Makeup: Is it really OK to wear what we want?

Now here's an interesting question. Do we really think it's OK to wear whatever we want makeup-wise, all of the time? Where are the boundaries? Are there or should there be any boundaries?

In this month's Glamour magazine (pg. 159, Keira Knightley front cover) the fabulous Sali Hughes - Guardian beauty journalist extraordinaire - tackles one of my all-time favourite subjects; makeup and feminism.

So where does makeup currently sit on the feminist scale?

Sali argues she's sick of people telling her she can't possibly be a feminist AND love makeup. The assumption that women who love makeup (wearing it, shopping for it, talking about it, writing about it) are somehow lacking in brain cells is a particularly ancient and not to mention unsubstantiated stereotype. I can personally attest to knowing a handful of very successful women (lawyers, investment bankers, senior suite executives) who have gone completely gaga when I've shown them the latest in foundation technology or a vibrant matte red lip shade. Does this mean they're stupid because they relish the joy and playfulness that makeup brings out in them? Does it b*llocks.

A time and a place
It's a fabulous piece of writing and if you get a chance to read it, do, however, there was one line towards the end of Sali's article which jarred with me slightly. She concludes:

'The freedom to look however you choose is feminism'.

I'd agree, yes, but only up to a point.

Take a woman's place of work for example. Should she feel free to express her love of all things punk or goth in the office? That's clearly at one extreme end of the spectrum, but how about slightly less artistic preferences? Are absurdly long eyelash extensions an acceptable form of grooming? What about bright red lips?

Conversely, should a women be free to wear no makeup at all?

For me it's not a question of freedom - we all have the freedom to do what we want - but rather it's about being strategic. 

I believe a woman's makeup has to be fitting for the role. Women are missing a trick if they think being entirely themselves in the makeup and wardrobe department is the secret to success. Of course, a healthy dose of self-esteem and confidence is essential to winning the respect of both your peers and clients but there is a fine line and often I think the nuance of striking the right balance is missed.

When it comes to your makeup for work there are several factors to consider:

• Does my look best represent the company I work for? (i.e. does it reflect its culture, values and areas of expertise)
• Does my makeup represent me in the best light?
• Does my makeup reflect my ambition?
• How have I adapted my makeup to account for my age? (is it ageing to be wearing certain shades? answer: YES!)

Where to start?
A good starting point is to look at the industry or sector you work in. A woman working in sales for example will need a more polished (and arguably brighter) look than someone who works in medicine or HR.

And what about the size of your company? A larger firm is likely to have a standardised approach to appearance, setting the benchmark high.  More creative industries such as PR and advertising will expect a more individual and characterful dress code, one which allows for personality but without compromising on polish.

Ultimately makeup is there to be used and should not be underestimated in its ability to imbue health and vitality as well as inwardly bolstering our confidence.