Why do we wear makeup? Part II

© Chris Bretz; hair & makeup: Natalie James Makeup

In Part I of this post on why we wear makeup, I posed the question: Is wearing makeup a primal activity? Secondary to this question is this: if (for argument's sake) makeup were a primal activity....just WHO are we wearing it for?

Throughout history, humans have marked their faces, bodies and nails as a form of communication, self expression and to attract others (initially sexually and latterly to signify social status). We know that modern day makeup has the ability to enhance and in some cases completely alter a person’s features (think eyelash extensions, coloured contact lenses). When we go on a date we might choose to wear a brightly coloured lipstick as we know this draws the attention of the viewer (male or female). Or we might wear slightly more eye makeup to draw more attention to our eyes (therefore encouraging eye contact). But at work? What’s appropriate? And if we do wear a little makeup (or a lot), just who are we wearing it for?

I recently did a quick survey amongst a handful of businesswomen and the majority (verbal) response was that they wear makeup for themselves (to boost confidence and poise) but – AND HERE'S THE INTERESTING THING – they wear it *mostly* for other women.

Is wearing makeup to work therefore perhaps a way of gaining kudos from other female employees? A way to fit in?

When a woman wears an item of makeup – or say a pair of shoes – that are fashion forward and subsequently openly celebrated by her female colleagues, what’s the effect on the men in the office?

Q: For as many points as we’re scoring with our female peers, could we be giving out completely the wrong signal to our male counterparts?

A businesswoman told me anecdotally that she’d bought a fuchsia pink lipstick one Saturday (bang on trend for S/S13, top marks!) and had decided to wear it to the office on Monday morning (hmm). Whilst her female colleagues cooed at the 'brightness and oh, the texture!' of the lipstick (not to mention how it off-set her navy silk top beautifully), the male members of her team found it distracting. Kinda gets you thinking doesn't it...

Have you ever worn a shade of lipstick or eye shadow to the office and regretted it? 

If you missed out on Part I you can read it here.

To continue the debate on whether makeup is a primal activity or more of a social acceptance tool, post your thoughts in the comment box below.

For more information about The Makeup Debate talks and workshops, visit our website.