I have skin condition called dermographism. If I have the slightest need to scratch my nose or face (and do so), then I end up getting a nasty welt that will stay for a noticeable amount of time... this just from the tiny amount of pressure from a fingernail. For this condition, I take antihistamines quite often, just to keep the itching down. I used to wear makeup years ago, but found that if I went
au naturel then I wouldn't feel then need rub my skin off by the end of the day. These days, I will
occasionally wear some form of lip gloss,
rarely put on foundation or powder, but I
never wear eye makeup.
To be honest, it turned out to be quite liberating. I now feel comfortable with the way I look without makeup. I started thinking I look pretty
even without makeup. So doing my best at preventative measures to keep my skin from being irritated (antihistamines, lack of makeup, etc), I'm quite happy.
Then K started working at my company. K is also a representative for a home based business that sells cosmetics. This is something she does on the side, but she regularly recruits customers at our place of work.
Just this afternoon, she told me:
People who slack on their appearance get less respect.
Now, there were two other women standing in the break-room when then was mentioned, but from the way that she was looking in my direction I knew that her comment was intended for my benefit. She has approached me before about getting a makeover, but I while I have repeatedly thanked her for the offer, I have always said I wasn't interested.
When this happened, I bean dipped and mentioned that there was cake for the July birthdays on another floor... then I left the group feigning work that needed to get done. I don't want to go into the details of my skin condition with my co-workers.
Is there a better response than "so kind of you to take an interest" because, at the same time, I don't want others thinking that I don't care about my appearance in a professional setting.
Should I just go with that? After all, my clothes are dry-cleaned and well kept, my hair is clean and ironed, and these put together I think this means there is no "slacking" on my appearance.