I recently saw an article on Jezebel.com titled “Men Hate Makeup” And Other Annoying Myths.
The article cited this story in the UK Daily Mail. I find this topic so interesting, because personally, I couldn’t imagine always being bare-faced. Not only does makeup enhance my apperance and features, it also makes me feel good.
But when it really comes down to it, I will admit that if I had flawless skin with absolutely no visible pores, blemishes, redness, patchiness, etc…then I wouldn’t need to wear (face) makeup at least. I guess many women agree with me, because the Daily Mail article cited skin problems as the main reason women wear makeup saying “many women also admitted they weren’t happy with their skin condition.” Here’s an excerpt:
So it would appear that women are wearing makeup to hide bad skin, not simply to impress the opposite sex. If women felt more confident that their skin was in good condition they wouldn’t need to wear so much make-up to cover up.
I can totally understand and relate to this. If women had near-flawless skin, foundation wouldn’t be necessary at all. Unfortunately, for many of us, even those who take very good care of their skin, “near perfect” skin will never be possible- but if you’ve achieved it without genetic blessings, please enlighten us all in the comments below how you did it!
Kate Bosworth with a very natural makeup look
Model Brooklyn Decker with natural-looking makeup
VS Model Marisa Miller with a little bit of a heavier/evening look
Actress Leighton Meester with smokey eyes and an otherwise nude face
Katie Price (AKA “Jordan”) with her trademark dark tan and heavy makeup
Now- to get to the part about men. I totally agree with the author on Jezebel when she says (excerpt:)
I’ll just say it once: men don’t “hate” makeup. Men don’t know what makeup looks like. Maybe they don’t like Tammy Faye Baker maquillage, but guess what: neither do we. It’s like my saying, “I hate hair products on men” because of DJ Pauly D’s dubious coiffure. The notion of cosmetics becomes problematic when people feel unworthy without them, when a woman feels a need to hide or disguise or change. But by the same token, it’s a very unfair standard to demand that women be “naturally” beautiful – as beautiful as a youthful princess gifted in the cradle – without their aid.
I think men don’t understand makeup unless it’s very very wrong. Makeup faux-pas that made the top 10 most hated by men list include:
1. Lipstick on teeth
2. Too much blusher
3. Thick foundation
4. Panda eyes
5. Clumpy mascara
6. Bright lipstick
7. Foundation tide mark around the jaw-line
8. Bright blue eyeshadow
9. Penciled-in eyebrows
10. Amy Winehouse-style eyeliner flicks
I’m going to go off on a tangent here, but has anyone noticed how immaculatly made-up all of the Kardashian women are on “Keeping up with the Kardashians” ? Most of the women sport smokey eyes, even during the day. I think they all look gorgeous, and I’m sure it’s for TV, but sometimes the makeup seems a little overwhelming for the day. But gosh, Kim’s makeup especially is always so flawless. I also notice they all wear very heavy blush. While that can look severe on most people, I think it suits them.
Ok, back to the subject at hand- men and makeup. I’ve talked to my husband about this before. He sees me put on makeup and knows I wear it…yet he always says he can’t really tell. Like I said, men are clueless unless it’s done wrong- I think men actually like makeup on women but only if it is applied in a way that enhances, not masks your apperance.
Usually women spend an hour or more prepping for a date and your husband or boyfriend or date will tell you how amazing/sexy/beautiful you look. It’s because you are at your best- polished, styled, features enhanced. It makes sense.
Like the author said, men don’t hate makeup, they just hate obvious, heavily applied makeup. I have talked to women before whos husbands or boyfriends refused to “allow” them to wear makeup. I find that a bit disturbing, but that is neither here nor there.
So tell me- how do YOU think men think about makeup? Has your boyfriend/spouse/partner ever said anything about how much makeup you or any other female wears?
Also- please tell me which celebrities you think wear too much makeup on a regular basis…and which celebrities get it just right? (for me it’s Jennifer Aniston, Kate Beckinsale, Rachel Bilson, Jennifer Garner…)
Share your thoughts, feelings and opinions on ANY aspect of this topic below!
xoxo,
Veronika.
A of all, I'd like to see a man try to forbid me to do anything, much less wear makeup. B of all, there's a difference between makeup, and crazy. What men don't like is crazy. They figure if there's dysfunction on your face, there's dysfunction in your head. Makeup is fine, but, like all things, in moderation. As a performer, I wear stage makeup a lot, which is more over the top. My boyfriend gets it, but doesn't always like it. Everyday makeup, he doesn't mind at all. Except when he's being impatient and wants to get going, haha. I agree with you. We'd all like to look amazing without makeup, but it was invented for a reason. It helps. That, and we like it. I think as long as it's not ridiculous, and makes you feel pretty and pampered, then I say right on. These articles are all about headlines. Women want to read an article titled "Men Hate Makeup", because they're thinking, wait, why? Not "Men Hate Makeup that looks like butt" because then they're thinking, well, DUH!
I wear make-up everyday, I feel naked without it. I feel put together when my hair is done and my make-up is on. I vary the amount depending on what my plans are (i.e. am I going out, or am I going to work). I work as a waitress so sometimes I find it hard to find the balance between good amount or not enough make-up. I want to look my best, but running around is not always pleasant for me and what I wear.
I think as a person who works with the public (in any field not just waitressing) it's important to look your best, to look put together. If my husband ever tried to tell me what to wear for make-up I honestly would laugh in his face (but that's just me).
I think where men are concerned, they like to know you took the time to look nice for them, you put that extra effort in. There's a difference between sexy/natural and looking like your make-up came straight of out the junior high.
I'm so glad you posted that picture of Kate Bosworth. She's definitely one of my girl crushes, in both fashion and beauty! LOVELY!
As for makeup – my opinion is simple. I wear it for me. So I don't care at all what men or my husband thinks! =)
I wear makeup everyday and the only time my boyfriend has ever commented negatively was when I had very little lighting and ended up with two big streaks on my cheeks for blush (lol)! He likes the makeup that I wear because, as you said, it's not over-done. In fact, one time I asked him if he thought I wore too much and he said he thought it was tasteful and pretty. Men don't hate makeup, they hate when it's not done tastefully or correctly.
I haven't worn makeup on a daily basis in a while…mainly because I wake up so early to go to work and don't have the time to do it…of course that is because I give myself no time to get ready. My fiance lets me know when he likes my makeup. I can tell by his reactions when I'm wearing something how he feels about it. Usually its a good response, I don't really overdo makeup. I only know how to apply minimal makeup. I'm not good with doing the smoky look or anything of that nature.
My fave celeb makeup would be: Jennifer Aniston, Natalie Portman, Katherine Heigl
Worst: Kellie Pickler, Christina Aguilera, Lady Gaga(although its for her performance so maybe thats ok), Amy Winehouse.
I've never really worn make up. I will wear mascara and a lip color if I'm going out. But other than that I don't.
I also have been blessed with "good" skin. My husband said when he realized I didn't wear make-up it was plesant suprise . His last girlfriend wore a lot and leaving the house was a production. He loves that I can just walk out the door fresh faced and go.
I've also been told by several men that they worry about hugging their wives/girlfriends and getting a face print on their clothing.
I will say that I am in awe of women who know their way around make up. It's almost an art form in itself.
anon- you are very lucky to have great skin. I think most women do wish we could leave the house "fresh faced" but for many of us, that's just not possible, or desireable.
Hmmm, well I guess I'm in a fiesty mood, but I'm going to be honest here. The pictures you posted are all heavily air brushed so I don't think those are accurate depictions of women with minimal make up. Next, and I don't mean this harshly though I'm sure it will come off this way, but do you truly believe that your husband can't tell the difference when you do and don't wear make up or do you think he's just saying that to be sweet? I imagine its to be sweet b/c in my opinion, you wear quite a lot of make up (though not in the sense that Tammy Faye does). I'm just saying…your blog focuses on the beauty products you buy and you then you post pictures of your make up on your face…so, ehhh, seems like an odd comment for your hubby to make! I think you are a super sweet girl and I can see why you have a lot of followers…but before I started reading your blog, I had no idea that people cared THIS much about having a 1/4 inch cut off their hair or having 4 eyeshadow colors on at once and blending them just perfectly and looking high and low for a certain nail polish color. To each their own though…I'm in to baking and even blog about it and I'm sure half of your followers would think THAT is silly! Take care!
I have to agree with Annabelle… of course men can tell, even when it's natural. I've been told by many guys that they can tell I don't wear makeup and its a nice change.
Guys will tell you they don't care either way because most of them are nice guys. They obviously wouldn't say to someone who spends a whole chunk of time EVERY DAY applying makeup that they don't like it. Because that would hurt your feelings and if they are your BF/husband they wouldn't want to do that.
Sometimes I look at women and think, you look terrible with all that makeup on (even when it is applied well)and how much more refreshing it would be if they didn't wear it all. I just don't think it's worth it. Makeup to cover blemishes or scars, etc I can deal with. But blush and bronzer and eyeliner, etc every single day seems a little extreme.
Anabelle- I appreciate your honesty. Fashion and beauty is a hobby and passion of mine. I have other interests, passions, responsibilities etc. And yes, I am sure my husband notices I wear makeup, but he also thinks I am beautiful without it. I don't consider myself to wear a lot of makeup, but for someone who hardly wears any at all, I guess it could seem like a lot. I do feel I only enhance my features with my makeup, and don't mask them. Everyone has a different opinion, and that's ok. I'm a girly girl, and many other women who read my blog are as well, so we get excited about new products, haircuts, etc. Anyways, thanks for your comments.
anon- some women feel comfortable without blush, bronzer and eyeliner. I feel it enhances how I look so I wear it 🙂
Great post! My husband tells me all the time that he prefers me without makeup. He has asked me on multiple occasions why I am taking the time to get "all dolled up" especially on the weekends. I tell him that for me personally I do it because I enjoy it! It's basically a hobby of mine that I enjoy. I wear minimal makeup during the week for work, mostly because my weeks are hectic and I'm just tryin got get out the door. So those days, I use makeup just to even out my skin tone and brighten up my look, which in turn, makes me feel more confident and ready to face my day. I'm not afraid to go without makeup and do occasionally, but I honestly just like wearing it! On weekends when I'm not rushing around I love to "get dolled up" and play around with my makeup, because for me, it's fun!I agree with you when you say that men mostly hate bad makeup…and lipstick. My husband hates lipstick and I'll give him that one! 😉
My husband has commented that he can't tell that I have foundation, concealer, or powder on but my eyelashes are so blonde he can definately tell when I don't have eye makeup on- I am with you, I have to wear eyeliner or I look about 16. He is not a fan of lipstick because it gets messy but luckily neither am I :). It makes a huge difference in how I feel with makeup on- I don't feel "polished" without makeup and honestly it has a big impact on my attitude for the day- I am much happier with makeup on…weird I know.
I can only really respond to my own experience with my own husband. I'm sure everyone has a unique experience.
My husband wants the best of both worlds.
He wants me to look sexy and dolled up when it counts and I know he appreciates that I can do this when it matters. (Who doesn't want their spouse to look good when going out?)
On the flip side, he wants to be able to run out of the house on the whim and not have to wait for me to "put my face on".
I think it can relate to the virgin/whore mentality and that men want it all! 😉
Great post Veronika! I agree with the author of the article in the sense that most men don't really know how makeup works. If you are going to cake it on like Mimi from the Drew Carey show then yeah, it's horrifying. If you use it as a tool to enhance (not mask) your natural beauty, men seem to like it. I don't need to wear "face" makeup- I get the occasional blemish but for the most part have great skin- but I feel more confident with eye makeup on. Do I absolutely need to wear it to leave the house? No, but I am certainly more comfortable with myself when I wear it. I don't think there is anything wrong with wanting to look polished and put together and let's face it, makeup does that for women.
The picture that you posted of Brooklyn Decker is stunning. Thank you for sharing; I am going to take it to my makeup trial for the wedding as inspiration!
When I was dating my now husband he told me the reason he liked me so much was because I didn't wear makeup…but he'd never even seen me without makeup! As someone who wasn't even allowed to wear makeup until I was 19, I've always applied it really lightly because I'm used to a more natural look. Apparently his past girlfriends had been real Tammy Faye faces, and always left foundation prints on his shirts. Gross!
Of course the Hubs always says I look "beautiful no matter what" but I'm definitely one of those people that (in my opinion) basically look wretched without the help of some basic makeup and hair products. To each their own is right and I, like you give a huge hoot about fashion and beauty and it is very important to me…my hubs knows this and would never say "don't wear it"…if he thinks its overdone, he'll tell me and maybe I'll take a 2nd look and reasess or maybe I won't because I'll be going for the more dramatic look that day. I think you made a good assessment that men don't like too much makeup, most people don't – man or woman.
I <3 the Kardashian gals big time and think they always look flawless but I'm sure it takes them forever AND a day to look that way…if I had the means and the time I would do it too. I really love Kate Beckinsale's ever-perfected face and look and despise Ms. Mischa Barton's ever and always offensive looks both fashion and beauty
My husband tells me I'm one of the few women he knows who looks good without makeup. I'm flattered he thinks that, but I definitely think I look better with makeup. However, he is very quick to notice girls (especially teens) who try to hard with their makeup and makes comments about how they should try to be a little more natural. So I think you're right that men generally notice makeup gone bad but appreciate when makeup is used as a compliment and accent, not a mask.
I asked my husband if he preferred me makeup-free or made up. He said he couldn't tell the difference. YES. I even clarified if he could tell the difference between me just freshly woken up or not. NO. Apparently either:
a. I look the same and am wasting my time
b. Put on makeup with a light hand
c. My husband is BLIND
I choose to believe b is correct.
GREAT post! I think a distinction needs to made between using a lot of makeup products and wearing a lot of makeup.
I do use a lot of makeup products on a daily basis. My routine consists of foundation, concealer, blush, a little bronzer, eye shadow, liner, and mascara. It sounds like a lot, but I use a light hand and as a result, I don't think it looks like I am wearing a lot of makeup. For me, these are the items I need to feel confident and polished, and I think that my fiance likes me best when I feel that way!
Like you said, if I had perfect skin, I could easily cut out some of my daily products and still feel polished.
My husband prefers me without makeup. I have undereye circles and sight redness above my eyes from birth, which are the main things I try to cover up.
He tells me I don't need it, that I'm more beautiful without it, and he means it. He doesn't want me to hide behind makeup, which is something I love about him. Honestly, feeling like I *need* makeup makes me feel, frankly, weak and vapid. I don't wear it every day, but some days I wear as much as you do. I don't feel pressure to wear it, but I do when I want to. (And if it were really only about skin, why do people wear more than foundation?)
I feel pressure, from DH and my brain, not to wear it.
ambler- thanks for sharing. I only feel pressure by myself to wear it, because it makes me feel good and look good (IMO.) I also like the confidence I feel when I have makeup on.
I'm curious to understand what some people consider to be "a lot" of makeup. I never thought I wore a lot, but some people seem to think otherwise. I'm curious how someone distinguishes the "just right" amount from the "too much amount."
This is a great post.
I started blogging about fashion and beauty as a way to help myself navigate all of it and get more into it. I grew up in a house with three brothers and was raised by my dad- make-up was pretty taboo and even still when I visit I get to deal with snide remarks when anyone sees me putting on make-up (and I have a very natural/light look).
Interestingly, I felt that all men were this way and just roll their eyes and don't like make-up at all, so I never really wore it. It wasn't until I talked about how unhappy I was not pursuing my interests in fashion and beauty that my fiance asked 'why?' and we talked about how I'd basically been conditioned to think that all men think make-up is ridiculous and pointless. He told me I'm beautiful without make-up but that I am also beautiful with make-up, and if I want to wear it more or be more into fashion and beauty, he won't make fun of me or ridicule me the way the other men in my life did, and fully supports me doing what I want to do to be happy.
It's nice now to have him comment on stuff in a positive way- so I think it's sad that there may be other girls like me out there who feel they shouldn't wear make-up for fear of ridicule by the people in their lives. It probably sounds ridiculous but it has made me a lot happier to not feel guilty about dropping 20 bucks in Sephora or like I need to apply my make-up in secret. Sometimes my fiance watches because he thinks the process is cool.
As far as the skin thing goes– I don't wear it because I have bad skin. I actually have very good skin- it's on the dry side but genetically I lucked out. I never get acne and the random zit or two goes away usually after I apply a little bit of toothpaste and go to sleep, and coloring wise I don't really get under eye bags or red patches. But, like you say, I like to highlight certain things about my appearance and that's why make-up is great.
Also, I don't get the impression you wear a lot of make-up at all Veronika. You always look made up nicely in your OOTD posts, and the eye make-up looks a little heavier when you put up 'going out' posts which is to be expected for an evening look I would think.
Great post Nikki- thanks for contributing! I think it's crazy for anyone to try and make a woman feel ashamed about wearing makeup. For most women (I believe) makeup is about enhancing, not changing or masking their apperance. Sure, there are some women who just don't like to wear it…but I think the majority of people look better with a bit of makeup. Who can honestly say they can roll out of bed and not wear a stick of makeup and look incredible? I don't know that many people who could. Sometimes I will see a very beautiful girl with no makeup on and think "wow she has incredible features" but that doesn't happen very often.
I really love your blog and your perspective on make up. I think its great to hear what products have worked for other people.
I personally wear make up because its fun. I leave the house without doing it sometimes because I'm lazy and because I wear it for me and not to impress anyone else.
Wow…I think Annabelle should keep her comments to herself and if you are not concerned with beauty,fashion,celebrities and shopping perhaps this is not the blog for you to be reading? Whereas for me Veronika and MANY others like us these are all passions for us and being a girly girl who likes to show our femininity in these ways is something to appreciate not knock! Sorry Annabelle but I think you were a little too rude and if I were Veronika I wouldnt have been so polite about it! Anyways, on to something other than that I totally love makeup and although I know my boyfriend knows I wear it he loves how it enhances my features that he already loves about me anyway. Being a woman is special and being able to dress up, put on makeup, spray on a tan and do our hair are some of the things that we do for ourselves not for the benefit of any man, although what woman doesnt appreciate a special look or comment from a man that means something to us?? To me though it is about how I feel about myself with or without makeup that makes me feel good about myself! I love your blog girl as trivial as some readers might find it to be…I think it is fun and wonderful to talk about these things as a girl!! Keep up the great work!
V, I think your everyday make-up look is extremely natural-looking. You don't even wear eyeshadow most days! I wear make-up because I love it–I love creating different looks with different shades and colors. It is like art to me. Just like cooking or baking is a creative outlet for some, creating different looks is a creative outlet for me.
My husband likes whatever makes me happy so that is a great understanding we have 🙂 I don't think he's ever commented on my make-up or lack of it. He does notice shoes though, haha!!
PS-I like Kim K. but sometimes I think she borders on drag-queen with her make-up looks 🙁
andi- i agree that sometimes she wears too much. I hate when her hair is slicked back and then she wears tons of makeup- it's very severe.
Hey Veronika! I've really been enjoying your blog! I love reading about all of your fashion and beauty adventures, and in addition to that, it's sort of made me rediscover/remember how fun it is to be girly.
I can't figure out how to send a PM on the Nest, so I thought I would just ask this here instead. A while back, you gave some really good advice to a Nestie who had posted her picture on the F&B board and was looking for some feedback about her hair and makeup. I'm not brave enough to post my pic on the Nest and ask for feedback, but I was wondering if I could email you a few pictures for some advice? I'm really in a hair rut and feel like my makeup is pretty lackluster too. Anyway, let me know if you'd be up for that. Thanks! Allison
allison- absolutely! please email me at veronabrit at gmail dot com!
🙂
My husband claims hates lip gloss and lipstick. I think what he really hates is goopy, sticky lips not necessarily the gloss itself if done right. If I even put a tiny bit on he gets all squirmy. If we are watching tv and if there is a woman that comes on that has an obviously bad amount of makeup on, he will make a comment. But then those times where he wants to go somewhere and I haven't put any makeup on yet, and I say "hold on I have to make myself presentable"…he usually can't tell the difference or noticed I hadn't had it on in the first place. I guess that is a testament to how I wear it and it not being overbearing. He doesn't hold back, so I am sure he would say something if he didn't like it.
My husband actually perfers me to wear make-up. In fact he likes it better when I have heavier eye make-up rather than a more neutral eye. I think I definitely would forego the foundation if I didn't have soo much scarring and unevenness.
I really don't like it when eye liner is tooo thick. I don't know if you watched the Biggest Loser last season, but there were a couple of girls on there that would just coat their eye liner on and everytime they cried it would just run down their face. Too much for me, especially when working out in a gym.
Okay, I know I already commented on this, but I have a funny story for you. This weekend I got an US weekly, and my DH was reading it. There was something in it about Kim Kardashians diet, and I said that I thought she was pretty. he said
"She WOULD be pretty, if she didn't wear so much makeup!"
lol, I thought it was funny timing for him to say that.
Guys hate awful looking makeup, they hate when it takes too long when you’re preparing to go somewhere, and they hate it rubbing off on them. Other than that anything you do to make you look pretty and not like an alien being and that doesn’t otherwise inconvenience or impact on them in anyway is fine. That’s how dudes are. They’re practical like that. The don’t even think about our makeup, what we wear or not, or those things of concern to women like if the earrings match and so on. They see the big picture overall – whether you look hot or not.
I wouldn’t even bother a guy with the details of your beauty routine. In fact, I like to NOT have my fiancé around when I’m primping. I don’t need his constant questions about why I’m clipping my brows or anything else that when I try to explain doesn’t make any f*ing sense to him anyway. LOL. He’ll always say oh you don’t need to do so and so like mani, pedi, eyebrow wax and the like. But he’d be the first to notice if I had a unibrow and my dry foot skin and bear toe claws were scratching him!
Same with the make-up. One time I didn’t do my brows like I usually do and they looked weird! (I don’t wear foundation – just eyebrow pencil and eyeliner). The foundation made a minimal difference in my skin and it’s messy. Sleep, water, exercise and microdermabrasion are probably better ideas. It has helped me with splotchiness and dark circles. If you have acne or rosacea, get it treated. There’s even treatment for big pores now. Eventually I’m going to go completely natural. My issue is sparse eyelashes and brows which I have to make up for with pencil. I’ve been doing it for a decade so it looks really natural. But now that there’s latisse, I’m going to start using that!
I don’t like being a slave to makeup everyday. Since I stopped the foundation I’ve been able to get out of the house so much faster and makeup doesn’t rub off on my clothes. Ideally a woman would only makeup for special occasions not every f*ing day! Men don’t have perfect skin either, they don’t feel the need to put on a daily mask. How come we’re the ones expected to look flawless all the time?
All those people who love wearing makeup on dates – but isn't it _awful_ getting lipstick/foundation/bronzer etc in your mouth if there should happen to be a bit of kissing involved? Even if it were flavoured, it would still be odd, like getting to taste bubble gum when you don't want it. That's why makeup is very unsexy to me, even if it's not visually obvious….
anon- I don't think you can really taste makeup. Most women don't cake it on to the point where you'd feel it coming off. Maybe if you're wearing white then yeah, it might get on clothes no matter how little you wear.
If you think it's unsexy for women to wear makeup, then don't date women who do 🙂 A lot of men like it when women do wear makeup. That's why there's billions of people in this world who are all different. I'm sure you can find a woman who doesn't wear makeup, good luck!