I have a friend that has been asking me “deep” questions that are usually quite random. Instead of just responding directly, I thought that it would be fun to use these questions as an excuse to blog more 
.
So, here’s question number one: What is your take on girls/females that decide to pop-out the little make-up compact and reapply (or begin to apply the first coat) right after dinner? This could also refer to females that do this anywhere in public, but the question is specifically about the “right-after meals” application of make-up.
I didn’t really have an opinion about this one when I first was asked the question, but I have formed one since then. My initial response: “Meh. I don’t really mind either way.” But it’s much more than that now.
First, I pose this question: WHY do girls do this? My best guess is because they, the girls that do this, think of themselves as incredibly sloppy eaters. And, frankly, if that truly does apply to them, then I have no problem with them cleaning up their face after getting spagetti sauce all over their chin, cheeks, and forehead. Right?
Second, why the need to reapply all the time? I got nothin’ on this one. There are plenty of girls (most girls, actually, in my observation) that look just fine without much make-up. In fact, I’ve seen some girls that look just plain scary after puttin’ on the paste, and plenty that look absolutely fine without anything at all.
Third, must it happen right after dinner and while still at the table? Don’t they make powder rooms and restrooms for this kind of thing?
So, after thinking about it, I don’t think I’m a fan of this activity. Frankly, if it’s during a date, I’ll get over the fact that the girls hair isn’t perfect the whole night, or if her makeup got a bit messy after wiping her mouth with her sleeve. It’s all good. Really.
8 responses so far ↓
1 Melissa // Jul 22, 2008 at 10:27 pm
So this is my take on it:
I think the act of putting on make-up is sort of personal–grooming in general is sort of meant to be done in the privacy of your own home or private space. That isn’t to say that you have to lock yourself in the bathroom just to brush your teeth (right, Gen?), but if you do apply make-up in front of a friend or bf, then it sort of implies a level of comfort/intimacy.
Putting on chapstick while walking around in the cold? Absolutely acceptable. Putting on lipgloss in the car before going in to a meeting? Fine (assuming you just with friends). Keeping the door to the bathroom open while you freshen up your hairspray or lipstick right before you go out with your bf? Even that seems accceptable under the right circumstances (again, assuming a level of intimacy).
But when people insist on putting on make-up right after they eat, and it is an entire process (we are talking liquid eyeliner and all–which, by the way, is nearly impossible for 90% of girls to master), then it is just too much. Seriously, are you really that freaking consumed by your looks? If you are with someone who needs to be impressed by how you look (job interview, etc.), then you probaly aren’t close enough to put on make-up in front of them. And if you are comfortable enough to put make-up on in front of someone, then you should be close enough that he or she just doesn’t care whether you have perfect make-up or not.
I think I have strong feelings about this… LOL
2 Melissa // Jul 22, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Man, I wish the comment feature had an edit button or spellcheck…
3 braundaddy // Jul 23, 2008 at 7:40 am
So, Melissa, I agree with you. Not only on the spell checker, but on your opinion as well.
You’re last line especially rang true: “And if you are comfortable enough to put make-up on in front of someone, then you should be close enough that he or she just doesn’t care whether you have perfect make-up or not.” That was something that I meant to convey in my opinion, but I don’t think I did so very well…
4 Adam // Jul 23, 2008 at 10:42 am
Let’s all just take a minute to enjoy a good chuckle courtesy of those “special” girls who return from the restroom looking like the Joker just gave them make-up advice…
5 Melissa // Jul 23, 2008 at 5:04 pm
I keep waiting for the heavy make-up users to come and chastise us for our inconsiderate comments.
6 Alex V. // Jul 24, 2008 at 1:33 pm
So, shall I just jump into your blog without any intro? But of course!
Putting on make up right after dinner would be akin to me busting out a pick and working the kinks out of my hair. What kind of polite behaviour is that?!
Besides that, I totally agree that girls don’t need to wear much make up, anyway. And to emphasise the point, I share an observation made by my friend Justin Wilde: What kind of girls where a lot of make up and perfume? The kind that are ugly and smell bad!
7 braundaddy // Jul 24, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Mr. Alex – welcome to the blog. No worries about the intoduction… We’re ALL crazy here
8 Genevieve // Jul 25, 2008 at 9:26 am
I feel like I should clarify that I don’t lock myself in the bathroom to brush my teeth. I have family members who take privacy to much higher level than I do.
I think that part of my distinction in determining appropriateness is the time factor. Chapstick/lip gloss/ lip stick etc can generally be applied in a matter of seconds which reduces the chance of others even noticing the act. Eyeliner is a bit more time consuming, and therefore becomes a larger distraction.
Moving away from the appropriateness of the action…I’m always slightly in awe of people who manage to remember to carry such a variety of items with them at all times. Do they have multiple “sets” of makeup or do they pack it up everyday? I spend enough time keeping track of a phone, wallet, and keys, I can’t imagine adding all of that to the mix.