Work makeup

[GirlinContempt]

For those of you that wear makeup to work, do you have a work 'look'? Any feelings on work makeup vs play makeup? Do you think there are any 'rules' of work makeup? Hell, do you even believe in the idea of day makeup vs night makeup?

Inquiring minds want to know your every thought.

[reyd reid reed]

1. I use very little makeup, whether I'm at work or not.

I don't really go out at night (I work nights, though), so 'play' isn't an issue (but I'm old, so.... :shrug: ). When I run around during the day, I rarely wear any makeup -- maybe a little bit of mascara. When I go to work, I usually add a little foundation and blusher. A little lip gloss before I leave the house and then again before I leave work (to avoid chapped lips) and that's that.

[GirlinContempt]

6. Sounds good

[MissMillie]

7. your work makeup is like mine

though I save mascara for evenings out.

[crim son]

2. Definitely.

Work makeup is minimal but I wouldn't go without because, sadly, one's physical appearance can be either a help or a hindrance at the workplace, socially & otherwise.

Minimal eye makeup, only light/no eyeshadow, one coat of mascara, basic eyeliner, neutral colors only. No glitter or sparkles; no foundation (I'd never wear that stuff anyway), a small amt. of blush just so you don't look as dead as you often feel. Lip gloss as opposed to lipstick. IOW, the makeup that looks like you aren't wearing any. Play makeup is going to have more to do with what's fashionable: right now, way more eye makeup, for example - everything is more dramatic because play often takes place in dim lighting where the effect of the cosmetics is softened.

:eyes: I guess I've thought about this.

[GirlinContempt]

4. I've thought about it too

:)

[La Lioness Priyanka]

3. i hardly wear any makeup to work...if i do its generally in natural shades

for nights i like a lot of glitter and brighter eyeshadows etc

[GirlinContempt]

5. Cool

:)

[La Lioness Priyanka]

8. whats your make up preferences?

i also have been trying to wear less often in general especially during the day.

[GirlinContempt]

12. Fairly neutral

taupe, browns, this great mascara that looks really natural, a really neutral lip (but I do that anyway)

I like makeup, but I personally think that fun makeup is mostly for home. One girl comes in with spiderella lashes, and every time I see her it makes me look twice.

[1gobluedem]

9. I'm from the school of thought that the point of makeup is to look as though you aren't wearing any

And I strive for that. My eyelashes are blonde so I have to use mascara if I want them to be seen but I use it very lightly; also neutral eye shadow, light foundation, and light blush. That's my look for virtually everything; I might heighten the eye shadow a bit for a dressy occasion but I can't stand lipstick. Fortunately, my lips have a lot of natural color.

I don't care for the overdone makeup look with huge black rims around the eyes and overly bright lipstick. I prefer a more natural look.

[fudge stripe cookays]

11. I'm with you!

I had a guy I worked with years ago at a record store ask me "how I did it."

"How I do what?"

"I know you have to be wearing makeup, but it doesn't look like it. My girlfriend just piles on the makeup and looks like a clown. I keep trying to tell her she looks prettier without it."

Score one for us natural girls! I use black eyeliner, but cover it with neutral shadow so it's not as harsh.

[Critters2]

39. I agree. I was at a meeting yesterday with a bunch of women lawyers

(I'm on a community committee on juvenile justice issues). They were all wearing so much makeup! Especially around the eyes. It was so obvious, and didn't strike me as really very attractive. Also, several of 'em were wearing really short skirts--you know, the kind where they were clearly not comfortable, but kept tugging at 'em. I felt really under-dressed and under-made-up, in my minimal powder makeup, blush and no eye makeup; and my slacks and sweater. But I also wondered what the point of wearing makeup that looks like, well, makeup, and uncomfortable clothes is.

Another moment when I realize what an old school marm I really am.

[fudge stripe cookays]

10. Same ole same ole.

I've gotten so I don't differentiate much. Unless we're going out for a really special dinner or something.

My only real must haves are liquid eyeliner and coverup undereyes and for flaws. My eyes are invisible without liner, and pencil doesn't stay on at all. I frighten small children when my eyes aren't lined. I also use a nice subtle granite colored shadow. My eyes are hazel, so they don't need much in the way of color. Just definition.

[GirlinContempt]

13. Have you tried Ben Nye liners?

[fudge stripe cookays]

14. No. What are they like?

Are they pencil or liquid? Can I get them at Shoppers after I move up?

[achtung_circus]

15. My dear girl

you can get ANYTHING at


No, I'm not a shill.
The "my dear girl" thing was sarcastic only, not demeaning.
Oops, I say sarcastic like it's a good thing.
Just shut now AC.

[fudge stripe cookays]

19. No worries!

Loves me some Shoppers. I went in the one at the mall downtown in E'ton (we stayed at the Delta there- not recommended!)

I wanted to move in! They had everything! That's kind of the way Drug Emporium was down here in the 80s. But they are long gone. :-(

Now if Target would just start moving into Canada....

[GirlinContempt]

16. They aren't available at Shoppers

they're pro stage makeup. they're all I use. It *is* a pencil, but if you wanted to try one I'd be more than happy to send you one :)
Where are you moving to?

[fudge stripe cookays]

17. Hoping...

to get to Alberta fairly soon. That's where reprehensor is originally from. And I am SICK SICK SICK of Texas. Also can't stand the heat here anymore. Plus, most of our friends are in Calgary, and family is west of E'ton.

Thanks for the offer-- I just don't like pencil. It doesn't feel right, and I must have exceptional amounts of oil on my lids. NOTHING stays there. Nothing.

[GirlinContempt]

18. Ah. Ben Nye is just great

because it's really soft, and it's meant to go on and stay on under hot lights and stuff. :)

[GirlinContempt]

20. They do a liquid too, though

[fudge stripe cookays]

21. Aha. Well that changes things.

What are the prices like? Cuz I have no problem with Revlon or whoever I happen to find when I'm out. I only found one I really didn't like, and that was just because of the shape of the applicator.

[GirlinContempt]

27. pretty cheap...

C $10.95 for .38 oz
It's great stuff

What didn't you like about the applicator?

[fudge stripe cookays]

29. I can't even remember what brand it was...

But the brush wasn't stiff enough so I got it all over my eyelid. I like a nice slim, firm brush...it doesn't give me too thick and nasty of a line.

:-)

[ChickMagic]

23. You mean the Venus Envy Puncture Pencils?

I use a mineral powder day or night and that's it. Ever.

[GirlinContempt]

28. Huh?

[ChickMagic]

31. Old Firesign Theater routine

That's what they called eyeliner. :)

[GirlinContempt]

32. Ah

whizbang over my head

[Raffi Ella]

22. I love makeup!

For work I like to look polished.I do a corally red semi sheer lipstick,a bit of pinky coral blush,muted golden beige and brown shadows/brown eyeliner on top lashline and then I sweep translucent powder to set it all(I have oily skin)and finish w/ a brownblack mascara.Sounds like a lot but it's all very light and natural looking.

I recently started using this face cream that has a bit of self tanner in it;it's evened out my skin to the point of not needing foundation anymore.

In my free time I experiment with different looks.Nothing outrageous just different eyeliner colors,lipstick/gloss shades or heavier application of eye shadow/mascara.

[Shell Beau]

24. For work I go natural looking!

If I am going out, I may play it up some with my eyes (smoky eyes)!! But it really doesn't matter how I do my makeup for work!

[Coyote_Bandit]

25. I rarely

wear any makeup at all. I have sensitive skin. All the makeup I have ever used has irritated it to a greater or lesser extent - even that recommended by my dermatologist.

I have thought of getting permanent makeup. I doubt that I will though. Too many possible complications - not the least of which is that it is permanent.

[I Have A Dream]

26. I have permanent eyeliner. It's wonderful! However, it does fade...

so I've had to go back to have it re-applied. Where I go, it costs less when you get it touched up. After about a year, I get it touched up. The negative though is that you can't give blood for a year :(, so I try to give right before I get my makeup re-applied.

[Coyote_Bandit]

33. I am partially sighted in one eye

The thought of having work done around my eyes freaks me out. Always has. I even have difficulty with the blue light thingy in the optometrists office. Recently, they have started using a thingy that uses a small puff of air which is a tremendous improvement.

Maybe I should just opt for permanent laser hair removal. Was talking to someone last week who had already had her upper lip and underarms done. She was getting ready to go in and have her legs done. I'm sooooo jealous. Imagine never having to shave or wax ever again.

[Shell Beau]

35. Have you tried Bare Escentuals?

I hear it is very good for sensitive skin!!

[Coyote_Bandit]

37. Yes I have

Even though it was not on my dermatologist recommended list. Family member who lives in Southern California sent me some to try. Not terrible. Not great. Better than many and something I can use sparingly. I don't think it does quite as good for me as the Arbonne line - and even it irritates my skin if I use it every day. I used to work in an office where formal business attire was required. I felt obligated to try and wear makeup everyday. I would switch back and forth between different cosmetic lines. It helped a little bit. I am so glad I don't work there anymore - for many reasons.

[Critters2]

40. I've recently started using Arbonne, when a parishioner began

selling it. I like it, though it's a bit expensive. I was going to suggest it, but I see you've tried it. I like that the whole company is vegan, but mostly, I just find the makeup works for me. But I don't have particularly sensitive skin.

[BluePatriot]

30. I usually wear

only powder and lipstick. They treat me like I'm invisible anyway so why the hell bother with anything else?

[idgiehkt]

34. yes

there is a difference, mostly due to lighting in day vs. night. I live in the southern U.S. though where the motto about makeup is 'pile it on'. I was in the grocery store yesterday and saw a woman with so much make up on it looked like you could have done an archeological dig on her face. She looked like Charlie McCarthy or something; it reminded me that back in the 80's when I was a teen that's how everyone was, big hair and big makeup. Now I rarely ever wear it except for special occasions.

[Critters2]

36. I wear the same makeup every day

and not really much of it. I have terrible dark circles under my eyes, which are the main reason I wear any makeup at all. I use a concealer to cover those. That makes me look washed out, so I need a little blush to give me some color. And I wear a foundation to even out my skin tone, but mostly for the sunscreen effect. I have very fair skin (my mother always called it "porcelain", and said she envied my skin), and want to protect it from any more sun damage, so I use a makeup that's also a sunscreen.

So, that's it...concealer, powder foundation, blush. I don't like eye makeup, it bothers me all day long, makes me want to rub my eyes. So, I do without.

But I have become one of those women who absolutely will not leave the house without makeup. I swore, when I was younger, that I wouldn't wear makeup. Now I won't do without it.

[WindRavenX]

38. this is a great thread because I normally wear 0 makeup but I know I will once I get a job

So I'm kinda clueless here--but this thread has been very informing :)

[asthmaticeog]

41. I rarely wear any when I go out, but at work...

...it's Juggalo, all the way. You down wi' tha clown, beeyotch?

[GirlinContempt]

42. Stop that

:P

[WritingIsMyReligion]

43. Hardly ever wear any make-up at all.

It messes with my look, yo. Plus my self-confidence is such that I always feel like a little mincing whore when I wear make-up.

:P

[fladonkey]

44. I wear make-up whenever....

I am going anywhere. My skin is very uneven. I usually wear foundation, eyeliner, neutral eyeshadow, mascara, blush, and lipstick. For evening, more shadow.

[fladonkey]

45. I wear make-up whenever....

I am going anywhere. My skin is very uneven. I usually wear foundation, eyeliner, neutral eyeshadow, mascara, blush, and lipstick. For evening, more shadow.

[Nikia]

46. I am not allowed to wear make up to work

That is official company policy. Of course there are older women who wear make up to work who seem to get away with it. I am in a postion though where I have to set a good example. Even if I could wear make up to work though, I don't think that I would. It is bad enough being the only woman under 40 there. I feel that it would undermind my image there.

[kariatari]

47. For work - definitely neutral/natural colors...but do whatever you want for play!

[ForrestGump]

48. Work makeup:

black waterproof mascara on my eyelashes and to touch up, as needed, hairline and (especially) sideburns. I've previously favored Avon -- I decided on it after some online research and got good prices on bulk mascara on eBay -- but various Maybelline types seem to have better sticking power. I also sometimes use it on my eyebrows, basically just to keep errant hairs in check (I used to use a clear mascara for that, but I ran out). Mascara is excellent as a touch-up for color on the sideburns -- the roots begin to be visible within a day or two after dying (Miss Clairol 51D Black Velvet, the same one used by Elvis) there -- and they also thicken the look up.

I use moisturizer on my face (Jergens Soft Glow, or something like that, with a light tanner included), use other moisturizing lotion there and elsewhere (in addition tot he Jergens stuff, I've taken a liking to Aveeno), have before used various bronzers (mostly Banan Boat brand...I don't really like that stuff, though), and I use Dove mousse (just lately) and lots and lots of hairspray (including Aqua Rock -- what the female impersonator who advised me on hairspray calls Aqua Net -- but my favorite now is Salon Grafix freezing hair spray). I never used to use any of this stuff, or use a hair dryer, but my job forces me to prettify each day and do at least something to look after my skin as never before. I just discovered the magic of concealer (excellent for when shaving irritates my face really badly, as it sometimes does -- before it's forced me to skip work) and I may try to figure out how to use full makeup (a base and powder) for special occasions.

Yes, you'll see me shopping in the cosmetics department. And not for a girlfriend, or anyone like that. Don't hate me because I'm beautiful.


:D

I wear more mascara, when my hairline and sideburns need attention, than any female...even Tammy Faye. :o

Elvis was a brave man. he wore mascara throughout his career, but in the early '50s not only was he walking around crewcut Memphis with long hair and pink clothing but he got his hair done at a beauty salon and not only wore mascara but wore eye shadow. And the '80s hair metal bands thought they started all that? No wonder he got in so many fights...