Why do girlses wear makeup?

[Smashingwomble]

I think it would be fair to say the great majority of women in the western world wear it daily, and often will not go out without it on. The only real reason i can see for it is to try and attract guys. Which seems kinda like some primal inbuilt whorish urge. And its like, i want to look sexy, yet i don't want to be treated as a sexual object...but i want to look sexy. I want people to look at me and want to have sex with me. Or something. So yeah why does anyone wear makeup? I'm sorry i was just wondering. I can't wait for X-Men to come out here and i'm really gutted the Smashing Pumpkins are splitting up. But yeah, so why do you wear makeup? Wouldn't it be a hell of a lot easier and cheaper to like, not?

[Kudra]

i very rarely wear make-up... i'm certainly not one of those daily wearers... i really don't care if my skin looks perfect or if my lips are perfectly lined...

but when i do wear make-up, it is for fun... it's fun to wear lipstick and eyeshadow and blush from time to time... it's fun to accentuate your features and look fucking awesome...

maybe it is some subconscious "fuck me, i'm sexy" vibe... because it's not something i really think about. when i get all dolled up, it's for my own enjoyment... it's so i like how i look...

beth :p

[Luna Fae]

I never wear makeup. On a day to day basis I think it's a waste of time.

But...

Every couple of months I want to get dressed up and I up on some eyeliner and some sparkles.

It's fun.

I don't do it to make guys think I'm sexy...because they don't think I'm sexy. I do it because I like to do something different. I like to look different. I like to see peoples look on their face when they see I look different for a day.

[Spacegrrrl]

I wear make-up for ME, mainly. B/c I like how I look with it on...it makes me feel better about myself when I can have juicy lips and (semi) perfect skin.

[OnlyBride]

<font color="#FFCC66">•</font><font color="#FF9966">•</font><font color="#660066">I only ever wear a small amount of makeup. It does for me what ironed clothes and combed hair do. It's just about looking neat and tidy for me. I feel better in crisp and ironed clothes and I feel better in makeup because both have me looking my most presentable. And you may well ask who I'm looking presentable for then? Well, I guess it IS for the public as well as myself, but it's for the general public. It isn't to attract any specific group, just to have everyone think subconsciously "there's tidy person" as they walk by. Men do the same thing with shaving. They don't generally wear makeup, but they make themselves neater by shaving.

*edit*
I completely forgot about glitter and sparkles. That part of wearing makeup is purely artistic. When that stufff goes on it's about using my face as a canvas to create a creative work. The last thing in my mind when I'm wearing sparkly stuff is "do I look sexy".</font><font color="#FFCC66">•</font><font color="#FF9966">•</font>

[Cheesy]

Go Away!

[StrayShdw]

I wear makeup to be different characters. I have a different look everyday. I do it for myself. It also helps to avoid certain people that you don't want talking to you. I feel when I go out in a plain face I'll have more guys coming up to me than if I put my "scary" makeup on. Especially when I go out. I break out the glitter and gloss and dark shadows. (you'd think just with the way that I dress they'd avoid me...oh well)

[Samantha]

I wear base makeup everyday because it is a moisturizer and has an SPF of 10.

I don't think I wear anything else EVERYDAY. Sometimes lipstick or eyeliner, but not usually, not part of a daily regiment. Today I'm only wearing base and brown eyeliner in the outside corners of my eyes (makes eyes look a little more awake & open).

But yeah, it's about feeling good for myself. Don't you feel good when you're wearing really nice clothes? At least better than when you haven't bathed all weekend and are still in sweats Sunday morning (you KNOW you've done this). It's the same feeling.

And I feel the same way about my tattoos. They are in places where I can veiw and enjoy them, even if no one else can. I never understood why people would get a tattoo in a place where they themselves can't see it, but hey, to each their own.

[perfect wing]

I wear makeup because it makes me feel good. I don't wear face makeup, just everything else. I usually don't wear lipstick either, but have been lately.

I am not one of those people who can't leave the bathroom without being perfect. I don't give a shit about that. I'll run to the store in rags and a plain face, let me tell you.

I like feeling pretty and makeup makes me feel pretty. I have really distinct eyes that I like to dress up. I have naturally long eyelashes. It's fun to do makeup. And it only takes me a good 10 minutes.

:O

[ether twist]

Like many others have said, I basically wear makeup for myself. I like looking good. I feel that if a person is majorly stressed about going through the long, tedious ritual of applying makeup everyday just to look "decent" for the public, then I think that's when you know it's too much of a burden. It takes me ten minutes to do my makeup. I put on mascara (my favorite), lip liner, eye liner and lilac eye shadow and I'm good to go. It makes me feel ten times better than going around without it, so I figure why not?

;m

ether~twist

[carylbear]

I wear make-up maybe once a month. Mostly, I will put some on when I feel "frumpy" and blah. I don't do it to attract other men but I do like to feel pretty for my boyfriend.

Samantha- I have a tat on my lower back so I can only see it when I look in the mirror. The reason I got it there though is because I am going to be a teacher so I can't have tattoo's all over the place (where people can easily see them)I love my tattoo and wish I could see it easily but I wouldn't want it any other place. It is perfect where it is. I understand your point though.:)

[TrixieGurl]

I usually either go with none, or lipgloss and some eyeliner.During the day anyway...at night I put the good stuff on. I dunno it makes me feel better about myself.

[CinnamonGirl]

I rarely go without makeup. I have gotten to the point to where my eyes feel tired if I don't have eyeliner on. I just like to wear makeup in lots of crazy ways and shades. It's my only hobby really.

I am not going to say that I wear it just for me. I mean I do, but there is also the social factor too. I don't necessarily do it to attract men, because quite frankly I am not looking for one right now... but it does help. It makes me feel better about myself, and about how I look and the boosted confidence is attractive in itself really.

[chloe dancer]

i wear it to feel good about myself i liek to look in the mirror and say meeeeow, although full makeup for me is : eyeshadow mascara blush and lip gloss and if im feeling crazy eyeliner - normally i just wear mascara and lip gloss im a natural gal i guess that and i cant stand the feeling of stuff on my skin like foundation and powder

[GimpyPoop]

Yo,
I am dead serious when I profess I will scare yer hair skinny witout make-up. I look like I just rolled outta bed.
But lately, like da last week or so, I've been ditchin' da make-up and in turn, causin' an increase in Rogaine orders. Tis true I sey!
It makes me pheel a bit betta bout da self.
But I am friggin' lazee latelee and mah eyes have been puffin' and whatnot. Waterin' like mad and all I wear is eye make-up. So, I am nekkid-faced and bery frightenin' fer now.
Take care. Bi bis.
Me, the Flea

[Proserpina]

"Some primal inbuilt whorish urge"? Maybe that's your primal inbuilt asshole rationality. (No offense.)

I don't wear makeup to "look sexy" for men. I would say that the number one reason why most women wear makeup is low self-esteem, or because the attractive people of the world seem to get more respect. It's certainly not "whorish" to wear some fucking lipstick.

As for me, I rarely wear any makeup. I wear eyeliner and lip gloss, but thats about it.

I'm sorry if me calling you an asshole pissed you off, but calling women natural whores is kind of an asshole thing to do.

[Meganatrix]

I wear it cuz I am a whore....

Its also my art:)

[sailor *~* v *~*]

well i rarely wear makeup. i usually only wear makeup for a job interview, if i'm going somewhere nice, or if i just want to feel pretty (or show how shitty i'm feeling, i've got the pretty make up --pink tones-- and the i-feel-like-shit makeup, where i wear thick and smeared black eyeliner and deepred lipstick) and it's fun to put the glitter on.

i'm very irish (as well as german) so my skin is naturally very pale, so normally i put on makeup just to put a bit of colour in my face. although, like i said, sometimes i do it just cuz i wanna feel pretty.

[SuedeFaery]

Don't you think it's sort of stupid to say "I wear makeup for myself and not other people"? If you were happy with the way you look in the first place, you wouldn't want to wear makeup. The truth is that women wear makeup so other people will accept them. That's like saying, "I'm gonna get boob implants for myself." Yeah, you're gonna make yourself feel better, 'cause other people will see you have boobs. Makeup is the modern veil- women are taught that they aren't fine the way they are naturally and that creates our whole "red lips and big boobs" culture. They are taught to hide their faces.

Personally, I wouldn't want to put anything on my face that has to be tested on animals first. . . .


;a

[stupidANDcontagious]

Originally posted by Meganatrix
I wear it cuz I am a whore....


That's my girl!

I wear make-up everyday. I don't wake up and put it on for ANYONE but myself. I get great relaxation from doing make-up...not just on myself but others, as my career. For many women make-up is a source of empowerment. Make-up can make you confident, even when you are having a shitty day. Like today, I have been having a horrible week thus far, and just putting on my aqua-colored eyeshadow (MAC's Melody is sooooooo luscious), and some pink lipliner and lip glass made me feel that much better.

So, back to the question...no, I don't put on make-up for anyone but ME.

Boys can be so silly and arrogant sometimes...we don't LIVE for you, you know, let alone wear make-up to attract you.

[Ears With Board]

I never wear make up... it's icky... :m

[stupidANDcontagious]

Originally posted by SuedeFaery


Don't you think it's sort of stupid to say "I wear makeup for myself and not other people"?


Nope, I don't think it's stupid at all.




If you were happy with the way you look in the first place, you wouldn't want to wear makeup.


Well, I am very happy with myself, with or without make-up, so where does that leave me? Are you saying there is a relation between women who are unhappy with themselves and make-up usage? Now THAT is stupid.



The truth is that women wear makeup so other people will accept them. That's like saying, "I'm gonna get boob implants for myself." Yeah, you're gonna make yourself feel better, 'cause other people will see you have boobs. Makeup is the modern veil- women are taught that they aren't fine the way they are naturally and that creates our whole "red lips and big boobs" culture. They are taught to hide their faces.


You are generalizing friend. Granted, there ARE women who use make-up as a tool to make themselves feel better. Ther ARE women who get breast implants to boost their self-esteem. So what? Why do you care...you seem like a well-adjusted female, with strong opinions and convitions. Why do you care if other women are wlaking around with red lips and big boobs? (I am one of those girls with red lips and NATURAL big boobs too...I am not the only one here either). Furthermore, I have NEVER been taught to hide my face, as you said women are conditioned to do in our culture. If anything, I was told I don't need make-up to express who I am...I acknowledge that, and ignore it. I lvoe make-up. I always will. It's my career, my passion, and my love. This may seem sad and superficial to you, but I don't care because I am damn happy and content with my life.



Personally, I wouldn't want to put anything on my face that has to be tested on animals first. . . .

If you would like some literature or information on manufacturers that do not test on animals I would be more than happy to help you.

[Emmy]

mainly, like everyone else, i wear makeup for myself. I like the way i look with it on, so i wear it....guys have told me they would rather girls didnt wear makeup...but that doesnt stop me. i dont do it for them. sure, sometimes i do it for guys, but is it really hurting anything to want to look good for a certain guy???

but, today for the first time in a long time i do not have anything on my face..ick. (my little cousin came in my room this morning and jumped on my bed to wake me up...so all i had time for was a quick shower...)

oh, and usually i wear full makeup including foundation and everything...because i like it.

[stupidANDcontagious]

Originally posted by Emmy
sure, sometimes i do it for guys, but is it really jurting anything to want to look good for a certain guy???

Not at ALL honey! My boyfriend tells me all the time that I look the most beautiful right when I wake up int the morning...but he also tells me that I look super sexy when I get all glammed up. So of course there is nothing wrong with getting dolled up for boys!

[Emmy]

RIGHT ON! thats exactly what i think...:)

[Spacegrrrl]

First of all, I just noticed that he called women who wear make-up "whores". What cave did you just crawl out of???

Second, I've been thinking about it and I take back my original answer. I think a TINY part of me wears make-up so my b/f will think I'm attractive. I just figure if I wear some gorgeous shade of lipstick he will be more likely to want to kiss me...b/c normally my lips have pretty much no color and look very plain.

Third, BUT this does not in anyway compromise my womanhood. 99 percent of the time I wear make-up for me and me alone. Why else would I wear it when no one else is home and I don't plan on going out? It's so if I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror I can say "Oooo la la. You hot mama, you." Er....or something like that...And a lot of it is to be artistic, using your face as an easel.

[Emmy]

in addition....i agree on the other part of makeup wearing. i enjoy aplying it. its fun to find new ways to blend colors, and yes make your face a work of art.

ok i think i'm finished now...at least for the time being.


*hugs*
Emily

[FaerieDreamer]

okay Ill jump into this debate :)

For the most part, I dont wear makeup...Ill usually just wear it when Im going out somewhere, or am dressing up. Its part of the package so to speak. I agree with everyone who said they wear it for themselves. I do as well. When I wear make up, I like to feel like Ive spent the time getting ready, wearing nice clothes and doing my hair and makeup. Not really for anyone else, just to know that I took the time to do something for myself to look and feel good. That said, however, I dont NOT feel good when I dont have make up on...I *could* take the time to put it on every morning...but Im just a lazy SOB who crawls out of bed a half hour before work and doesnt want to deal with extra stuff in the morning. :f ;G I am NOT a morning person ;z :c

on the flip side though, I LOVE buying make-up...trying out new colors and shades..my makeup box is full of funky colors and lipsticks that I never wear! heheh

~FaerieDreamer~

[Mikewhy]

<i>My boyfriend has told me he prefers me plainer but I still continue to wear it.</i>

I think that quote is more true than many realize. I know many guys who say their girlfriends wear too much makeup. I think sometimes women wear it for other women. Woman are really critical sometimes of other women. Most of my best friends are female and we go out, THEY are the ones noticing and commenting on all the women that pass by, not me. I think a lot of men are fine with little or no makeup. And then again other female friends of mine wear it because THEY like it, and that is cool. I am not convinced all guys think women have to wear makeup or at least a lot of makeup.

[poison ivy]

I wear make-up for *myself*. Mostly just eye make-up and foundation (cuz i have acne :a). Lipstick once in a while. I think make-up is/can be very artistic and *FUN*. I don't put it on to attracted anyone and I hope NO ONE thinks I look like a whore OR thinks I'm a whore just because of some eyeliner and mascara!!! I also wear it cuz it makes the green in my eyes stand out. I think it looks cool. It's no big deal to me. I'm not a flirty prissy girl or anything, I just like make-up for the fun of it.

[aphrodites kiss]

Originally posted by Mikewhy
I think sometimes women wear it for other women.

That is an incredibly perceptive comment. I for one have never thought about it from that angle, and I bet a lot of pther people haven't either.

I hardly ever wear makeup. It mostly depends on my job as to whether I wear it or not - for example, if I have a job out in reception, then I think make up is appropriate. If you are working in cstomer srvices over the phone, maybe then it isn't quite as important. Even if I do wear makeup, I wear stuff that is subtle, and I hardly ever spend more than 10 mins on doing myself up. I simply do not feel comfortable with gunk on my face, :e


-- AK

[Ananya]

Make-up is a royal pain in the ass.
I have tried to wear it every day, but it is all pointless to me. I also enjoy sleep which I try to get every second of in the morning, so I just skip make-up entirely.
If I do wear make-up, its only eye makeup.
I had acne, popped some acutane pills, it went away, and I am taking no chances with foundation and all that crap. I love my now clear skin.

[Citrus]

i wear make-up cause it makes me feel better about myself. not to sound shallow or anything...but i feel bad about how i look when i dont wear it...then it makes me miserable and not friendly. when i wear make-up, i feel like i can act my best around everyone and i guess i just feel more accepted.

[Amarantha]

ya, what mikewhy said
some of the stuff women are expected to do with their looks is supposedly meant to please men, but a lot of it is also meant to pass the criticism of other women
i dunno
that's just an observation
i don't wear it at all
don't see the point
wouldn't bother to put some on even to meet the queen
wouldn't even occur to me :)

[Smashingwomble]

Thank you all for your comments, especially the ones about me being an asshole and the parallel with men shaving. I guess women are just a hell of a lot cleaner than men. And care a lot more about how they look. It just kinda interests me, i guess women in history have always had to dress up for the men, and less do it now, yet there is still that kinda need to 'look good' which men don't seem to have.