Well, I wouldn't say you're an idiot.
I can attest to the fact that it's possible for a woman to look "natural" while still wearing makeup, if done right.Makeup/Done up (Girls AND guys discussion)
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Well, I wouldn't say you're an idiot.
I can attest to the fact that it's possible for a woman to look "natural" while still wearing makeup, if done right.
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ServantStrike
Guest
You may be right about that. Maybe it's a universal woman thing and they all wear it even when we think they aren't.
Why is the hair different in the two pictures. Seriously it makes it hard to decide. And I feel like a jerk for critiquing a woman's appearance so I can't figure this out accurately.
Bottom right definitely there is a need for something on the lips. Looks like dry lips.
I don't know. Are you having a hard time deciding? I see the same beautiful woman in the before and after pics with minor alterations.
Would Edward James Olmos be the same actor he is if his skin wasn't well, pock marked? Why are they hiding the freckles.
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Ugly
Guest
Well, I wouldn't say you're an idiot.
I dated a woman who had that look down. She was also trained as a makeup artist, and she had natural skills separate from the training. It is possible to downplay makeup. And it looks good when done right.
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kayem77
Guest
I wear make-up when I go out, depending on the occasion, and usually very light, and probably looks like I have no makeup on (which is my aim). The only times when I get ''done-up'' (eye shadows, eye liner, mascara, lipstick,etc) is when there's a special occasion, or if I just feel in the mood . Getting ''done-up'' makes me feel more feminine and confident I guess, though I rarely do it.
I don't believe the whole ''men prefer them natural'' thing (sorry guys), because in my experience, guys don't react the same when they see me ''done-up'' and when I'm wearing little or no make-up. It's noticeable. Girls shouldn't see make-up as a necessity or a cover-up though. I can go out without make-up, and I do it a lot, but I like wearing it if I feel like it.
I don't believe the whole ''men prefer them natural'' thing (sorry guys), because in my experience, guys don't react the same when they see me ''done-up'' and when I'm wearing little or no make-up. It's noticeable. Girls shouldn't see make-up as a necessity or a cover-up though. I can go out without make-up, and I do it a lot, but I like wearing it if I feel like it.
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Tintin
Guest
Well, I wouldn't say you're an idiot.
Haha! Thanks, Rachel.
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Shouryu
Guest
Not currently. I've been looking for a tinted moisturizer that helps even things out that doesn't look fake and/or doesn't cost SIXTY FLIPPIN' BUCKS.
I cheat and generally go with a slight five o-clock shadow instead of clean shaven to hide the discolouration that I want the tinted moisturizer to take care of. But I'm always self conscious of it. I'm also prone to circles under the eyes since I don't often sleep well, and I admit, I'd like the tint for that, too.
(Yes, I know I'm answering the women's questions. I'm doing so to prove a point. And no, I'm not lying about any of this stuff. Just...go with me here, okay?)
When it looks completely fake. But since I haven't found one I like yet, I haven't been there.
A little more confident, truthfully. When I get tarted up, I actually feel a little more powerful.
I'm going to take this a step further.
While it is true that I spend time in the gym because of a family history of obesity and heart attacks, the bonus is that I feel like I look better when I've been consistent in my fitness regimen.
While it is true that I typically wear a tailored, long-sleeved dress shirt, tie, and sometimes cufflinks, to work most days because I want to look professional (while most of my male colleagues just wear a polo or a dress shirt with no tie), the bonus is that feel like I look better when I dress a little sharper than required.
So I very much do care about the way I look, just as women stereotypically do. Hang on to that, we're going to revisit it.
I'm now going to shift completely to the perspective of heterosexual male discussing makeup for women, rather than that of a hetero male and himself. ^_^ Just to avoid any confusion. I am also going to be 100% genuine and honest here. I am not going to pander, nor am I going to apologize if you don't like some of the OPINIONS that I hold. Capice?
Getting tarted up is variable. How much and not enough are relative to the situation. In general, I think a standard make-up job starts with evening out skin tone (if it's needed). Remember, I myself am self-conscious about the flaws in my complexion, just as many women are, and while some of us have been blessed with naturally perfect skin...many of us have not. So, for ANYTIME one does makeup, that's where one starts.
It's also where "too much" often begins. When the tone evener or foundation is just caked on SO thick...or you can clearly see a line (because of the colour differential between where the foundation ends and non-made-up skin begins), yeah, that's too much.
But as I said, it's all relative. If you're just gonna go shopping or visit people casually, then less is more: even out the complexion lightly, and if it washes out some of your natural colour, add a touch of blush to the cheekbones. And THAT is in reality, I think, what most men think of when they say, "I prefer the natural look." I think there are a lot of very gently made-up women whom we assume are going natural, but in reality, they've done about sixty seconds of work. Having lived with a woman for six years, who often "went natural," I can attest that the "no make-up" look still often involves a little make up. A perfect example, in my opinion: Pipp's current avatar. I know she's wearing makeup, but to me, she doesn't look made up. Does that make sense?
Are you going someplace formal? Is it a special occasion? Do you want to get extra tarted up? Add some colour to your eyes, do your lashes. Maybe some lip colour. With the right clothes, the smoky eye is very appropriate when not overdone. Accentuate and highlight what you have, rather than burying it.
How much is too much? Like the oft-definition of pornography: "It's hard to define, but I know it when I see it." If you look like Tammy Faye Bakker, I think that's definitely too much. If my attention is drawn to your make up, rather than to just you, then it's too much.
Too much - "You're wearing way too much make up."
None at all - No particular thoughts.
(Keep in mind, I see women both made up and completely natural at the gym. So oftimes, if they're sans make-up, they're all sweaty. Which, since I am too, doesn't bother me. The other time I used to commonly see a woman sans make up? Waking up in the morning, or when she was done with her shower. And no judgement there. It was never a case of, "Woman, get your face on NOW!" She was beautiful to me in all manner of tarted-up-ness.)
Yes.
(As I said with the first question - there are levels of being tarted up, and they get matched to the level of the occasion.)
Society treats women as objects of desire, and makeup is very much a part of that. But, men are not exempt from this, either. Men are also objectified, and there is a "quintessential" look for a handsome man in western society. Male actors and models also wear makeup, but because their makeup doesn't add distinct colour to the eyes and lips the way women's make up commonly does, we conveniently forget that objectified men are also wearing it. In a sense, you could say that men who wear makeup are always going for the "natural look."
Just because men are also objectified doesn't mean all things are equal, because western culture, while valuing attractiveness in both sexes, emphasizes power and strength for men while emphasizing sexual desirability for women, in most cases.
There's probably some truth to that, that varies from person to person, naturally. As I pointed out, I am of the train of thought that what most men consider to be the natural look is NOT completely natural. Know what's completely natural? Exactly what we look like when we roll out of bed. Saggy, droopy eyes...complexion that's either too dry or too blotchy...maybe a little more pink on the side of the face that we sleep on. THAT'S completely natural. That's our default state. (Notice I say OUR, not YOUR. Women AND men.) No one feels physically attractive this way. We want to at least rub our eyes to get them more open, wash our faces to get the oil off and to massage the skin so that our tone evens up a little...we want to moisturize spots that get dry and flaky...shave off that ONE weird whisker that's off on it's own (and the three on my nose). There! Appearance altered! Maybe you girls cheated a little and pinched your cheekbones to get a little natural colour. THAT, at least, if not also moisturizer/foundation is what most men are actually desiring when they SAY they like the natural look.
But a pretty woman is going to be a pretty girl whether she has makeup on or not. That's definitely true. As for if men mean they like naturally pretty girls? I don't rightly know, because I don't say that and mean that.
Now, let's bring this all roundabout.
(*cue monster keyboard solo*...can't say the word without thinking it...)
Remember how I pointed out that I seem to care as much about my appearance as women are often portrayed? Here's the catch.
I want to even out this business on my chin. FOR ME.
I work out...to look better. FOR ME.
I dress a little sharper than most guys I work with. FOR ME.
I do NOT have a pool of available women around me, either at work, or at church. I have NO ONE I am trying to impress. I do what I do...because it makes ME feel better about ME. When I know that I look my best, it helps me feel like I AM at my best. I'm more confident, I'm more bold, I'm quicker to speak up. It's just how I am. I'm not doing it to impress the ladies, because I have no ladies to impress. Looking the part helps me FEEL the part. If an attractive, single woman comes along, and she hates the way I dress, or she dislikes my physique, or she thinks the car I drive is too girly, TOUGH NOOGIES, because I'm not changing those things for her! I look the way I look because it pleases ME.
(Seriously, if she says, "It's me or the Miata," that woman is OUTTA HERE! ^_^ )
And really, that's what it boils down to. Do you get tarted up because YOU like the way you look when you're tarted up? Are you getting tarted up to what YOU consider to be appropriate? Because if you're doing it for you, then good for you! If you're only doing it for someone else, if you're always trying to live up to someone ELSE'S standards...then you'll probably never reach them.
Just my thought on the deal. *shrug*
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That's the thing about before/after pictures, on TV especially they take someone with no makeup, hair done, dressed down, and then fix up their hair, dress them up, and do their makeup. "Wow, this lipstick not only makes my lips look great, but it also fixed my hair and bought me this new dress!"
Really, though, it can be hard to tell when other things changed.
My plan tomorrow is to take a picture of myself before/after mascara, just that one little thing different, all other aspects the same, to show. Maybe I'll do three, one before, one "middle", and one more "done up". I can be a guinea pig of sorts. I'm confident enough to do that...I think...
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DorothyG
Guest
I don't wear make-up.
I don't see the point.
If I can't be considered pretty the way I was born, then I don't care.
I used to wear a lot of make-up to get the attention of males. Not me anymore.
I want to be known for my inner beauty.
I want to attract people with my personality.
I've found that it's the only true way to be attractive at all.
I don't see the point.
If I can't be considered pretty the way I was born, then I don't care.
I used to wear a lot of make-up to get the attention of males. Not me anymore.
I want to be known for my inner beauty.
I want to attract people with my personality.
I've found that it's the only true way to be attractive at all.
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Ugly
Guest
No one said 'guys prefer them natural'. It is 'some' guys. That's a huge distinction. Case in point, in 25 years nearly everyone i've dated wore little to no makeup, with one exception. The women i've been most attracted to, though maybe never dated, wore little to no makeup. Yeah, i admit, some women do look better with some makeup. Some it doesn't matter. But at the end of the day if i have a choice, i'm going to lean to someone i am attracted to who i find attractive, and thats usually the one with the least makeup.
Actually, I'd bet that her eyebrows are naturally blonde, and that's why she doesn't look like she has any in the no-makeup picture. Women with light eyebrows often darken them with make-up.
I think you might be right... I think a lot of women who look "natural" actually do have make-up on. (Though I disagree that you are an idiot! If they were skilled enough to apply make-up without you noticing, then they accomplished what they intended.)
Many women are blessed with dark brows, eyelashes, smooth complexions or colored lips. Those women can definitely pull off the no-makeup routine better than those who have very light brows/lashes, less smooth complexions, etc.
Haha... I'm sorry for putting you on the spot! You aren't wrong for liking how a woman looks in make-up though, you know. It simply enhances their natural beauty when tastefully done, right?
As for the hair, well, hair is included in being "done up" so... you can add that into the overall "package" when deciding whether you like "natural" better, or "enhanced".
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Relena7
Guest
Well, I'm not a dude... but I think both women look pretty in both photos. I think women look more friendly and humble without makeup. Mascara makes females look more mean and "catty" if they give you a cold, blank stare. I sometimes wonder if that was the original purpose of mascara.
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colalella2891
Guest
I'm really curious... here are some before and after shots of ordinary looking women. You men mean to tell me that you prefer sans-makeup? Be honest!
View attachment 65818
(By the way, I have tons of freckles myself - I don't really have a big problem with them, but I don't mind covering them up, either. This is more about the eyes.)
I'm not going to speak for the other guys, but for me personally: Girls look gorgeous with just a little makeup. Wearing too much just isn't necessary... It's just like when people wear too much cologne or perfume lol. That stuff goes a LONG way, and it's the same for makeup.
But Pipp is right about what she said up there, everyone is beautiful in their own way. The most important thing is to see yourself as God sees you, and to see others that way as well. I still have ways to go when it comes to this, especially when it comes to myself.
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Hellooo
Guest
For Females:
1. Yes...I wear makeup because it makes me feel more polished or more 'ready' for work/date/going out. Kind of like brushing my hair, or wearing unwrinkled clothes...just a way to put my best foot forward. On a normal day, I usually wear a foundation with SPF 15, eyeliner on my top lid, mascara, and a tinted lip balm. I don't usually mess around with non-neutral eyeshadow or anything too pigmented if I'm just going to work, since it doesn't really convey professionalism, but I'm definitely open to a *little* more color or shimmer for other occasions.
2. I've no qualms going out in public with or without makeup. If I had to pick a line where I was uncomfortable, I would be self conscious about going out completely dry faced...I'm a stickler for moisturizing my face and using some kind of sun protection before stepping out. Dry skin isn't cute.
3. For myself, "too much" makeup on my face is when there is visibly unnatural colors, like yellow or green. Or when you put your hand on your face and come away the cheeto finger effect. Or when you can see that something's not blended well and there's a marked shade difference between your face and neck or jawline or something.
I'll say this about smoky eye/colored lipstick combinations...do one or the other. NOT BOTH. kthanks. That falls under the 'too much' category and makes my eyes cringe a little.
4. Is "done up" different from just wearing makeup? I feel like a more dressed up version of myself when I'm done up...maybe more feminine.
For both:
1. there's been such a huge boom in medical practices, spas, treatment centers, retreats, etc that offer all sorts of things to help people achieve whatever they think will make them look perfect...body wraps, diet cleanses, bleaching skin, tanning skin, cosmetic dentistry, cellulite removal, laser hair removal, removing fat from places you never even thought to look, ADDING fat or silicone to places to make them look bigger. Unfortunately this almost obsessive fascination with beauty and achieving the perfect body creates a lot of malcontents.
2. I'm not sure that guys consciously think about how much makeup women wear unless the lady is wearing too much, wearing it when she normally doesnt, wearing it differently, or if she is looking particularly lovely. I don't have man-brain though, so who knows.
I think this lady does a lovely job of highlighting a clean, classy, "natural" look w/makeup:
[video=youtube;s5J9giLV0Lw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5J9giLV0Lw#t=40[/video]
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kayem77
Guest
I'm not saying guys will pick a girl with makeup over a girl with no makeup on. I believe that, just like women, men have different taste in the opposite sex.
For some , too much makeup means ''high maintenance'', and I kinda feel the same way when I see girls looking like the're about to receive a Grammy to go to school lol. What I'm saying is.... you would probably be more attracted to the girl you already liked, if one day she decided to get done-up for a special occasion. It's like when a girl wants to dress up for your anniversary, or her birthday, or ....perfect example: her wedding . Eh..I don't know if I explained that right . Just in case, I'm NOT saying women need make-up in order to feel beautiful or that they aren't beutiful already. I believe make up can be used to highlight the good features we already have.
It doesn't have to look unnatural either:
[video=youtube;oGpLLWnO3XY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGpLLWnO3XY[/video]
I agree... I've stalked him.... he has that natural beauty we all want. I'm so jealous :/
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ServantStrike
Guest
Actually, I'd bet that her eyebrows are naturally blonde, and that's why she doesn't look like she has any in the no-makeup picture. Women with light eyebrows often darken them with make-up.
I think you might be right... I think a lot of women who look "natural" actually do have make-up on. (Though I disagree that you are an idiot! If they were skilled enough to apply make-up without you noticing, then they accomplished what they intended.)
Many women are blessed with dark brows, eyelashes, smooth complexions or colored lips. Those women can definitely pull off the no-makeup routine better than those who have very light brows/lashes, less smooth complexions, etc.
Haha... I'm sorry for putting you on the spot! You aren't wrong for liking how a woman looks in make-up though, you know. It simply enhances their natural beauty when tastefully done, right?
As for the hair, well, hair is included in being "done up" so... you can add that into the overall "package" when deciding whether you like "natural" better, or "enhanced".
I just feel like I'm picking the options on a car or something. And it's double weird as an "eyes off, hands off' Christian man isn't looking at antyhing but a woman's face unless she's his wife. So every single feature stands out in vivid color.
If those eyebrows are really that light and they aren't tweezed, then I think you have finally sold me on the idea that there is a case for a small amount of make up just to accentuate certain features. I'm half Italian and I have a thick dark unibrow (which I actually have to shave to keep in check lol). I have never had to deal with that particular problem.
I think the answer I'm starting to lean towards is a none of the above answer. This is the kind of conversation I can see going well in a really strong marriage, along the lines of "honey, I like this, I don't like this as much." And yes, I'd be willing to move on certain things too, although facial hair for me can't be one of them (for me I find it itchy and uncomfortable if it stays for too long, trimmed or not I find myself tolerating it a few days at a time).
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colalella2891
Guest
Lol... Actually this thread just brought this to my mind. Last year I worked at a summer camp and they had everyone participate in a play. It was the Lion King, and I played Rafiki, the baboon. They painted my face with makeup to make me look like him, and it was sooo uncomfortable lol. I don't know how you ladies put up with it... 
Lol... Actually this thread just brought this to my mind. Last year I worked at a summer camp and they had everyone participate in a play. It was the Lion King, and I played Rafiki, the baboon. They painted my face with makeup to make me look like him, and it was sooo uncomfortable lol. I don't know how you ladies put up with it...
Ha! Face paint is itchy and annoying, and also can be incredibly hot because it's covering your skin and your skin can't breathe.
Foundation is a little more suited for the face, but I do get your point.
I actually used to wear foundation, back when I was incredibly self-conscious about my red cheeks. I didn't really need it, because my skin is rather clear. I don't wear it anymore because it's too much effort, I don't need it, and it's uncomfortable. Plus, it's incredibly difficult to find a shade light enough for me here in the US that's affordable. Even the "porcelain" shades are too dark.