Do you feel like you’re treated differently depending on whether you’re wearing makeup? Share!
I think it’s more situational, because in general, I don’t think so, but if I go to a makeup counter or beauty retailer, I think I get treated better with makeup on (even a little).
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I’m with you, Christine– it very much depends on the situation. I have a few friends (mostly guys) who think it’s a bit weird when I wear makeup because I’ve always been ‘one of them’ so they get a bit awkward when I do. The whole makeup counter thing definitely comes up. I was at Lancome the other day and was treated like a makeup newbie when I wasn’t wearing anything. I used to work in pharmacy, so the professional image was very much aided by wearing suitable makeup, and particularly customers in skincare, makeup, etc. would trust me more. I now work in a sportswear retailer so it’s not such an issue. I feel much more comfortable without makeup on (particularly because it gets very hot in store!) and I don’t think my colleagues or customers care, but I still feel a bit tethered to my old idea of needing the makeup.
I definitely feel like I get treated worse at counters/in Sephora if I have a bare face. But not always. It depends on the associate. Some think you won’t buy anything, but I think some think of you as a blank slate.
To a point, yes. If I go somewhere and I have no makeup on, my hair in a bun, and casual clothes on people don’t pay too much attention to me. But if I go to the same place and now I have my hair done, full makeup, and I’m dressed up..people, men and women tend to make a big fuss about how good I look.
If I go to a beauty counter, definitely! Isn’t it sad how wearing make-up is sometimes considered a sign of you social status instead of how much you love make-up? I’m really not into this whole “women exist mainly as a decoration” trope we have going. :/
Christine, I agree with you 100%. If it’s a makeup counter, I usually won’t bother going unless I have a full face on. I almost feel spoken down to if I am not wearing makeup. What a shame.
The last time I went out without makeup, a woman yelled at me in the Target bathroom because she thought I was a dude (I also had a shaved head).
On the other hand, I’ve been mistaken for an employee at Sephora at least a dozen times when I’ve been in there with a full well-done face. I’ve gotten pretty good at recommending products haha 🙂
Definitely! I get way better service at stores in general if I have makeup on. I’ve had men offer to pump my gas at self service stations when I’ve had it on. It is such a difference that it makes me laugh. Sad but true.
I feel like I get treated differently for wearing makeup that is noticeable (eyeshadow or lipstick). Where I live in Oregon is very tree-hugger-y/in touch with nature, so most ladies wear super subtle makeup, if they’re even wearing any at all. I have definitely been asked on multiple occasions why I feel the need to “plaster all that junk” on my face since “I’m sure you’ll look great without it.”
Bahaha definitely feel like I’m being judged when I walk into Sephora with minimal/no makeup, even though I’ve probably come that way because a) I need to get an accurate foundation match or b) I’m getting a makeover for an event.
Funny enough, outside of Sephora the times when I get called out for having a lot of makeup on the most are when I’m working with kids. Kids are observant and have no filter and will tend to ask me why I’m wearing so much makeup, even if it’s my day-to-day face and doesn’t seem like a lot to me.
I know I get treated very differently. I have definitely noticed the same thing at beauty counters, they seem to take you more seriously if you appear to have experience with makeup. But in general everyone treats me better/with more respect with my makeup fully done. (With the exception of catcalls/disrespectful things). But maybe because I have skin problems there is a more distinct difference with and without makeup. I think the unfortunate reality is that I would not have received certain jobs or other opportunities if I had not learned to do my makeup.
Yes. I kind of feel like people are nicer when I’m wearing something bold. Up The Amp usually does it.
As a critical care nurse, my education, years of experience, and skill level should be respected whether I am made up or not, but as someone who is a recent makeup convert, I am treated much better by patients, families and physicians with makeup on versus when I was bare faced. It bothers me that I am treated nicer because of my physical appearance, but that is the reality of the world.
At makeup counters and boutiques in kind I am treated better with makeup on, especially when I have a full face of makeup on eg false lashes and contouring. I have gotten gratis products, preferential treatment and discounts I have never gotten before when I was going to those places in the past.
Makeup isn’t the norm in Singapore, so I get asked a lot why I bother with the emo eyeliner and don’t I know I look so much better without it. I get that it’s meant to be a compliment and to assuage any imaginary self esteem issues I have, but it ticks me off a lot, especially because the makeup I wear isn’t the type meant to enhance features, but is a creative outlet.
Yes, definitely. It has the same effect as a pair of high heels.
I used to think it didn’t make a difference, but these days, much as I hate to admit it, I think it kind of does. I’ve noticed it especially in any sort of professional situation: what comes to mind immediately is being at the bank or shopping for clothes tends to go more smoothly when I’m wearing makeup. I don’t mean that people are rude if I’m not wearing makeup, just that I’m generally left happier with the interactions. Also, I TA at a university, and I’ve found that ever since I started wearing makeup on a daily basis, I have fewer problems with misbehaviour in tutorial or the kids being thoughtlessly rude; it’s really like the makeup is a marker that I’m older and know what I’m doing, in a sense. I’ve spent quite a bit of time thinking about why this works; I guess it’s partially that when a person is wearing makeup, they’ve probably spent a bit more time choosing their clothes as well. Also, I think daily makeup is, in a way, a sign of adulthood. I know my students probably wear makeup to parties, but I can count on one hand the number of students I’ve had in the past three years who have worn more than some tinted moisturizer and mascara to class, so I can easily imagine them seeing a woman who wears makeup to work as being in a different stage of life. I may, of course, be misinterpreting these situations or the reasons for them, but in my experience there’s definitely a difference and it seems to centre on the perceived authority/adulthood of the woman wearing it.
I think this is truly interesting. I think it could party be a sing to others of maturity/authority. But it also may be more psychological as well. It may be that you are perceived differently with make up on than bare faced, possibly due to people around you feeling that if you take the time to care for your self, you will in turn be more likely to also care for others as well.
The same thought could be said for the difference you feel towards someone who is dressed professionally/for the occasion vs someone who is dressed in sweat pants and a torn t shirt — you would not feel that this person would be someone who would be able to care for you, in a professional type setting.
Sadly, as a woman in academia, it’s pretty obvious that I get treated differently. It’s even worse that I’m in the sciences, where there’s a certain type who will be openly disdainful of you if you’re taking too much effort with your appearance as a woman (since, obviously, it must mean you have nothing in your brain but colouring in your face and making men want you).
I mean in no way to imply that everyone in academia is like this, but it’s certainly an environment in which some particularly noxious attitudes toward women and makeup are alive and well (especially the natural sciences).
In ‘everyday life’ I get lots of compliments ^_^ which is much more positive, of course. I say lots, but what I really mean is ‘more than if I’m not wearing makeup’ because they’re usually complimenting me on my purple lipstick or something similarly, uh, ‘overt’ in colour!
Yep, I get that too. My students respect me more, but my colleagues seem to respect me less, especially the guys. But it’s way easier for us in the humanities because, at least where I am, a really large proportion of the incoming Ph.D. students are female, so it’s really becoming more of a femininity-friendly environment (because I think that’s what a lot of the negativity comes down to, the rejection of femininity as an acceptable way to be). I have to say, I have a contrarian streak that makes me really enjoy openly making fun of condescending guys because I’ve found that it’s the quickest way to make them realize that I’m aware what they think of me and that I don’t care: deadpanning “I don’t know, I only think about fashion and hair” to any serious question usually puts them in their place. It may be a bit cruel, but someone’s gotta do the tough jobs 😛
P.S. Love your blog!
I’m one of only four women in my large Department, and I definitely get treated with that condescending edge that Alla describes! But then, I think the majority of my colleagues look like middle aged schleps in ill-cut suits, so it works both ways I guess. (Off-topic: There is definitely an anti-woman bias in certain aspects of academia and make-up is the thin end of the wedge IMO. The poor working culture in terms of hours at the coalface and lack of flexibility is worse; and I am lucky as I am UK equivalent of tenured.)
What I find funniest is how often I get mistaken for a student or recent graduate, given than I am nearly 15 years older than them. My make-up and attire must give off a youthful air!
Oh yes. I don’t think most people would look twice at me if I went make-up free.
Just a little. I feel like associates pay more attention to me if I’m not wearing makeup. Like they’ll be over attentive thinking I probably don’t know what I’m shopping for/need.
Without a doubt I receive far better treatment when I’m wearing make up. I will hardly leave my house without it anyway, partly because there is such a difference. I have a lot of acne scarring that is very prominent without make up, as well as very dark under eye circles and most of my eyebrows are make up. I feel more confident anyway and always want to put my best foot forward, which includes having my make up on and fixing my hair.
Not at all.
I have very visible acne and acne scars so I feel like people judge a little bit if I’m not wearing foundation. Otherwise I don’t feel like I’m treated differently.
Absolutely. My husband says he likes it more when I do not wear makeup, and cannot stop talking about my “cute little freckles.” Everyone else seems to think I am a high school student when I am not wearing makeup (while my ten year reunion is coming up next year). Even at my university, people think I am an entering freshman instead of graduate student with two bachelor’s degrees. So to earn respect, I try to wear makeup when I am at class or my internship. I have learned that for me at least, it is more professional to wear makeup. The only times I really slip now is when I have a fever over 100 and have to go to class anyway. As far as other outings, I do not care if people accuse me of being young and question my driver’s license when I get carded. They do look at my husband in an interesting way, though.
Not really, but I almost never wear anything more than eyeliner, mascara, and lip balm outside of the house.
Yes when I go to a beauty counter or retailer otherwise no.
Yes, I do. When I am without I look like an ordinary boring norwegian farmer, but when I play up my astonishing blue eyes I own the room i enter.
I refuse to go anywhere without makeup, except if I’m really sick and going to the dr. and want to make sure they give me a prescription! I look so different without it (I’m VERY fair), that I’m positive I’d get a reaction as if I were a non-entity.
I get treated very differently when I wear make-up. Men open doors for me, offer to buy me drinks, and so forth. Women often treat me different too. No one looks at me twice when I don’t wear it. When I go to make up counters without a full face on people talk down to me as if I know nothing. Why would I wear makeup to go try on makeup? On the other hand the one time I went into Sephora wearing a bold lip, I had 3 female SA’s come up to me and ask me what I was wearing!
I definitely believe that my clothes and make up impact how people treat me. Whenever I have to a doctor appointment for myself or my children, I make sure to look like a professional. It makes a great deal of difference in the way I am treated and the level of care I get.
At night job, the boss only compliments me on ‘looking nice,’ when i have m/u on. Not for ironed outfits or jewelry. I think it’s bec. his wife has no skill in this area + couldn’t coord. colors to save her soul! I also think that he + some others think that taking the time to put it on is a sign of liking the situ, or a sign of respect. As in, you put some work into coming here. Day job, as i said yesterday, no one wears it, bec. it’s mostly about direct care w/ less than cooperative individuals. But we certainly do talk it up! As to having m/u on @ U or S, pretty much doesn’t matter, bec. something will be on soon. i do admit, that no longer being a known entity @ places like bloomie’s, Nordie’s, or Barney’s counters would make me put something on to signal seriousness about purchase. At our nearby U or S, i think the SAs seem to observe what you are looking at, more than they do what you have on.
I think there is a subtext with how women see you. They process what you look like, whether you or they know it or not. And if you wear a shade you normally do not, you get head turns. i’m talking about people who don’t know me @ all. I don’t do pinks often at all, + more women turned, when I had on Bite Quince, than ever did when i sported drag queen eyes! I also think that to unknown others, m/u signals a level of refinement that i seldom exhibit, e.g. classic look makeup presupposes no bad words + highly moderated thoughts + behavior. (sorry to disappoint you, folks…)
Yes, I believe I get treated differently when I wear makeup vs. not wearing makeup. It’s interesting because instances truly vary. I’ve worn makeup and have been treated much better i.e. more engaging customer service, compliments and so on. And then I’ve worn makeup and have been treated in the not nicest of ways (ala barefaced at the makeup counter, running errands, etc), which did make me wonder if I’m being treated poorly because I am wearing makeup. There was a time earlier in my professional life that I did not wear makeup and was told that I needed to start doing so. I was initially offended, but the truth was and still is (in my opinion), that it does project a more polished image. These days, I truly wear makeup because I enjoy it and it is a high point in my day to put makeup on. However the varying treatment comes, I treat it accordingly.
The fear of being treated differently is what keeps me from wearing makeup more often around anyone but family.
i’m with you on the makeup counters, but I think it should be just the opposite – if sellers where smarter! Think about it: if you know nothing about makeup products and how to wear them, it’s definitely easier to convince you to buy things you don’t really need or won’t really use. Whereas with people who know makeup, it may be more difficult. I was at a MAC store the other day and the lady who worked there was trying to convince me to buy a concealer that doesn’t work for me, just because the one I wanted to buy was not available. And since I know makeup, I really don’t appreciate people asking me “Are you looking for something special?”. Honestly, when I go to a MAC counter or a beauty retailer, I am NOT looking for something special. I’m just looking, checking out what’s new…
Definitely. People are generally nicer to me when I wear makeup.
Oddly I get treated better without make up at beauty stores cuz I let them have at it when i need help and theycan usually recommend accurately for my skin type/tone. Elsewhere it doesn’t make too much of a difference
I have to say definitely. I have to admit that on weekends I look like a bag lady because I dont wear makeup on the weekends and I usually throw on a t-shirt and sneakers. It probably looks scary to a lot of people. During the week when I have makeup on at work, I feel more confident and I think others pick up on that, so people seem to respond in a nice way when I’m more polished looking.
Oh definitely! I love wearing my favorite look of that period of time when I go to a makeup counter coz I get compliments when walking by, even when I wasn’t buying things. And more importantly, I get more “ok-to-play-with-and-look-around-products time” without getting potential eye rolls”. This barely happens in Sephora since the whole setting is open-shelf while more often in a department store setting, e.g.: Belk, Macy’s and so. Plus it’s a great opportunity to test a new look among those Pros before you get to show it in front of your date!
Situational is correct. I also notice that I get treated better if I’m dressed a little better, perhaps I look like a more serious shopper (and perhaps prone to spend a little more money) than coming in all slobbed out.
Yes! Don’t be with a guy. Even just your brother. They focus on him as if he’s going to buy make-up. Very rude. But when I state what I want, and before they can get it, I state which other product I want and they change their tune. Just because I don’t have it on at the time does not mean I never use it at all!! I really HATE when people try to read a book without opening it first. You think they’d be tired of being wrong. Anyway, unless it’s something totally new, I buy online.
I’m with you, Sarita!
I buy makeup online all the time, and not entirely because I’m disabled and can rarely get out. I like being able to buy just one product, if that’s all I want, and not have to run up against the old “that product will work ONLY if you use it in conjunction with the entire line” sales push.
Also, I don’t like being shoved toward what’s “hot,” even if I don’t like it. In the ’80s I was always being “encouraged” to buy teal eyeshadow, which I hate on me, and when I asked instead for muted lilacs and taupes, I was half afraid that security would be summoned. 🙂
I sure do! When I am not wearing make up people treat me like a normal person (as if I were invisible). They do not pay attention to me and are rude. With makeup, I get everyone’s attention, I get treated very good. Women just stare at me either because I am attractive or because of jealousy (hate). Men are pigs regardless, but I tend to get VIP service when I am dolled up. My fashion sense is conservative, I never expose cleavage. This prob wont get posted but whatevs.
In general, no.
I really don’t look all that different when I have makeup on, as opposed to when I’m bare-faced. If I’m treated differently, it’s most likely because I feel more “put together” and more confident when wearing makeup, and I’m putting out more positive “vibes.”
Unfortunatley I’ve found on the odd occasion that I am treated differently: the most glaringly obvious situation was when I was on holiday with my oldest friend in Europe – we went into a clothes shop (my friend was done up to the nines whereas I was barefaced and in shorts and t-shirt) and my friend was totally fawned on, the staff couldn’t do enough for her. Me? totally ignored! Next day I went back to that shop, all done up, with my friend again. What a different story! They were all over me like white on rice. Sad but true. Mind you my friend did have a strong resemblance to a member of the Royal family. Maybe they thought I was the maid or something!
Wow, what a timely topic! Ive been on vacation and decided today to go to my favorite mall. I’ve been relaxing without makeup for the past 2 weeks. However once I decided to go to the mall, I instinctively put on a tinted moisturizer, mascara and a ” my lids but better” eyeshadow (lol). I know I get more attention when I’m wearing makeup.
For sure!! I’m the youngest one at my work, and if I don’t have makeup on (red lipstick/winged liner) then I look younger and everyone treats me like a kid but wit makeup on I’m treated equal 😛
Oh yes, definitely. Also, if you dress up and wear jewelry and a good handbag and shoes, the SA’s are all over ya! I don’t like to be fawned over but good service is nice.
As you said, it depends on the situation. In my profession as a manager I have to convey authority and confidence. Makeup is a must. Also, I would never go to a makeup counter without some makeup on. Otherwise I’d risk being treated like a newbie and have a sales person try to sell me everything.
I think that when I wear makeup to a counter, it tells the SA a lot about my taste, expertise, etc. Extrapolation helps her to better serve me. I also noticed that when I’m made up, the SA’s tend to be more respectful of my opinions. For example, today a young SA told me that all women should use a good primer. When I told her I wasn’t interested because my sunscreen already contained a lot of dimethicone, she agreed with me and let it drop rather than trying to convince me I needed her line’s primer. So, yeah, I think I’m accorded more respect when I look like I know what I’m doing. The only time I come bare faced is when I’m having a makeup application being done by a professional makeup artist. I want to see how the cosmetics are going to look over my usual skincare products and I want to see how the MA responds to my features and coloring without being influenced by how I usually wear my makeup.
Oh yes! Now, when I go to a makeup counter, no, I don’t feel as though I’m treated differently. In other places, yes. Unfortunately, we are usually judged by people’s first impression of us…which is often, our looks. I feel really bad about myself when it happens that I am out some place without makeup, so maybe those feelings convey to the other person as well.
Definitely! I’m a very, very large woman. Fat. Really fat. Unfortunately at least 3/4 of society thinks this means I am also ugly, lazy, unkempt, poor, unhealthy, an over-eater, an unhealthy eater, and stupid. I am none of those things.
I live in Oregon where makeup is usually minimal to non-existent for most women, so in more casual venues, it’s not so bad. Some days I just feel like little or no makeup, and that’s fine. I can deal.
However: If I wear makeup, I get better service everywhere. Part of it probably is that I feel prettier and more confident, and I truly love makeup. Part of it is probably that my looks are now closer to an acceptable stereotype. People treat me more as an equal. They assume I have more money. Men flirt with me (oh, yes, good-looking guys and evener young guys – you’d be surprised how many prefer big girls or just don’t care, God bless them).
Please don’t label yourself as fat, it has a negative connotation. You are full figured an beautiful! The skin and organs will fail and either away.. Who wants an unkind person? When you refer to yourself as far, you’re making it okay for others to. We all live with hardships, I think variably affected by what society dictates, and we really need to step away from society and free ourselves so we can live feeling free and beautiful as all deerve to! So go on with your bad self and enjoy WHO YOU ARE, Weight and all, because NO ONE else is like you. CELEBRATE IT. (((Hugs)))
Note: On the opposite end of thin societal gorgeousness, it is painstaking to avoid stalkers, glares, and judgements just as well.
WE are all I’m the same boat.
Bless All.
Lotus, many fat women in fat spaces, especially fat activists, would readily label themselves as fat precisely to take the word back from the negative connotation it’s received. The word fat is a descriptor, much like the word thin is. Calling myself fat doesn’t mean I hate how I look, it’s not any different from me calling myself tall. As long as fat is still considered an insult while thin isn’t, we’d never be able to break free from the negativity asssociated with fatness.
You, like most other people, may have bought the widely socialized notion that “fat” is a bad word, but for many of us who do experience fat discrimination on a daily basis, it’s empowering to be able to use the word without a single ounce of malice. It’s a wonderful feeling realizing that for the first time in your life, hearing the word “fat” doesn’t hurt you anymore. Please don’t silence us by saying we can’t identify as fat. 🙂
I understand completely, but the way I read Rachel’s words made me want to reach out to her. All is beautiful and inclusive of beauty. Please don’t misunderstand me without trying to first understand my response to someone who could easily need your strength in that area! Thanks for the schooling… Lol You have no idea what I do or who I am and all I represent, so I forgive your need to justify yourself by using me as an example to feel better. 😀 I hope you recognize kindness and learn to read, as I said IF YOU REFER TO YOURSELF THAT WAY.. But I won’t judge. I just wish you well.
I’m pretty sure me telling you what the word fat means to people who identify as such isn’t any form of justification (nor does it make me feel better, TBH), but I apologize if I somehow led you to think that way.
You’re right, I don’t know you or what you represent. Likewise, you don’t know me, either, so I would highly appreciate it if you do not make assumptions about my motives in replying to you.
In any case, deciding what someone should or should not identify as isn’t kindness. You may mean well, but what another person identify with is not in your jurisdiction in the slightest.
When someone says “You’re not fat!” what they’re really saying is that “You don’t fit in the negative stereotypes of fat!”. There’s a difference between the two, and that’s precisely why fat liberation movement wears the word as a badge of honor.
As on thin-shaming, sorry to say, but it’s not remotely on the same level as fat discrimination: http://www.refinery29.com/2014/08/73657/skinny-shaming-fat-bias
Of course, if you plan to cling to your ignorance despite my attempt to educate you via my knowledge as someone with lived experience as a fat person, then I’m not able to help you. I wish you luck in the future.
Sorry, IN, not I’m. Also, the average sized woman is size 12/14. Pressure is ridiculous since the blossom of internet sand selfies. Think what teens go through.. Wearing foundation on perfect skin because they think they have to.. Walk head up! Your body would be lavish and perfection back during the days of the Greek gods… Plumpness was a sign of good health, thus beauty, because it meant you chose to spend money to take care of yourself.. The world decides things.. Interesting how.. And guys.. They just want boxes lunches. No worry.. They actually don’t notice! Please don’t say fat again. You aren’t fat. You’re fabulous.
Why should fatness and fabulosity be mutually exclusive? Why can’t someone be both?
Rachel, I know exactly what you mean! It’s infuriating how society seem to think that fat and femininity are mutually exclusive, and that we’re often reduced to negative stereotypes. Isn’t it weird how fat bodies symbolize both excess and poverty? :/
No one should have to worry about looking nice in an emergency situation just to get acceptable service at the ER, or to have to put in extra effort in order to be treated as a human being. Women are not decorations, FFS, I wish society would stop tacking our worth to our appearance.
Hugs from a fellow fat lady. <3
Oooh another one of my questions! Not really but its hard to tell since I am usually wearing makeup when I go out. I may get treated a bit differently though if I am wearing some really crazy makeup.
I always wear makeup – especially when I am going to the shops, so I don’t have that problem. The only problem(s) I find is that when you are over a certain age, some of the assistants aren’t interested in you. It is like going into a dress shop and if you are over size 14, they are definitely NOT interested in you.
What I also want to say is that as a classroom teacher, the older students respond to you better if you are made up in a subtle, but professional way. Especially when you are well groomed, your shoes are clean and everything complements each other. Reading the above comments I also think that you can be feminine (and wear makeup) and be a feminist as well.
ABSOLUTELY! Especially with shrinks and doctors.. They feel your outside reflects your inside.. Most of them are not qualified for their job though. (Trust me)
YES: Guys’ attention are drawn to me w/makeup more so than when I hide, hiding for good reason.. (Stalkers)
Otherwise, a mark of health and goodness are duly noted anywhere one goes.
Some people will ALWAYS JUDGE. So whether or not wearing makeup, it mostly, sadly, dictates how we’re treated.
Those with Taylor’s and colored hair, piercings are looked down upon as mostly strange and unkind. The most “put together” people I’ve found to be the cruelest. People can be heartless and merciless.
Don’t let it affect you, have peace that you’re doing you.
Yep…like most others, I am not treated kindly without makeup at makeup counters. But if I have it on…..it’s a much more friendly world. I feel weird wearing it at work because one coworker always makes a point to ask why I’m wearing it and if that means I’m going to visit some menfolk… and that makes me feel bad. I’m trying to get over that because I do enjoy wearing it, but I don’t like when people make a big deal out of it.
Forget what other people say and wear it for yourself! When someone speaks assumptions of you, they are likely projecting their own issues on to you. Just because she only wears makeup for men doesn’t mean that’s the only time you can wear it! I like to wear my makeup everyday – even to clean my house 🙂
I agree, it is situational. When I was younger I wouldn’t so much as go to the grocery store without being “done up”. A few years, a good skin care regime and better confidence has allowed me to embrace both sides of the spectrum, be it full force or au natural. Being comfortable in your own skin regardless of what is or isn’t on it translates into beauty 🙂
I agree with previous posters, that at least part of the reason I’m treated better when I’m wearing makeup is because of the way I carry myself (i.e., with more confidence). The psychologist in me (I am a psychologist) would love to do an experiment to figure out whether it’s the makeup or the confidence that gets people to pay the most attention…Also, I’ve had the same experience at Sephora when I walk in with a bare face, intending on getting color matched or just wanting the option of playing around with whatever, and then sales reps practically ignore me (I assume because they think I don’t wear makeup). So silly.
Definitely. I get a lot more attention because I am much prettier with makeup on. Without makeup my skin is no even and I have obvious blemishes. Makeup makes me look more awake, with clearer skin, and just provides a healthy glow.
Nope, I’m invisible either way.
I really can’t tell. I don’t go to department stores, Sephora or the like without any makeup. I often go bare when walking my dog or when going grocery shopping. There it doesn’t seem to matter.
I do seem to remember, but this was at least 10 years ago, being rather invisible when coming to and going from a day spa at a departmentstore. So maybe it’s as you say, Christine. In order to shop for makeup, wear it 🙂
No, I think I haven’t been in such a situation.
But I remeber to be treated different, depending on the cloth I’m wearing and bag I’m carring.
I was told by a guide walking through New Yorks Rockefeller Center that the Concierge at Christie’s won the price for being the nicest and friendliest congierge in NYC. The reason was simple: You can’t tell how much money a person has on his/her bank account. Maybe someone only wears flipflops, shorts and a t-shrit and can affort one of the most expensive exhibits.
There’s a trick I play when I go to a makeup counter with no makeup on. I rattle off all my beauty knowledge of colours, textures, formula etc. and very specifically ask for what I want (even if it means me just browsing). This usually alerts the assistants that they can’t mess around. As the moments pass by and I am able to better gauge how welcome I am, I relax accordingly. This way neither I nor the assistants behave rudely or feel judged!
I certainly feel uncomfortable when I go out without makeup because I look very different. I am pale and I look ill without makeup. People who have seen me before with makeup take a second look but if they don’t know me I guess the treatment would be the same. I think I act different without makeup as I am self conscious.
Makeup definitely changes the treatment you receive. I work in healthcare, and makeup helps me come across as a professional woman despite the scrubs and ponytail. And forget shopping for makeup without makeup on – that’s the quickest way to be ignored or at best, grudgingly helped.
I actually found this to be super interesting- I agree with you (Christine) in general, and I’ve had times when I walked into Sephora kinda bare-faced and frumpy (not intentionally, just coming from the beach or something) and while the employees are always helpful, they kind of treat me like I don’t know what I want/don’t know what I’m talking about. And then when I finally speak up and rattle off what I’ve tried, what my preferences are, etc, their jaws drop- especially when they see I’m a VIB with a 500-pt perk waiting for me at checkout! Like, it’s a total illusion-breaker and I always kind of enjoy that. Also, I tend to get more male attention when I’m made up, but that doesn’t mean anything to me because it’s not necessarily the kind of attention I want. The rest of the time, nobody treats me any differently, make up or not!
I can only recall ever having ONE good experience with associates at Sephora, and ONE at Ulta. Hence my online shopping problem. I mean, I know the layout of those stores better than the associates, but because I wear light makeup or no makeup on weekends (I test skincare on weekends in case I have a bad reaction) when I do most of my shopping, I get ignored or I’m made to feel like I’m in the way of “real customers”. Then I get to the counter and they see my bank of points on my rewards cards and they realize, “Oh, she spends quite a bit of money here. I’ll be nice to her for the last 30 seconds of our transaction.”
Absolutely! People are nicer and smile more when I have a pretty face of makeup. When I wear makeup that is more wild (like blue lips) people tend to be taken a back- I get way less smiles and way more grumpy snooty looks. But then, there’s the random love from a fellow wild child. LMAO When I don’t wear any makeup at all, people hardly smile and generally aren’t as nice.