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
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.