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.

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!

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…

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