How do you respond to criticism about your makeup?
How do you respond to criticism about your makeup? How do you handle comments from friends, family members, co-workers, or even strangers?
If it’s a closer friend or family member, I’ll try to politely remind them that it’s my face, I’ll do what I want, and it washes off – so if they don’t like today’s look, maybe they’ll like tomorrow’s, but I don’t wear makeup to impress them. If it’s more extended family or a stranger, I will just nod and move on more than anything else. If someone approached me in private or more one-on-one, rather than publicly, then I’d be more willing to try to educate/explain that putting makeup on is a creative outlet for me, that I enjoy it, and that it’s not about them.
Thanks to Ruca for today’s question! Do you have a question idea? Submit yours here.
Dead pan blinking/stare and saying, “Don’t care.”
I usually just fake-laugh and brush it off. But yeah, youre right, makeup is about me and not others. People need to realize that
My mom freaks out when I’m wearng darker lipstick and thinks it’s black. I’ve reminded her countless times that I don’t own black lipstick, but she still insists that somehow I’ve magically obtained black lipstick and freaks out over and over. It makes me ready self-conscious and makes me sad because when I wear dark lipstick I always feel confident that I’m rocking it until she says something.
Aw, don’t take it to heart. She doesn’t get it! 😛 I’m sure you look fabulous.
Aw thank you 🙂 I try not to, but she does it every time even though I reassure her it’s not! You’d think she wouldn’t care since I’m 21! Haha
If it wouldn’t be a financial hardship for you, buy some black lipstick and wear it around your mom. Tell her “THIS is black lipstick. This is what I look like in it. If I don’t look like this, I am not wearing black lipstick.”
SMART!
That’s a good idea! I was thinking about doing that when MAC released their black lipstick this year (or will it be next year? I’m not sure).
Hautecore (the matte black MAC lipstick) was promoted on Black Friday, first hitting the site on Thanksgiving, and is currently sold out, but listed as “COMING SOON” because it is slated to be part of the Punk Couture collection being released online on December 26th. It should be in stores first week of January, but I don’t recall the date. Definitely take a look for this one, because of all the black lipsticks I’ve had, this has to be the nicest. I’m not usually a fan of black lipstick, to be honest… definitely a winner. 🙂
Oh awesome! Thank you!
You’re welcome! 😀
Make Up For Ever has a black lipstick as well (Rouge Artist Intense 50). Christine of Temptalia reviewed it here: http://www.temptalia.com/make-up-for-ever-50-rouge-artist-intense-lipstick-review-photos-swatches
It might be easier to obtain because it is permanent; just a suggestion, hope it helps!
Thank you so much! I’ll look into it 😀
I’m late to the comment party, but I think Wet ‘n Wild Fantasy Makers has a pretty good black lipstick on the cheap. It might be a good option if you’re on a budget.
Oh sweet! I’ll have to check it out! Thank you!
I think the Wet n Wild Fergie Collection has one as well (called Pagan Angel), but from the reviews I read, it applies rather sheer and patchy. Good luck with your search!
Don’t know that I’ve been criticized as an adult. Didn’t tolerate criticism as a teen.
Usually, I say that I wear makeup because I want to, not because society expects me to. Like Christine, it’s also a creative outlet for me; I began experimenting with makeup after I stopped painting and drawing.
Me too!! When I began experimenting with makeup, or taking it more seriously, was when I stopped drawing …
I like that last bit “it’s not about them.” I feel like too often people around me try to stifle my sense of style because they have an issue with it, it’s my body/face! I can do what I want!
If it was coming from someone like my mother (who has good taste and the best of intentions) I might actually listen and potentially adjust the look a bit. If it was coming from other family (who aren’t big fans of makeup) I be polite but probably not change anything.
In a work context (which has fortunately never happened) I guess it would depend. If I knew I’d kinda stepped over the line I’d probably suck it up and change it, but if I thought I was made up appropriately I’m not sure how I’d take it. I guess it would depend who was calling me out, I’d rather not offend my boss just to wear red lipstick, but if it was a co-worker or subordinate I’d ignore it probably.
As for random strangers, I think I’d find it rude. I’ve certainly never gone up to someone I don’t know just to criticise how they’re dressed. If I thought they were being well meaning (but hadn’t worded it well) I’d probably take it politely, but if not I think I’d be rude back and tell them to mind their own business.
Depending on what criticism it is, what the critic’s relationship to me, and whether it’s solicited or not. For the most part, though, I’d react exactly like Christine would.
It depends on how the criticism is given. If it’s constructive and given in a way to improve whatever I am doing then I’ll appreciate it, but if it’s someone who doesn’t like it just by their personal opinion I just ignore it. I wear makeup for only one person, and that person is myself. If I love my makeup and feel confident with how it looks, then I don’t really care what others think!
“See this face? MINE, not yours. I do what I want.” 🙂 I will never understand why some people care so much about what other people choose to do when it doesn’t affect them. Now, if a job has a certain policy on what’s acceptable then I have no problem following that; otherwise, I wear whatever I feel like putting on my face.
I’ve been fortunate enough to not get criticized much, at least not to my face; not since my mom picked on me when I was 13 (and her makeup is no shining example of how to do it right, anyway). Once in a while, a friend may say something like, “I don’t think color makeup is appropriate to wear in public” (someone actually said this to me in a makeup group recently). To this, I respond by stating “I consider makeup to be a self-expression, and color preferences to be an extension of the personality. Just because something is not for you does not make it wrong for others. Be careful when criticizing colors, as this can come across as a personal insult to the tastes of those who enjoy those colors.” This is the most tactful and fair way I can think of to address these differences, because we are all entitled to our preferences without being made to feel bad. Other than that, I have been trolled twice this year on the internet, both times by rather rude, mean people who had no reason to say anything to me at all other than to try and hurt me because they were jerks. Lucky me, both offenders chose the same original line: “You look like a hooker.” In these cases, I deleted the comments and shrugged it off because while it actually did bother me a bit, I had to remember the source, and just remind myself that only someone really sad on the inside would go to so much trouble to try and hurt a total stranger for kicks. Sometimes, you just have to roll with it!
That’s such a good way to tell people you need to bother about our makeup .. we know it better
until and unless thay are family and are actually concerned about us.. 🙂
What a smart, healthy approach, Christine! It really upsets me how common it is to see people callously criticizing other women, when it comes to fashion in general, giving absolutely unsolicited opinions and advice. Even though I’m mostly a neutral/minimal makeup wearer (and therefore rarely get those irrelevant comments) it always makes me crazy whenever I see people telling other women crap like “but why do you wear this, men don’t like too much makeup!” or “why are you hiding behind makeup?” whenever they see something bolder or less conventional.
Newsflash, people wear makeup for a variety of reasons, not only to make themselves pretty according to your conception of beauty!
Thank you! I had a male friend (briefly) who responded to learning I am a Makeup Artist and Beauty Blogger by telling me he doesn’t like makeup, and thinks women are beautiful naturally, and that makeup only ruined that. He went on to imply that women only wear makeup because the media has made us all “insecure” and we need to get over it. I became incensed, and told him, “What makes you think we do it FOR YOU?” I tried to explain to this person that women usually wear makeup because they enjoy it, and it is a form of self-expression, NOT a way to hide imperfections, or to pretend we’re someone we are not. He didn’t believe me, and insisted we’re all just a bunch of insecure fools. Needless to say, this is now an “ex” friend, as I have no time for anyone who thinks so little of me or any other woman who makes a conscious choice to enjoy cosmetics for the sheer joy of a love for color, products, and makeup arts. Some people just don’t get it, but that’s no excuse to offend the people who do get it.
I received more criticism when I was younger, from other girls in high school. Most people leave me to my own expression, now. Back then, I would take a similar route, reminding those who had an issue with it that 1) I did not put it on with the intentions of impressing them 2) I look gaw-juss 3) “Why take it off? So that I can appear bland like you?” I was snarkier in those days. I look back at my older pictures and still think that I looked pretty darn pretty 🙂
This topic finds me waxing all philosophical. For me, It entirely depends on the nature of the criticism and how it is worded. If it is mean-spirited or intended to hurt, I’ll shrug it off. If it is intended to be helpful, I would certainly take the time to listen and assess whether or not it makes sense for me personally. As someone with perfectionist tendencies, I believe there is always room for improvement so good-hearted criticism is welcome. However, we all get the final say and realizing what other’s think is irrelevant plays a big part in developing our uniqueness; our own individual styles. I will never understand the need to cut other people down for what they like, what they are wearing, etc, It’s all completely subjective and surely our differences are what make it possible to have choices in the first place. Criticizing with the intent of putting others down does not elevate you: It makes you shallow and petty. When you act like this, no surprise the others surrounding you share these same tendencies. Watch your back, when it is turned, sadly, you’re probably next.
The process of discussion on a forum such a this can often lead to new attitudes regarding products, great ideas for multiple uses of products, useful information from others on how they approach various challenges. Keeping it open and positive makes it so much more rewarding.
I agree that the type, intention, and WHO it’s coming from can make me consider what they say, and frankly, even the snarkiest criticism, I do try to consider what they’re REALLY trying to say and if it’s valid or how might I improve in the future (for all things) – to a degree.
Great point, Wendy!
This is true. If I feel that someone is giving me genuine advice with good intentions, and it’s someone with good taste, I’d probably reevaluate whatever it is they took issue with. If I just feel like someone is trying to be smart/petty, I’d brush that shi*t right off! LOL
It really depends on who says something and what the criticism is about. If a close friend finds that a particular look ar shade of eyeshadow/lipstick doesn’t really suit my coloring, I might check again in a mirror, as sometimes different lighting can make a difference. If I then find they are right, I might not wear the same look again. But most of the commets I get are from family members who wear no or very little makeup at all and tend to make comments about my more colorful or dramatic looks ( I do like a red or fuchsia lipsticks quite often, and a smokey eye in the evenings). In the beginning I tried to make them understand that it’s my face and therefore my choice, and that for me a colorful makeup is the same as choosing a bright top in the morning. When the comments didn’t stop or decrease in quantity, I stopped giving them an answer at all, apart from “Really? I like it!”
If I don’t feel 100% confidence in my makeup job that particular day, I might agree with them. Saying that I was in a rush or I was experimenting. But if it’s a look that I thought I look great in, then I ignore them. Usually, it might come from my family if I get any criticism about my makeup.
I like constructive criticism from makeup artists or people who are good with makeup themselves. Tips on smoothing it or refining it. I love dramatic and bold looks, so ”not for everyday” or ”weird” or ”too much makeup” does not sit well with me and I don’t respect those recycled opinions on my creative choices and passion one bit.
As much crazy stuff as I wear outside sometimes, I don’t usually have people explicitly criticize me. Some people will compliment me (but in a way where you know they’re thinking they’re sarcastic) and I just say “thanks” and carry on. My boyfriend, for example, is not a fan when I wear heavy makeup. He doesn’t say anything if I do, though, because he knows for me it’s an important part of expressing myself. And I would kick him. That too.
I ask them why is it that what I do to myself their business.
I have never received any criticism towards my makeup from strangers… The only incidents I remember were from my mom when I was a teenager telling me to put on more blush, then my dad would tell me to wash it off because I looked like a clown… Then my ex husband hated red lipstick on me, so he would get critical whenever I did a light eye/red lip. His favorite look was a dark smoky eye with nude blush and lipstick.
How interesting! My husband is the opposite, and of my perhaps 300+ lipsticks, he wouldn’t mind seeing me in red after red after red (even though all the reds look the same to him), but my beloved nude lippie collection contains the colors that make him reel. I continue to wear them, to his dismay, as nudes are high on my favorite list! Thankfully, he’s quite tolerant and indulges me, rather than ever criticizing. I think he actually dislikes my nudes more than my blues and blacks LOL I suppose this is a good indication that men are as broad-spanning and fickle in their tastes as women are! 😉
Well … my friends don’t criticize my makeup … they criticize how much money I spend on makeup … when I was at the mall hanging out with them, I stopped at the MAC counter and bought a few things (a new collection was just released) and one of my friends was outraged by how much the eyeshadows cost, she was like “Why don’t you go to Sally Beauty Supply? The eye shadows are much cheaper there!! Why waste your money on that expensive nail polish?? You can find a similar one in the Avon catalog!!!” I just answered “1) The quality is not the same and 2) I work hard and I deserve to spend my money in anything I want.”
Someone once dared to comment on how much makeup I have, to which I replied that I don’t smoke (she is a smoker and spends $$ on cigarettes), and I don’t spend as much on other things. Makeup is what makes me happy.
THAT is the whole point, isn’t it? IT MAKES YOU HAPPY! 🙂
The only “criticism” I ever received was when I was in High School, during a meeting with my church yoith group. Our Bishop happened to drop in, and as he was making his way through the group, he took ot a tissue to wipe off my red lipstick when he got to me. I was O.K. with it, as I did understand where he was coming from culturally, his generation, religious connotations, etc. I learned from that point to always take into account my environment, and wear what os appropriate for an event.
Sill not cool to physically wipe it off your mouth, I think. Maybe a comment would have been more appropriate.
OHHHH IF SOMEONE EVER TRIED TO WIPE MY LIPSTICK OFF… shit, there’d be trouble, even if he was a friggin bishop. yikes. not ok.
I might have bitten him.
It depends on the kind of criticism and where it comes from.
Is it a friend that honestly thinks a color doesn’t suit me? Did I not blend well my eyeshadow and it show in natural light? The foundation doesn’t match me well? Thanks for letting me know, I’ll make sure to double check next time I use the same product.
While if someone else criticizes the fact that I’m wearing makeup or how much of it I’m wearing (especially since I’m well beyond my teenage years, or whatever age people find appropriate to wear makeup)…. none of your business dude. 🙂
i don’t think i’ve ever gotten criticism from a stranger. i have had family members tell me i “look better without all that makeup on” i just tell them i wear it because its fun and i like it. i don’t see my brother very often, but when i do he usually comments on it…something like “ew, that lipstick is really bright” lol. he can deal…he’s my little brother:)
my son (he is 10) HATES lipstick and usually tells me so. i’ve told him that it is what i like to wear and he has to accept that. my husband tells my son that in a few years, he is going to love it when girls wear lipstick!
i do like constructive criticism. my husband will often give me suggestions like, maybe you should wear a different lipstick with that outfit, or i like this look better than the one yesterday. i’ll often ask him for his opinion because i know he will be honest. it is nice to have someone who is supportive of your hobby and just wants to help!
I’ve gotten criticized for my makeup more times than I can count. “Oh, I don’t think that color looks right you”. “That’s too shimmery/dark/bold for daytime”. If it’s a relative, I just say “Oh well, too bad. You don’t have to look at my face!”. If it’s person I know but am not close to, say a coworker, I just fake laugh and say “OK, I’ll keep that in mind!” (NOT!). A random person on the street… I probably wouldn’t even acknowledge them. I might be self concious and/or double guess myself for a bit, but then I’ll look at myself in the mirror and be like “They just can’t handle so much FABULOUS!” LOL
Oh, and another line I get: “That’s such a colorful look…!” Grrr. Mind yo biznez.
You are gorgeous! IGNORE THEM ALL. xox
AW, DITTO! <3
I have been criticized for my makeup every now and again for wearing too much. However, it is always by someone not wearing any make up, which makes me think that they don’t like it when anyone wears make up, not mine specifically. So it’s just a difference of opinion.
Also, my sisters are always telling me to blend in my foundation around my jaw line, but that is the perfect kind of constructive criticism, because it helps my makeup look better.
It depends what kind of criticism, really!
If it’s constructive – like idk “you should have blended your blush more” or “have you tried applying x like this?” I’d engage in a dialogue about it and consider it for future.
If it’s people going “oh my god you’re wearing so much eyeshadow” I’m just like “k. cool story bro.” because I don’t really care if my style offends their delicate sensibilities.
Luckily, no one’s ever really said anything along those lines to me. Most of the time it’s just excited squeeing – thank goodness my family don’t give a flip and my friends are makeup addicts lmao!
Well the only person who criticizes me is my baby brother, who is 12. But I usually take it as a compliment, because 12 year old boys have, in general, a horrible aesthetic sense. His remarks are often hilarious, so I just laugh. He gets especially weirded out by lipstick, which he says makes it look like I have someone else’s lips. He’s told me “I don’t want to be able to see your lips from a mile away” and told me that he never wanted to see me in Schiap again (sorry, bud).
I only ever really get criticism from my fiance, and that’s because I ask for it! I ask for his opinion on my makeup just like how I want his opinion on my paintings, and he’s more than happy to tell me what he likes, what he think works, what he doesn’t, his favorite colors on me, etc. sometimes I take his suggestions, sometimes I don’t, depending on what I’ve done that day. he’s so wonderful.
as for strangers, I usually give them the stink eye if they say anything rude about my face. a guy was being a total creep at the bus stop one time, saying things like “you should take that red shit off your mouth, maybe then I’d want to bang you” UGH AWFUL SHIT so I looked him in the eye and told him I’d kill him if he talked to me anymore and he backed off. I think I kind overreacted a little but god damn I was feeling sad that day and Russian Red was the only thing making me feel better. jerks, am I right?
Hah! If Russian Red keeps creeps like that from wanting to touch you, then you may have discovered a hidden defensive benefit from lipstick!
But more seriously, that is gross. I’m sorry you had that experience – it’s terrible when you get stuck at places like bus stops and there’s someone really awful there.
Your fiance sounds wonderful – hi fives – my husband is the same 🙂
No over-reaction. You were rather conservative in your response, if you ask me. What did he expect? “OOO, REALLY? Let me take this lipstick right off to take you up on that offer, but ONLY if you promise to get in your car, honk at me, catcall whistle, throw an empty beer can at me, then shout things like, ‘yo bitch! Wanna ride my jock for a cheeseburger, ho?’ because THAT is the real way to my heart and into my panties, you smooth lady-killer, you!!” **coy giggle** I mean, honestly?? What are these jerks thinking when they say this stuff to us?? He’s lucky you didn’t put a knee in his jewels and end his family legacy. I’d say he got off easy. 😉
That’s terrible! If that ever happened to me, I’d pull my lipstick out and applied even more while looking at him in the eye — maybe even enough to get the Miranda Sings look. Then I’d probably say “Is this enough to keep you away?”.
Some people think the world revolves around them, ugh.
Ooh, unsolicited criticism really gets my goat. I have to take deep breaths though, because I work with a lot of people who are not terribly socially graceful, and they say really blunt things – but I don’t *think* they’re trying to be mean. You sort of get used to it after a while, but it is annoying, especially when you work somewhere that has absolutely no restrictions on attire/makeup (which is great!).
At the end of the day, I’m usually just thinking: ‘Look, my lipstick is not hurting you. For what possible reason was it necessary to say X? Oh, wait. You have the social graces of a cave troll. I forgot’. I never say this, of course, because then I’d be no better than them. But thinking it helps a bit 😉
The exception is the little, helpfully intended ‘your fly is undone!/you have cookie crumbs on your face!/your eyeliner has smeared down your cheek!’ kind of comment. I’d definitely rather know in those cases!
Some days I play with bold looks and end up going to the grocery store. I definitely notice that I get a lot of looks. I don’t think I’ve ever had a stranger actually say something to my face about my makeup though, so I’m not sure what I would say. People that I know will comment “why are you all fancy?” I just laugh and say that I had fun experimenting.
I guess the closest I’ve ever had to criticism about my makeup is from my dad, who is pretty anti-makeup. And the most he’ll say is that he thinks it’s unnecessary and I look fine without it. I gave my mom a big box of nail polish and other beauty goodies for her birthday this year, and she reported that when she got home and started playing with it, my dad said, “I hope you aren’t doing that for me” and she replied, “No, I’m doing it for me!”
But I can’t imagine someone just walking up to you and saying “I hate your makeup!” Who does that? Do they also walk up to people at parties and say “I hate your dress!” or “Those earrings are so tacky!” That just seems like the height of rudeness.
Response is to not respond, particularly if it’s a man commenting.
“It’s not about them.”
THIS! It seems that’s a very difficult concept for some people to understand.
Well said Christine!
Guy on tube: “Why do you have blue eyebrows?”
Me: “Because it’s my face? Why do you feel you’re allowed to question total strangers?”
*later that day*
Illamasqua MUA: “Oh, your eyebrows look great!”
Me: “Thank you so much!”
Same day, two rather different exchanges. Don’t ever let people hate on you, especially strangers. Your face, body, style, any way you present yourself belongs entirely to you. You are not there to meet other people’s expectations!
I had a boyfriend who often told me that my make up was “gross” or “disgusting” (especially lipstick). I always reminded him I was doing it for myself and not for anyone else…He still managed to slip in comments when I’d tell him to stop. Needless to say, we are no longer together!
What a jerk! I dated a guy like him once, who never wasted an opportunity to tell me that he LOVED natural makeup or no makeup at all. I’m now with a man who actually says it makes him happy to see me apply my makeup because it makes me happy. 🙂 Just hold on for a nicer guy!
If someone expresses dislike toward my makeup in a rude or obnoxious way, then I’ll probably call them out for being rude or obnoxious. But I don’t defend my makeup or appearance in any sense; don’t need to. Not everyone is going to like it — there are makeup looks, fashion trends, and so forth that I don’t like, but I don’t go out of my way to tell someone “I DON’T LIKE YOUR MAKEUP” or clothes or shoes or whatever. What matters is that *I* like what I like, and I like myself, so I don’t harbor any negative feelings or bitterness if someone doesn’t approve of me. This has been a huge lesson in my life transitioning from adolescence to adulthood; to acknowledge that not everyone will approve or accept me, but that’s okay, because the only acceptance and approval I’ll ever need is from myself. Sounds cheesy in a way, but it’s totally true, and I’ve become a lot happier letting go of what others think of me.
There are a number of people whose constructive criticism I actively seek out, so when I receive it from them, I’m pleased.
When I get those people who so “helpfully” comment that I don’t need to wear makeup just to please society, that I would look better without it, that I can’t possibly have a reason for doing it other than to fit in… I just remind them that their assertion is in no way based in reality. After all, I’ve gotten a number of comments that I *shouldn’t* wear makeup, and that I’m wrong or pathetic for doing so, but when I didn’t wear makeup, there was not a *single* person who told me I should. At least in the part of society I participate in, the pressure is on *not* to wear makeup.
If it’s really constructive critiicism, and it’s not done in a really condescending way, I thank them. But if it’s just different tastes or my mum tries to wipe off my foundation again because she likes my skin naturally better :D, I’m going to tell a piece of my mind. Not in a rude way, but I’m going to tell them I like my make-up that way, and that’ what counts. Same for my outfits.
It depends if it’s a legitimate critique or a one motivated by misogyny. I think we should always listen to and incorporate suggestions from legitimate critiques and ignore/fight against the other kind. Some legitimate critiques in my opinion are those that point out how we might be contributing to oppressive and unethical practices by makeup companies, or if we are appropriating or stereotyping other people’s cultures in our makeup (just one example: all the “geisha-inspired” looks on youtube). We have to be careful to distinguish personal attacks from attacks on an industry or system; I often see people getting defensive about these kind of legitimate critiques as if they are personal attacks, and they are not. It’s your reaction to those kind of critiques that truly reveals your character. We all mess up; it’s how we take responsibility for our actions that shows what kind of people we are.
But of course, I’m sure this question was about criticism of the “you’re wearing too much makeup” sort – and my boyfriend did imply something of the sort once. He implied that I was unhealthily obsessed with makeup and I spend too much time on it while getting ready. I said it calmed me down and made me feel peaceful and he said that was exactly his point. It is a valid point – there is an unhealthy element to a makeup (or any) obsession – but it’s more complicated than that. People who don’t understand the artistic value of makeup or the value of feminine spaces should be more considerate and refrain from making those sorts of judgements.
I make my eyes go really round and look really excited and enthusiastic and then I say something like, “Oh golly gosh, are we doing unsolicited and unwanted advice right now?! Well in that case, you really need to think about tweezing a bit more and I’m really sorry honey, but those jeans aren’t doing you any favours and your hair, well, at least you tried, I guess?” (or whatever – this works well on either gender, just FYI)
…and if that’s not enough, I offer to buy them a paper bag so they can put it over their head and not look at anyone, ever. All saccharin sweet smiling and soooooo helpful, like I just want the BEST for them…
If it’s a close friend or helpful stranger saying discreetly “You have lipstick on your teeth/Your mascara has smudged/whatever” then obviously I thank them profusely and rectify the problem.
Well, it seems like a lot of people here would respond a lot more politely than I would. I would tell that person they could use some. Not because I care what they think, but because I treat people the way they treat me.
My mother tends to make comments (not really criticism, per se) whenever I wear a bright look (bright liner, bright eye, lip, etc.), but she’s always been a perpetual wearer of taupes, mauves and paler grays, so it’s really more just that what I like to wear tends to be so far out of her wheelhouse, so to speak. I gently remind her that just because she likes to wear her makeup a certain way doesn’t mean that I have to.
I’ve never had any comments or criticisms from a stranger, but if I did, I wouldn’t think anything of it. It’s on my face, not theirs, so it doesn’t affect them. I might ask them why they’re so invested in what I’m wearing, and inform them that I don’t particularly care.
My whole makeup philosophy is about feeling good and having fun. Makeup is a fun, creative outlet for me, and it’s something that makes me feel good, sometimes powerful and confident. When it comes to hobbies and interests, I refuse to let anyone try and make me feel bad about liking the things that I do, including makeup.
I’d tell them to screw off….simply because I don’t dress for them ^o^
I get a TON of criticism about my makeup from close family, because no one is really into makeup like I am. Any kind of graphic liner, dark lips/unusual lip color, or bright colors tend to turn them off, and they’ll respond with a “That does not look good on you.”
I work as a makeup artist for MAC, so I like to think I can tell when something doesn’t work, so if I know they’re saying it just because it’s intimidating then I’ll shrug and say, “I like it, so…” and keep wearing it. But if I can see that they’re onto something, I will adjust.
I don’t really have strangers coming up to me, but I had a roommate who told me endlessly (before my first date with my boyfriend of two years) that “guys like the natural look. The less makeup the better” and I said, “Well too bad, that’s not happening.”
It only happened once. Thank goodness. I’m usually my worst critic.
Since most of the criticism I receive is online from people who don’t show their faces, I don’t care. Makeup is definitely a creative outlet for me and I love it. I love practicing and experimenting 🙂
The truth is that I find that criticism about my makeup or attire is usually with family or at work from the not so attractive. I find that the less pretty they are the more they insist on a “natural” or “no makeup” look. They also criticize anyone who comes around them wearing nice makeup or fragrance. Unless they color their hair they target hair coloring and manicures too. All this stems from envy and I just take it for what it is.
I never get criticized for my makeup… People make me feel like crap when I DONT. There’s a lady at work, who every time I don’t wear foundation, asks me what is wrong with my face. I have mild rosacea. She asks this about every week. The answer hasn’t freaking changed… My skin is irritated because of a genetic condition so I’m not wearing makeup today.
The bf’s mom does that kind of thing, too. I’ve known her 5 years, and she asks if I’m having a heart attack if I have no foundation on because of irritated skin.
UGH.
I just take it like a chump because I have confrontation fears.
That’s terrible. That’s just as bad as telling people they have too much makeup on, if not worse. Nobody should pressure anyone to wear makeup, or shame them if they don’t.
OMG! That is terrible! I agree with Plurabelle, no one should be treating you like this. I went on a 2 year makeup protest because the doctor I worked for had an obnoxious alcoholic bully wife who told me and the other opticians that we “looked like hell” and she decided to enforce “the Nordstrom dress code” which involved full-face makeup down to the nines. I told her I was allergic to cosmetics. I then stopped wearing anything outside of mascara for the rest of the time I worked in that office. It really offended me the way she talked down to us, & I really do have severe eczema and many allergies and sensitivities. I cannot wear most drugstore makeup, and I couldn’t afford high end at that time. This was before my makeup obsession, and products really weren’t as good in 2003 as they are now. You shouldn’t have to feel bad for not wearing makeup, & I’ve never seen rosacea look bad enough that I would feel the person with the condition needed to hide it! That’s so mean. 🙁