured on Blessed by Skiesgreen 2012. Hugs
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Tipi
Jan 15, 2012 @ 5:56 pm | delete
- Every time I see your avatar with your beautiful skin I think of this lens and wonder about your experience....may we appreciate natural beauty....returning with a blessing.
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About Kylyssa
Should I Wear Makeup to a Job Interview?
I'd suggest wearing a moderate amount of carefully applied makeup to any job interviews. I don't agree that women need make-up to be acceptable but chances are, your interviewer just might.
by Kylyssa
I am a "retired" florist turned freelance writer. I enjoy cooking, keeping saltwater fish, and baking fun cakes. I have had some unusual life-experien... more »
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