Etiquette School is in session! > "So kind of you to take an interest."
respect is a two way street
Anastasia:
Considering women who don't wear makeup to be unprofessional is, in my experience, a culture thing. I'm from the west coast of the US, and I don't wear makeup. It's perfectly acceptable out here, as long as you are well-groomed, to go au natural at work.
I spent a few years living in a southern city, where the culture is quite different. I had trouble finding work---getting past a first interview. I finally figured out it was because I didn't wear makeup. So I started wearing small but visible amounts of eye makeup and lip gloss, and got hired in an office environment immediately.
One day I wasn't feeling like wearing the makeup, so I just put on lip gloss and left my eyes bare. I was actually reprimanded by a superior, because it was 'so unprofessional'. It was absolutely shocking to me, to the point where I threatened to file a complaint with HR, and the superior honestly couldn't understand why I was threatening her. She kept repeating 'but it's so unprofessional.' Finally I blurted out "Not where I come from!' And we both froze for a moment. Then we had a really good dialogue, where she explained to me how normal and expected this was there, and I explained to her that out west that kind of expectation would be considered rude and intrusive.
I wore makeup for the rest of the time I was working there, which wasn't very long. I headed back out west as soon as I could. :)
WestAussieGirl:
I also don't wear makeup. I usually go with "Yes, I'm so lucky to be naturally beautiful.". So far it has always stopped them in their tracks.
Minmom3:
--- Quote from: Anastasia on August 03, 2011, 03:37:05 AM ---Considering women who don't wear makeup to be unprofessional is, in my experience, a culture thing. I'm from the west coast of the US, and I don't wear makeup. It's perfectly acceptable out here, as long as you are well-groomed, to go au natural at work.
I spent a few years living in a southern city, where the culture is quite different. I had trouble finding work---getting past a first interview. I finally figured out it was because I didn't wear makeup. So I started wearing small but visible amounts of eye makeup and lip gloss, and got hired in an office environment immediately.
One day I wasn't feeling like wearing the makeup, so I just put on lip gloss and left my eyes bare. I was actually reprimanded by a superior, because it was 'so unprofessional'. It was absolutely shocking to me, to the point where I threatened to file a complaint with HR, and the superior honestly couldn't understand why I was threatening her. She kept repeating 'but it's so unprofessional.' Finally I blurted out "Not where I come from!' And we both froze for a moment. Then we had a really good dialogue, where she explained to me how normal and expected this was there, and I explained to her that out west that kind of expectation would be considered rude and intrusive.
I wore makeup for the rest of the time I was working there, which wasn't very long. I headed back out west as soon as I could. :)
--- End quote ---
I wore makeup until my vision got bad enough that I'd do a crap job unless they come up with magic glass that I can reach around while seeing through... I would rather be barefaced than have a lousy make up job, so I wear none. What would your supervisor do in that situation? I can't wear contact lenses, just glasses.
Audrey Quest:
--- Quote from: ElegantErica on July 08, 2011, 05:02:45 PM ---
--- Quote ---People who slack on their appearance get less respect.
--- End quote ---
--- End quote ---
Response: Maybe from you. (and then walk away)
Anastasia:
--- Quote from: Minmom3 on August 04, 2011, 12:35:06 AM ---I wore makeup until my vision got bad enough that I'd do a crap job unless they come up with magic glass that I can reach around while seeing through... I would rather be barefaced than have a lousy make up job, so I wear none. What would your supervisor do in that situation? I can't wear contact lenses, just glasses.
--- End quote ---
I have no idea what she would have done, that was years ago. She probably would have been completely flummoxed. She was absolutely fascinated by the fact that not wearing full makeup is common and not seen as abnormal out west. She had been raised with the idea that a woman didn't look professional until they were in a dress with hair styled and full makeup on, and she really had trouble getting her head around the fact that her request was offensive to me. In fact she mentioned to me that she thought I didn't wear enough makeup (because I clearly didn't use foundation, powder or blush) but that since I was very young and had such a nice complexion, I could get away with it. :o
She also told me my hair was a little too wild to be professional there, but since it suited me and I kept it clean and out of my face, she let it slide. ::) What she meant was that I didn't style, color or straighten it. I have beautiful natural Botticelli curls; I follow the curly girl method, don't shampoo or brush or color it, and otherwise, just leave it alone. It's big and fluffy and I love it, but man, people have some real weird ideas about curls.
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