The Naked Face Project: Could you go without makeup for two months? What does makeup teach our girls?
Could you go two months without makeup, shaving or deodorant? Could you go one day? Why do women wear makeup? What is it teaching our young girls about loving themselves as they are?
These are all questions two women from North Carolina set out to answer with an experiment: The Naked Face Project.
Both women, Molly Barker, 51, and Caitlin Boyle, 27, are affiliated with Girls on the Run, a running and self-esteem program for girls. They wanted to figure out why they wear makeup when they are telling their girls to love who they are.
“It’s a question they say comes from young girls in Girls on The Run, a running and self-esteem program Barker founded in 1996 that now has chapters in more than 190 cities. Barker, a triathlete, social worker and mother of two, says, “So many times, a little girl will say ‘If you tell me I’m beautiful just the way I am, why do you color your hair or wear makeup?’ “…
“The problem, they agreed, was they didn’t really know the answer.”
So they decided to go two months without wearing any makeup, nail polish, deodorant or shaving their bodies.
Sunday, April1, is the last day of their project and they are asking women around the country to go without make up for one day and see how they feel.
Some of the things they have liked about not wearing make up:
They have saved time and money. One women thinks she’s saved up to $150 a month.
One of the women said her skin has never looked better and doesn’t need the blush.
They both agreed they missed shaving their underarms and the deodorant seemed more like hygiene than beauty product.
I personally don’t wear make up every day. It’s just generally for special occasions or professional ones. (When I do wear make up people always comment how nice I look, which makes me think they think I look like crap most days.) I don’t like the way it feels on my skin and I’m not willing to get up earlier to drive the kids to school with makeup on.
I do however use copious amounts of face cream and lotion that I do not think I could give up at all. (I have such dry skin and it’s far worse out here in Arizona – sooo dry here.) I also don’t think I could stop shaving under my arms. That would really bother me.
At this point I am coloring my hair every two months and I just think it makes me feel better. The gray is all up front, and it’s just sort of depressing. Now my mom colored her hair for 30 years and finally let it go to it’s natural silver all over and it is so beautiful. She looks so much better in her natural color.
So what do you think? Do you normally wear make up every day? Why do you wear it?
Could you go without make up for a day? What about two months? What about face cream or shaving? What about deodorant? (That’s hygiene, not beauty!)
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107 comments Add your comment
motherjanegoose
March 29th, 2012
6:07 am
I wear light make up when I am out and about. When I am working from home I do not wear it. I would never go with out deodorant or shaving. I shower and wash my hair every day ( even whe home) . Also brush my teeth and use mouthwash! I have my eyebrows waxed. I always wear lotion….both face and body and perfume too. I have polished my nails since I was in HS and have a manicure and pedicure now. Since I stand in front of children and adults each day, I try to look and smell nice. I do not wear a lot of makeup and there are days when I am home and wear none at all. Years ago and before we moved here, I used to walk at night with a neighbor who was very sweet. She always had to put on lipstick before we went for a walk. That was funny to me. I walk my dog all the time without lipstick and often makeup too! I wear makeup out for the same reason I would not wear ratty jeans and t shirt to the grocery…I feel better when I look better. It amazes me what some people wear when they are out and about but that is there choice and not mine. I do not even wear jeans/shorts on the airplane, as I try to look professional. This applies even when we are going on vacation. Just a habit for me. My daughter has never worn a lot of makeup and typically just when she is dressing up. She looks nice with it or without. She does know how to dress for the occasion and both of mine know I do not tolerate sloppy apparel when we go out as a family or for church. There is a time for sloppy apparel and they know when it is. They can be sloppy when they are on there own but they respect what is expected here and also have had no trouble wearing what is appropriate for the places of employment. Working with people who are clean and try to look/smell nice, is pleasant…to me.
motherjanegoose
March 29th, 2012
6:27 am
Re: what people wear when they are out and about…I am talking about those who wear pajama pants and slippers to the bank…yes I have seen it here in Atlanta. I have often walked out to get my newspaper in my pajamas and robe but never worn it to a place of business. That’s just me.
shaggy
March 29th, 2012
6:44 am
My honey wears very little make up, if any at all. She doesn’t need it. Beautiful complexion, long hair, lovely smile, and bright, super-intelligent eyes gets it done.
Hmmmmmmmm I am thinking……………….
“HONEY! I’m coming back to bed and I want to play….GrrrrRRRRrrrrrrrrwooooF!!!”
Augusta
March 29th, 2012
8:15 am
I haven’t worn make up in years, other than mascara and lipstick. I don’t need lipstick to walk the dog LOL. I don’t like spending money on makeup, it is so expensive. I do splurge on facial cream by Lancombe……I pay $85 for a jar of cream. But it’s wonderful, my skin looks great, and I certainly do not look my age…..I’ve used it for years.
I have gone to Publix in my slippers, but they look like shoes, and you can’t tell……
RJ
March 29th, 2012
8:23 am
First, I have no interest in going without deodorant. Wearing it tells my daughter that I care about personal hygiene. As for make up, I wear it on occassion. My teenager doesn’t like make up. She always says she’s pretty without it:)! I made her buy some last summer for when she performs. She performs a lot and make up is necessary on stage. When I was in high school I wouldn’t be seen without my eyeliner. Today, I might put on some lip gloss. It really just depends on my mood.
I can go without shaving, as long as it’s in the winder months. I can’t imagine putting deodorant on hairy under arms.
Augusta
March 29th, 2012
8:27 am
I couldn’t give up shaving. I do not like the feel of long flowing hair on my legs….Neither does my husband…LOL
DB
March 29th, 2012
8:42 am
I can’t remember the last time I wore make-up — maybe when I went out to dinner with my husband and a client about two months ago? I’ll buy mascara, and it will dry up before I have used it more than a couple of times! My husband hates lipstick, and since it’s a choice of being kissed frequently and spontaneously, or wearing lipstick, guess what I choose? :-) It’s not that I disapprove of makeup — in fact, I think well-applied makeup is beautiful — I just don’t have to patience for it. Plus, I’ve got rather dry skin, and at my age, I’m a little self-conscious that the makeup looks cake-y and simply accentuates the very things I’m trying to hide!
The shaving and deodorant are non-negotiable. That’s like saying you’re going to go without brushing your teeth or washing your hair for two months!
motherjanegoose
March 29th, 2012
8:44 am
@Augusta…I am speaking of bunny fur type slippers. Some slippers do look like shoes. At least once a week, someone tells me that I do NOT look 52. I have used moisturizer for years and maybe it has helped! Maybe they re just trying to be nice.
My son stopped by yesterday and I laughed at him because, as usual, he was wearing his flip flops. They are FALLING apart. He purchased them 7 years ago and paid over $50 for them and I thought it was nuts! He has gotten a lot of mileage out of them. ( I was wrong) He DOES know how to dress up and has to dress in a shirt and tie for work. There are lots of young adults who have no idea what to wear to a job interview. I read about this all the time in newspapers and hear it from employers. Thus, I think it is a parent’s job to guide their children on what is and is not appropriate, as far as grooming and dress. TO ME bunny slippers and pajama pants at the bank falls into the NOT appropriate. I will run into a convenience store, at the beach, in a swimsuit/coverup and hat/sunglasses. I am not a vain person but try to look nice.
I shave my legs and underarms every season…I cannot stand long hair on my legs and in my armpits. That is just me!
mystery poster
March 29th, 2012
8:47 am
I went without shaving for a time in the 80s (when it was counter-culture cool). I’m not really that hairy, though, so it was barely noticeable. I don’t shave my legs much in the winter, but if it comes to shaving legs or wearing panty hose, I’m definitely going for the shaving!
On a side note, my mom said that now that she’s older, there is no more hair on her legs but it’s migrating to her chin. Ewww…. She said all of a sudden she’ll notice a real long one sticking out and will have to pluck it out, but no more at all on her legs (she’s 68).
Voice of Reason
March 29th, 2012
8:51 am
There is a fine line between wearing makeup to look a certain way and practicing good personal hygiene.
March 29th, 2012
8:55 am
“They wanted to figure out why they wear makeup when they are telling their girls to love who they are.”
It’s fine to have a real foundation for one’s self-esteem, however let’s not pretend that human nature does not require we look our best. We’re not talking about going to extremes here, anyhow.
This seems as if may approach the over-dramatic “you HAVE to accept me for who I am, not matter how obese or unkempt I am” attitude I see more and more from obese women, etc.
I hardly think it’s a tragedy to take care of one’s self and have a nice, groomed, attractive appearance, including the reasonable use of makeup or keeping body hair under control.
If you want a good man, looking like a slob and a hippy is not the answer. Smart guys are attracted to women who take care of themselves.
Sincerely,
A Guy In A Relationship With A Woman Who Looks Good and Takes Care of Herself :)
Voice of Reason
March 29th, 2012
8:55 am
Hit submit too early….
I meant to add that not shaving is one thing, but not wearing deodorant is something entirely different.
Not shaving only really effects you as a person, not wearing deodorant effects anybody that stands down wind of you.
homeschooler
March 29th, 2012
9:03 am
Yeah, shaving and deodorant are a completely different argument than not wearing make-up. What does that have to do with being a woman anyway? Would any of us women want our husbands to go without shaving or deodorant?
I don’t go anywhere without base, mascara and powder. When I go out for the evening etc.. I’ll add eyeliner, eye shadow and blush (all very lightly). I am envious of women who look good without base and powder. I just like for my skin to look very smooth and even. Mine doesn’t without these things. Plus I think I look about 20 years older without it.
I’m also envious of women who don’t have to fix their hair. Long or short my hair takes a minimum of 20 minutes to fix. Fine and naturally wavy/frizzy.
I just happen to be one of those women for who make-up makes a HUGE difference. At fourty years old I would rate myself as a “2″ without make-up but a “7″ with it. Yes, I’ll take some time to put it on. It beats scaring people.
Whenever I go without makeup I get the same reaction. “you look tired, what’s wrong”.
I don’t think wearing make-up says anything to our daughters unless a big deal is made out of it.
Which brings up a realted topic. At what age do you allow your daughter to experiment with or wear make-up? Mine’s only 8 so, not gotten there yet. Just wondered what others think. I will strongly encourage my daughter to not wear base or foundation. I wonder if my early and regular use of it had anything to do with my need to wear it now. I’ve know women who say they have never worn it and have very smooth, even skin. They swear they have good skin because of not wearing it but I wonder if they just never felt the need to use it because they were just blessed with good skin in the first place.
El Sombrero
March 29th, 2012
9:10 am
“So they decided to go two months without wearing any makeup, nail polish, deodorant or shaving their bodies.”
Worry not Honey, the divorce papers should be arriving any day now.
A
March 29th, 2012
9:15 am
Agree with others that going without shaving/deo for a woman is not the same as going makeup free. I put on mineral makeup everyday, which is very light, natural and takes all of a minute to do. Rarely mess with eyeshadow/liner and never mascara. I will do lip gloss and balm. I work at home, so that’s plenty for me. If I go on a business trip, I might up the makeup a notch, but even then I think you see me and not the makeup like with some women whose lips you can see for miles!
Me
March 29th, 2012
9:16 am
@shaggy — my better half wears very little, if any, makeup as well. Once in a while she will use mascara but that’s it.
Now, as far as not using deodorant and not shaving, this is something she will never not do. She knows I don’t like “stubble” so there is never any.
Figment
March 29th, 2012
9:27 am
I don’t wear makeup, it makes my skin itchy and I don’t like how it feels on my face. On a rare occasion I will wear light makeup (for a formal occasion) but that’s maybe once a year. I’m not skipping on shaving or deodorant though, that’s a hygiene issue and IMO not the same thing as makeup.
missnadine
March 29th, 2012
9:28 am
@mjg – agree with you totally on the sloppy dress issue. Is it SO hard to put on jeans of khakis and a nice knit shirt or decent T when out? I live in a real suburban area, lots of younger families, and I swear the women in my neighborhood (most don’t work) are always in the uniform: track pants, husband’s college T (I say husbands as it is oversized), flip flops or slip-on shoes. And they were them all day – from the time they stand at the bus stop in the morning to the time they wait at the bus stop in the afternoon.
It drives me nuts!! Also agree with the comment on the plane. I used to work in tech sales and travelled all over the world, over 20 countries. Was lucky enough to get biz class, and most of the American travelers looked like total slobs, often in sweatsuits. No one in the world would dress like that on a plane! Act like you belong. This is my least favorite season as now the SAHMs will exchange their track pants for ill-fitting track CAPRIS LOL.
On the makeup issue, I work from home and usually will not wear any. When I leave the house for an errand, I usually just wear powder and mascara. I do love my face creams, and believe, like most posters, that a lot of the products cited in this article are hygienic, not just vanity. I do think women often wear just too much makeup.
JOD
March 29th, 2012
10:00 am
Um, no. I have a touch of rosacea (rosy cheeks, thank goodness not worse), so I wear foundation every day. Every day. Hubs says I look fine without it, but he knows I am self-conscious. Usually I wear eyeliner, mascara, and gloss, but sometimes just mascara. If you are blond and don’t, it can look like you don’t have any eyelashes at all! I work from home, so it isn’t for other people per se – I like to look my best.
Deodorant and shaving – not negotiable. Is showering daily vain, too?
@MJG – Amen! I usually see at least one female at Publix wearing pajama pants and fuzzy slippers. Some women at DD’s school drop off in pajamas, slippers, and CURLERS! :o)
Augusta
March 29th, 2012
10:08 am
I like to get coffee on the weekends and I’ll go to the McDonalds drive through in my pajama bottoms and slippers. In winter, I just throw a sweatshirt over my pj’s and off I go……
Denise
March 29th, 2012
10:10 am
No deodorant…ewww…especially in GA in the heat. NOT good and not on the same level as makeup. Not shaving your underarms is a personal hygiene thing, IMO, too, and personal hygiene is important.
I have acne (it’s clearing up…yay!) and dark spots from where the acne was and I’m sometimes insecure about looking like a leopard. LOL (I’m working on those too.) I go without makeup 99.5% of the time though because I don’t have the time and most times I just don’t give a flip. Plus, if it’s summer, it’s too dang hot and my skin needs to breathe! If I’m going somewhere where I want to look good, I will put on some foundation to cover the acne and the spots. I know how to do makeup to make it look natural but “polished”. I figure if I’m dressed nice ALL of me needs to look nice…hair, face, nails (well, nails are sometimes not so nice because I bite them), toes (never wear open toes or sandals without a pedicure). I don’t see it as a “I don’t love myself” since I hardly wear it; I just see it as “why not put your best foot forward”. Having one thing look really “off” ruins the presentation, to me.
K's Mom
March 29th, 2012
10:12 am
I have loved playing with make up since I spent Sunday afternoons with my grandparents and my grandmother would let me play with her rouge and lipstick (I still have her lipstick holder on my vanity), she would also let me play with her clip on “ear bobs”. I wear little makeup day to day, usually a little blush mascara and lip gloss. I do wear full make up when meeting clients, for social outings and church. It just makes me feel better and I like to look my best. I could go without make up, but I just do not want to.
I agree about being sloppy in public. I hate it. PJ pants should be for home use only. I do wear yoga pants often to the park, but with a fitted tshirt (that matches) and matching running shoes. Mainly because if they get dirty, it is easy to clean. I fully agree that to fly, folks should dress nicely. First of all if you are dressed nicely and you get bumped or miss a connection, an airline will consider putting you in first/business class if there is room on the next flight. I have had it happen 3 or 4 times when I was in college meeting my parents places. Also, just show a little class when you travel.
Finally, I agree with everyone else, going without deodorant is like not brushing your teeth.
MomsRule
March 29th, 2012
10:23 am
@homeschooler…a few years back I heard someone say you should “take what you spend on make up trying to cover your flaws and instead spend it on a dermatologist and excellent skin care to correct your skin.”
I gave that quite a bit of thought and went to a dermatologist a few times. I didn’t have much luck with the dermatologist but I did find an amazing esthetician who has worked wonders on my face. My complexion is now very smooth and even and does not require make up.
I do wear mineral foundation, very lightly, on most days but it really isn’t necessary.
My “make up” has been replaced with serums, face creams, good cleansers, etc — these items I use in excess :)
RJ
March 29th, 2012
10:38 am
I should add that I bought concealer for the first time in my life last weekend. Getting up throughout the night and getting too little sleep, has caused me to have dark circles! I bought a cucumber and plan on using it next week since I’ll be off. Hopefully I can get rid of these things. They certainly do make me look as tired as I feel. Better yet, hopefully my DD will start sleeping through the night soon!
missnadine
March 29th, 2012
10:39 am
The skin issues can be very hard. I was one of those people who had blemish-free skin throughout my teens, then got adult acne in my late 20s. It was really bad. I used accutane which helped, but the side effects were pretty intense. Plus my skin is oily.
Now, in my late 40s, I have some pocking on my face. I actually did get a cosmetic procedure done – CO2 resurfacing, back in the days when it took 10 days to heal and was about 5K. It looks a lot better, but I am still self conscious about it. I feel that if you have a body part that you don’t like, there are ways to cover up through fashion, but with the face, it is that much harder. I have had my makeup done where all of this was covered, but honestly, I felt as if I was wearing theatrical makeup :(
Techmom
March 29th, 2012
10:40 am
I’ve never been a fan of liquid foundations as they usually make my skin breakout. I usually wear a light powder foundation, eyeliner and mascara when I go to the office or church. I just think I look half asleep without it. Since I work from home though I don’t wear anything most days. I think some makeup is fine for girls once they’re teenagers but they should be taught how to properly apply it and use it in moderation. One girl at my son’s school wears so much that all the boys call her “makeup girl”. Kind of funny since I’m sure she’s trying to impress the boys and they all think it’s overkill.
I shave my underarms daily and my legs usually twice a week as needed. I’m not super hairy thank goodness! Deodorant is a must- not a “fashion” choice!
K's Mom
March 29th, 2012
11:11 am
@Techmom, I agree about teaching girls to properly apply makeup with out looking like a hooker. I also think that is when proper skin care needs to be taught if has not already been discussed with a girl. My mom helped me with skincare from a really early age and because of that and genetics, I have good skin. It really is a blessing to not have to wear foundation.
homeschooler
March 29th, 2012
11:14 am
@ MJG. Just saw a girl at Don Pablos in pajama bottoms and bedroom slippers Saturday night. Her “date” didn’t look much better.
They both agreed they missed shaving their underarms and the deodorant seemed more like hygiene than beauty product.
March 29th, 2012
11:41 am
…so why did they bunch the two in the “beauty” category? Only the female mind knows…
motherjanegoose
March 29th, 2012
11:54 am
@Augusta…you could not drag me to McDonald’s for their coffee….YUCK. I am a picky pants about coffee. I like it strong, fresh and black…maybe a little sweetener. I have never tasted coffee in a drive through that is good to me. The best hotel coffee, to me, is the Marriott. We have a Keurig here and it runs about 40 cents a cup with pods from Costco. Something we do splurge on but cheaper than Starbucks. My crew loves Starbucks but I just like PLAIN coffee that is good. I like fresh coffee and keep it on the strong brew selection.
On topic…I just left a preschool that hosts a Spring Prom for the four and five year olds and their family. I thought it was a wonderful idea. Everyone has to dress up ( if they come) and they serve a sit down dinner, have dancing, entertainment and a bubble machine too…LOL. What a nice way to show children how to behave in upscale venues. You go with your family…not a date but everyone is there together. I think our society is way too relaxed. I am just about to shed my work clothes and put on shorts but I am home for the day. Casual clothes are fine but some folks have NO idea how to dress up or businesslike. It makes me CRAZY when I get to the airport and see folks who look like they rolled out of bed, hauling their pillow on the plane. YES, the gate agent does treat you nicer if you look respectable and I have been moved to 1st class.
@homeschooler…my husband went to Qwik Trip ( sp?) months ago and told me he was heading out the door when a girl ( who was our daughter’s age) walked by with her hands full. He stepped aside and opened the door for her. The boyfriend butt right in front of her and walked through the door. My husband looked at him and said, ” Um…I was holding the door open for her!” The guy walked to the car and got in on the passenger side, while the girl fumbled with her keys and took the driver’s seat. My husband relayed the story to me with a LOSER and said he hopes that does not happen to our daughter.
Another thing that bugs us is men who wear ball caps inside. Guess we are hopelessly old fashioned.
How about the blog author
March 29th, 2012
11:58 am
Cover her face with a sack or something…….Damn mongo looking freak.
Tyrone 10 inch
March 29th, 2012
12:01 pm
YUCK. I am a picky pants about coffee. I like it strong, fresh and black…
Just like your men?
Techmom
March 29th, 2012
12:17 pm
@MJG, have you had McDonald’s coffee since they upgraded to “McCafe”? I am a coffee snob (and I’m actually not a big fan of Starbucks) and I think McDonald’s coffee is pretty good. But we have a grind and brew at home and I would much rather have a cup from home than anywhere else!
Placenta and avocado wrap
March 29th, 2012
12:25 pm
Don’t encourage MJG……She’ll write a 25,000 word response.
motherjanegoose
March 29th, 2012
12:28 pm
@Techmom…no actually I try to avoid McDonald’s like the plague, since it was all I could afford for so many years in college. The only thing I can tolerate there is breakfast but it has been quite a while for me, as I typically get breakfast for free at hotels since I travel so much. Guess I stand corrected. It would not be the first time…haha! We also have a grind and brew but the Keurig is SO much easier and takes less than a minute for a fresh cup!
Denise
March 29th, 2012
12:30 pm
@MomsRule – I’m not having the best luck with my dermatologist either and the esthetian (sp?) at the office didn’t work magic on me (after ~$700 on chemical peels) either. I just found a new esthetian who is focused on home skin care and nutrition. I won’t tell her about the pizza I’m eating right now. She has called me on my lack of water so I’m drinking the right amount of water again (weight divided by 2 in oz). I’m tinkling all day long but my skin feels good. The products she sold me are nice too. There are other products in the line that will help with the lightening but I wanted to make sure I was going to actually use the products I bought before adding more steps to the regimen. If I’m running too late to swipe some foundation on I definitely don’t have time to cleanse with another soap and then apply two additional lightening products. I definitely don’t want to lighten my whole face, though. I wish I was darker…a pretty chocolate…but my Mama’s light skin genes diluted my Daddy’s dark skin genes. No chocolate children for her! LOLLL
All this makeup talk makes me want to put on a full face of makeup and go somewhere in a sexy dress and shoes. I haven’t been in “dress to impress” mode in a while. LOL
motherjanegoose
March 29th, 2012
12:33 pm
@ Placenta…some folks here like to chat with me and some folks don’t…it is all good as there are some folks on here who are not interesting to me either. As a teacher, I really hate to repeat myself for those who are slow to catch on but I will…I have talked and written for a living…almost 30 years. Imagine it! YES verbose is certainly a word you could use to describe me. Those who know me personally will agree: I LOVE TO TALK and find most chit chat can be interesting in some fashion!
Enemas for Easter
March 29th, 2012
12:33 pm
Shut up
redhousecat
March 29th, 2012
12:39 pm
you know, chlorophyll is a natural deodorizer for the body. Unfortunately, it is people’s diet that causes them to stink, thus relying on deodorant to cover the stench. Sweat doesn’t smell.
I typically do not wear makeup. I’m 40 and never really been one to cake the stuff on. I look about 10 years younger. I do use shampoo and I do get my hair colored with highlights. I don’t venture in public much, but I do make sure I am clean and smell clean when I do.
I shave under my arms and other places, but rarely shave my legs unless I do happen to go out in shorts. The hair on my legs is very fine so it is not noticeable.
back to my original sentence, a healthy diet will make a world of difference on how you look AND smell.
Augusta
March 29th, 2012
12:45 pm
To answer the question posed – “What does makeup teach our girls?”. It teaches them that they have to be fake to be seen in public. Up next, fake nails and then fake boobs. It teaches our daughters/nieces/sisters to believe that they are not pretty naturally. That they need make up in order to make themselves look and feel better.
Why don’t we teach out daughters/nieces/sisters to accept themselves the way they are? Why much we cave to society?
Denise
March 29th, 2012
12:51 pm
@Augusta – you don’t consider mascara and lipstick makeup?
shaggy
March 29th, 2012
12:52 pm
AhhhhhhhhhhhhYawwwwwwwn! Just got out of bed…feeling really relaxed and hungry.
Thanks for the “inspiration”
signed: Ms.shaggy
Newt
March 29th, 2012
1:03 pm
Unless you ladies ever want sex again, you better put some make up on.
Augusta
March 29th, 2012
1:12 pm
@Denise – No I do not. To me, make-up is foundation, blush, powder, eye shadow, etc.
Mega Millions winner
March 29th, 2012
1:13 pm
If I win the Mega Millions, the first thing I do is pay AJC to stop Theresa from ever blogging here again.
ABC
March 29th, 2012
1:19 pm
I used one of the many Groupon type deals for laser hair removal on my underarms. One of the best beauty decisions ever. I’ve always hated shaving my underarms, and with dark hair I had to do it daily. Not anymore!!
E Harmony keeps matching me with fat chicks
March 29th, 2012
1:19 pm
@ Miss Priss
You need a third lover?
Kar
March 29th, 2012
1:19 pm
Make-up I get but if you need deodorant, please use it. For the sake of the people around you.
Also, assumed this was Lent-related (”all is vanity”) but doesn’t look like it.
DB
March 29th, 2012
1:20 pm
When my Girl Scouts were in middle school, we did a unit on personal care. For one meeting, I had a bunch of pretty pink roses, and I provided markers, glitter, etc. and told them they each had a chance to “improve” the rose and make it “beautiful”. They happily set to drawing on the petals, adding glitter glue, etc., coming up with all sorts of color combinations. At the end, they put them all in a vase. Then I pulled out another vase of “plain” roses, and asked them, “So, which one looks better?” They all agreed the that au natural roses “looked better”. So then we talked about makeup, and how too much makes you look like the made-up roses — most young girls are NOT improved by makeup! These were girls who had started to experiment with makeup, and were erring on the side of “just a bit too much” mascara, eye liner, etc. I think the point was made — over the next few weeks, I saw the makeup use dwindle quite a bit. You’ll never take lip gloss away from a 14 year old :-), but at least we got rid of the panda eyes!
Miss Priss!
March 29th, 2012
1:21 pm
E Harmony … sweetie … not at one time, though!
Jeff
March 29th, 2012
1:21 pm
I’ve never been a fan of much makeup. If its the first thing I see, it’s too much for my tastes. That being said, many women dress, act, and style in public for the sake of other women. So let’s not make it sound like its the evil expectation of the male society that somehow forces this select group to go through the process.
I seriously question their claim that “so many girls ask us…….”. My daughter is in a GOTR in Charlotte
, she is 9, and I can guarantee you that kind of question has never crossed her mind, much less her tongue. So I wonder if these 2 women are actually pursuing their own anti-establishment agendas under the mask of making it sound like “so many” young girls are asking?!
They both agreed they missed shaving their underarms and the deodorant seemed more like hygiene than beauty product.
March 29th, 2012
1:25 pm
…OK – I just got back from the library and inadvertently picked up yesterday’s USA Today newspaper – the pictures of the two women accompanied the article – let’s just say that if neither of these women ever wore makeup before, or after, their “experiment” then no one could ever tell (especially the 51 year old – WOOF) whether they used it or not. So I am not sure what their point might be…
lawyerdaggett
March 29th, 2012
1:29 pm
I take very good care of myself and my appearance. I dress well and wash and style my hear every morning. However, I rarely wear makeup. It’s a personal choice and it works for me. I see a lot of really attractive women who wear so much makeup, they look fake. Many would look better without any, or at least with a whole lot less. Shaving underarms and wearing deoderant is a different issue. Stinking is simply not attractive, nor is having hairy underarms IMHO.
Shipwreck
March 29th, 2012
1:29 pm
Miss Priss!
March 29th, 2012
1:14 pm
Anything that might pop out on my nipples
And the steel wool around my quinny
Two of my lovers want to shave that part, but I think that’s creepy.
I’ll be in my bunk…..
lawyerdaggett
March 29th, 2012
1:30 pm
Oops. “Hair,” not “hear.”
Peter
March 29th, 2012
1:30 pm
I always were make-up, shave my body, use deodorant/perfume. That way Im ready when my husband come home!
Eric
March 29th, 2012
1:43 pm
I have no problem with women who wear a small amount of make up. But for those that apply it with a spatula are a total turn off. And for the record, most men are NOT attracted to women who wear a bunch of perfume. There is nothing that smells better than the light clean scent of a woman. When you spray half a gallon of perfume on your body, it makes me gag. Nothing is worse than getting caught in an elevator with some women who filled up the tub with perfume and jumped in. What the hell is that all about? Do you take a bath? Are you trying to cover up bad body odor? Seriously, the days when a woman should wear that much perfume are over. Get on board and stop it. It’s a nasty and disgusting habit. I dated one woman for a whopping three days, then had to cut her loose. I told her I couldn’t stand smelling her. She was all upset and offended and said she spent a fortune on her perfume. I told her to save her money, take a bath, and get over herself. Gross…gross…gross.
Why do women feel like they have to transform themselves into this fake picture of perfection. You will NEVER be perfect, grow up, and learn to appreciate who you are. Stop painting your face, you look like a clown, stop wearing inappropriate clothing, you’re only attracting the wrong sort, stop bathing in perfume, you are choking me to death. Be a real woman, fake is ugly.
Think abut it Eric...
March 29th, 2012
1:55 pm
…why some women wear a lot of perfume – what other smells are they trying to hide? DOH…
Pamela Parker
March 29th, 2012
1:56 pm
Enter your comments here
K's Mom
March 29th, 2012
1:58 pm
@Eric, glad to hear you mention perfume. I am allergice to it, as are many and I wish everyone understood that too much perfume can cause migraines and allergic reactions for many. I wish those magazine pullouts were outlawed. If I smell too much perfume or cologne it can literally make me gag and put me down for 2 days with a migraine. Soap and deodorant really do the trick for most!
motherjanegoose
March 29th, 2012
1:59 pm
Some conferences are FRAGRANCE FREE. This means NO LOTION, SCENTED ANTI PERSPIRANT, HAIR PRODUCTS etc. I have never attended one of these venues but wonder how things smell after a long day in a room with hundreds of other people.
Valstake
March 29th, 2012
2:06 pm
I rarely wear makeup, use deodorant, shave when necessary and don’t use perfume. At 60 years old, I don’t try to impress others with how I look – to me it’s enough to be clean and comfortable. The only thing I usually have on my face is a smile.
Jilted Spouse
March 29th, 2012
2:06 pm
Just wondering Theresa…….Does your new boyfriend approve you of not wearing make up?
Becky
March 29th, 2012
2:13 pm
I wear make only when I go to work and church..I am very fair skined and I wear foundation with sunscreen in it..I’m not a fanatic about it though..I do have to have masacra (sp) as I do look very washed out without it..
@Eric..Amen..The owner of the company that I work for made a coworker cry one day about the smell of her perfume, yet he bathes in his cologne…When he comes in, it takes me about 2-3 hours before I can stand to be around him for the smell..I have never had my eyebrows waxed (never will), I don’t wear fake nails and I apply makeup very lightly..You take me as I am or not at all..
Demetri Martin
March 29th, 2012
2:17 pm
It’s no coincidence that cologne rhymes with alone.
catlady
March 29th, 2012
2:21 pm
Due to allergies (don’t mention allergenic to me) I don’t wear makeup. I am not an everyday shaver, and with my coloring it isn’t very noticeable. I will wear deodorant, bathe, and wash my hair twice each day (gets the pollen out). I don’t color my hair, but I do use a perm.
I’d like to see more of our beautiful, healthy young women and girls go without makeup.
My daughters (26 and 35) wear very light makeup in public frequently; they are both very fair. Neither colors her hair, nor uses perms. They both use deodorant, and will shave as needed. My DIL does not shave–ever! She does not wear makeup or do anything to her hair, and she is lovely. Her shaving status is a bit off-putting to me, but it is totally her decision, and my son supports it. MYOB.
motherjanegoose
March 29th, 2012
2:24 pm
Valstake…Love a person who wears a smile! I hope to see you this summer!
Demetri…What does perfume and after shave rhyme with?
FYI..I was shopping in Big Lots once and poking around the aisles. Two Grandpas were meandering around and looking at me. I was wondering what they were up to. Finally, one comes over to me and says…”you smell really good…what is the scent…I may want to get some for my wife!” UM..not available at BIG LOTS. Cracked me up for sure…getting noticed by Grandpas at Big Lots!
Sort of on topic: I buy my perfume online from Scentiments. They will send you counter samples and you an save a LOT! The bottle may not be pretty but the price is right!
Augusta
March 29th, 2012
2:31 pm
My sister in law wears so much make up, spends so much time on her hair, that it’s almost a joke in our family. It takes her at least 2 hours to get ready every day and she spends thousands of dollars on make up (must be top of the line department store, no grocery store make up for her), manicures, pedicures, eyebrow waxing, tanning, etc. She’s 40. I can be ready to go out in less than 30 minutes, shower to car.
One year on a trip to the beach, she had to go buy more make up at the mall, since she couldn’t pack all her stuff from home. This is a woman, who packs 4-5 suitcases for a week at the beach, two alone for hair and makeup. Five different swimsuits (she NEVER gets in the water), and at least 3-4 outfits per day….when I’m at the beach, all I require is a swimsuit, coverup, towel, SPF30, and a cooler full of beer, and a really good book, and my family. She has these beautiful sandals that I just adored, She told me she spent $100 on them and they were very uncomfortable. I asked WHY did you pay so much for something that’s uncomfortable, and her reply was “they look great on my feet”. Poor thing….I feel so bad for her husband, he’s paying for all this…..
catlady
March 29th, 2012
2:40 pm
home schooler: I was 14 when I sneaked out to a basketball game and used some lip gloss. You’d have thought I was drinking on the sly!
My daughters were about 12 or 13 when they wanted mascara and lip gloss. We went for subtle colors, since they are fair.
I use unscented and noncolored stuff as much as possible, including detergent and dryer sheets. I want people around me to smell me smelling clean. Like others mentioned, scent can trigger headaches or worse! If you can smell a person before or after they are there, it was TOO STRONG. Also, I find I can smell people smoking or with too much scent in cars beside or in front of me at stoplights–EWW, As a teacher, kids come in smelling of cologne sometimes, but quite often come in stinking of cigarrette smoke or dope smoke that their parents used on the way to school drop-off!
Augusta
March 29th, 2012
2:46 pm
The smell of someone after they have smoked a cigarette is the worse smell ever. I could just gag. When I do go into the office, there is one guy who smokes, and I have told him he is NOT to come into my office after smoking…..EWWWWWw…I hate cigarettes.
YEARS ago, I worked with a guy from Laos….they have HORRIBLE hygiene, and one day his BO alone stunk up the entire office. I was pregnant with my first, and when he got to smelling, I would have to leave the building. It was horrible. I think he bathed about once a week and he never wore deodorant.
Denise
March 29th, 2012
3:04 pm
OMG…perfume can be the near-death of me!! Migraines almost 50% of the time I ride with someone who just put on perfume and I want to cry when someone sprays it in my house. I have had to move seats in church because I was sitting between 2 broads with too much perfume. I can use body sprays without a problem so I don’t know why the perfume lays me out.
But I would rather risk it with perfume than smell funk and obnoxious cigarette/cigar smoke in clothes and coming out of your pores.
K's Mom
March 29th, 2012
3:51 pm
@Denise, I would love to know if all perfumes have some sort of common chemical. I can smell flowers, soap, lotion, shampoo and nothing affects me like perfume. They can be expensive (I bought a Chanel fragrance one time before I gave up), mid priced or cheap and they all affect me if they are close by. I hate you experience the same thing, but I am glad to know I am not the only one.
Penguinmom
March 29th, 2012
3:57 pm
Makeup I could do without, I only wear a little bit (foundation) and occasionally blush. Rarely use eye shadow or lipstick (weddings, special occasions). I could easily go 2 weeks without makeup.
Not shaving under the arms and not wearing deodorant, I don’t think so! That is not a matter of beauty to me, shaving under my arms is for me because I don’t like the feel of hair there. Putting on deodorant is mainly for me because I like not having sticky underarms, but also for others in case I sweat.
I don’t consider lotion to be ‘makeup’. It is skin care just like putting conditioner on my hair is not about beauty as much as it is about being able to drag a comb through it after the shower.
HB
March 29th, 2012
4:20 pm
Denise and K’s Mom, I think orris root is the common ingredient that people are tested for to see if they are allergic to perfume. That’s not to say that body sprays, etc won’t cause allergy problems, but apprently that one ingredient is the main culprit. Some hypoallergenic perfumes, like Clinique, don’t have it (Clinique still sets off my allergies, but they say many people allergic to orris root can use it). Some French perfumes don’t bother me nearly as much as most do, so I think there must be something left out or something about their processing that makes it easier for me to tolerate.
Jeff
March 29th, 2012
4:27 pm
I think the consensus between the normal people is that less is more when it comes to almost all of these accessories.
Shaggy/ms shaggy: you kill me.
Becky
March 29th, 2012
4:33 pm
@Augusta..I worked with a lady once that was the same way..She would “refresh” her makeup about 3-4 times per day..It takes me about 10 minutes to put my makeup on..Any more time than that and I go without it..Like you, shower to car, I can be ready in about the same time half an hour..All of my makeup can fit into a ziplock sandwhich size bad with room left over…
K's Mom
March 29th, 2012
4:45 pm
@HB, interesting. I can’t tolerate Cliniques perfume either. Clinique Happy was huge when I was in college and it made me gag too. I am highly allergic to all lillies too and I wonder if there is something common in perfumes that comes from lillies.
missnadine
March 29th, 2012
5:05 pm
I am an ex-smoker, and smoked for 20 years. Strangely enough, I love the smell, not on a person in an elevator, but love walking through the smoking area outdoors!
missnadine
March 29th, 2012
5:29 pm
wow Teresa, this would be a good time to remove a post.
Denise
March 29th, 2012
6:09 pm
@HB and K’s Mom – Clinique’s Happy does me in too. :-( I just can’t do any of them. I have a girlfriend who had to work from home because too many scents gave her migraines and she couldn’t be in her office and stay healthy. When I’m in the mall, I hold my breath and run thru the perfume area and give the meanest looks to the ladies wanting to spray me. If it wasn’t impolite I might give them a few choice words when they block my path! LOL
Theresa Walsh Giarrusso
March 29th, 2012
6:38 pm
Miss Priss I just deleted a bunch of inappropriate comments — I’ve had several notes complaining about your inappropriateness. Post one more inappropriate think and I’m about to ban you. I know you’ve been with a long time and most often play OK so ….. it’s up to you.
Fred ™
March 29th, 2012
6:47 pm
It’s funny. I KNOW who “Snooki’ is because you would have to live in a vacuum not to, but I have NEVER watched Jersey Shore. They posted a picture of her that she tweeted (don’t do twitter either) without makeup. I couldn’t believe it. She actually looked GOOD. She looks like crap with her makeup on.
Oh well just my 2 cents……….
Fred trademarked...
March 29th, 2012
9:06 pm
…his name – give me a break…
A friend with whom I used to go to church...
March 29th, 2012
9:09 pm
…many years ago (God rest her soul) used to put on make up BEFORE she went to bed – when asked by her closest lady friends why she did this, her response was she did it because “what if “K” wakes up and looks at me” – and that is the gospel truth…
cobb mom
March 30th, 2012
7:04 am
Due to a medical condition I have extremely sensitive skin and can’t wear any type of makeup. As a teenager and an adult I’ve never had acne, very fortunate indeed. I do wash my face and use a light moisturizer. Due to the skin issue I can’t wear perfumed lotions or perfume in general. I have to wear unscented deodorant and use unscented shampoo.
Miss Priss!
March 30th, 2012
8:50 am
Goodness gracious! I just shot Africa Katamu out of my nose! Women complaining about something … why am I not suprised!
Anyhow, I’ll will try very hard to behave. Less is more?
jarvis
March 30th, 2012
9:04 am
No new blog today, huh? Guess I’ll read the obits.
March 30th, 2012
9:29 am
“Miss Priss I just deleted a bunch of inappropriate comments — I’ve had several notes complaining about your inappropriateness. Post one more inappropriate think and I’m about to ban you. I know you’ve been with a long time and most often play OK so ….. it’s up to you.””
FYI, you can’t really “ban” someone permanently, however you can slightly inconvenience them.
Good grief!
March 30th, 2012
9:55 am
What is wrong with looking and smelling nice? Of course, there are limits. I admire a neatly dressed and well-groomed person and appreciate them for the time they took to look nice rather than a rag bag looking somebody who looks like they came out in public with no consideration how they look or smell. It is called personal pride. Our society has become too casual for my tastes. Looking your best raises your self-esteem and moods. How could anyone not consider bathing, brushing their teeth, or grooming themselves daily???
Anyone else
March 30th, 2012
10:00 am
Anyone else think the reason we don’t have a new blog is Theresa is busy putting make up on for her boyfriend?
Denise
March 30th, 2012
11:39 am
@Good Grief! – I agree. Grooming should be a basic, must-do, but some folks just don’t do it. I do think it is an indication of low self-esteem. In college I took “pride” in being the “casual” one in the group. I figured that everyone needed to “love me for me”. Needless to say I only had one real relationship and I was looked over by most of the guys I was interested in. They definitely prefered girls who did more than threw on a sweatshirt and jeans and wore ponytails. When I outgrew that phase it was hard to transition into better clothes and makeup because I thought I wasn’t “keeping it real” but I do indeed feel better when I look like somebody with pride about myself. I am also cheap so I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on clothes and shoes but I learned that I didn’t have to to be cute. Today I have on a $20 maxi dress from Old Navy and some $16 dollar sandals from some souvenir shop and I happen to like my look. I don’t have on any makeup but my skin looks nice (I think…considering the fact it is not super clear yet) and my shoulders are out. I like my shoulders. So yeah, I’m feeling pretty good. I no longer feel good with ratty sweatshirts and jeans. The only sweatshirts I wear are Saints sweatshirts in football season. I doubt I ever REALLY did but I “branded” myself that way and felt that I had to go with it…until I couldn’t anymore.
Fred ™
March 30th, 2012
12:48 pm
Fred trademarked…
March 29th, 2012
9:06 pm
…his name – give me a break…
Yeah well I have Stalkers across several blogs who use my name to post asinine posts. They then say it’s just a “coincidence.” Now if they add the trademark it’s obvious that they are scum sucking stalkers trying to defame me which IS against the forum rules here and an IPO bannable offense.
Thanks for your concern though mystery meat.
Augusta
March 30th, 2012
1:24 pm
She can and will block you. There’s this little thing called an IP address, and she can prevent you from posting here……Just ask Enema’s for Easter, and several innappropriate names….oh wait you can’t, they’ve been blocked!!!! I’m sorry……
March 30th, 2012
1:47 pm
“She can and will block you. There’s this little thing called an IP address, and she can prevent you from posting here……Just ask Enema’s for Easter, and several innappropriate names….oh wait you can’t, they’ve been blocked!!!! I’m sorry……”
You missed the point entirely.
I clearly know how someone is supposedly “blocked”. My point was that one can’t be truely “blocked” as there are plenty of means to go around it.
Enemas for Easter
March 30th, 2012
2:11 pm
Did I hear my name?
Rectal Bleeding
March 30th, 2012
2:13 pm
There sure are a lot of uptight women here. Maybe it’s time you head back to the kitchen.
Voice of Reason
March 30th, 2012
2:15 pm
So no topic today eh?
Fine I’ll make up my own.
So ladies who dressed up for National Cleavage Day?
Pictures, or it didn’t happen.
Enemas for Easter
March 30th, 2012
2:59 pm
What’s inappropriate about my name?
Augusta
March 30th, 2012
3:30 pm
There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with your name, but you were reprimanded a few months ago, for not playing nice. :)
djm_NC
March 31st, 2012
7:18 am
i wear mascara to work…sometimes some blush…i hate the feel of make up on my face and to me it doesnt look great. i agree that deoderant is a totally different subject and i never go without that.
my daughters started playing with make up at a very young age and by the time the were old enough to wear it in public they were very proficient at applying it…they both went through a stage of wearing it but now neither wears it, only very rarely. i think they are beautiful with or without :)….
i agree too-its a tad disheartening when one day you wear make up and everyone tells you how great you look (when you usually dont wear it and no one tells you that you look great lol) but i go for comfort. i cant live without my mascara…and some good moisturizer. thats about it. oh yeah…and the deoderant lol
Misty
March 31st, 2012
10:31 pm
Thank God my husband loves me the way I am, regardless which of the 3 I do or don’t do! :-) I don’t wear make up unless I have to. I have very sensitive skin and even the minimal will cause me to break out. I try to wear a tinted sunscreen only because I have red splotches. Shaving is up to the individual and my husband doesn’t really care. Deoderant is a must if you don’t want to chase anyone away.
The Naked Face Project: Could you go without makeup for two months? What does … | MONG CAI
April 1st, 2012
8:26 am
[...] The Naked Face Project: Could you go without makeup for two months? What does … The Naked Face Project: Could you go without makeup for two months? What does … Could you go two months without makeup, shaving or deodorant? Could you go one day? Why do women wear makeup? What is it teaching our young girls about loving themselves as they are? These are all questions two women from North Carolina set out to … Read more on Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
newblogger
April 1st, 2012
9:23 am
I agree with “Good Grief”. Just like fatty foods and alcohol…everything in moderation. I have o.k. skin, but along with my 40s has come some discoloration. I have worn makeup since I was a teenager. Not a ton of it, but foundation, blush, eye makeup. I don’t go crazy with it, but I like the way it looks. However, I am not opposed to going without as well. I’ll go without more in the summer when I have a tan. I know….OMG a tan! I don’t think most of us are trying to cover up ugly or trying to be fake, although some do go overboard. I mean really, I love my bed too, but it looks better made up! My kitchen table is beautiful, but looks nicer when I dress it up with flowers. My yard is nice, but looks better when properly trimmed and accentuated with color. You get the idea…
sophyb
April 1st, 2012
1:42 pm
My skin is very oily and actually breaks out if I DON’T wear some kind of foundation (go figure). I wear mineral foundation, lip gloss and mascara for the office – rarely go the full-on makeup route unless it’s a special occasion. To me it’s personal choice, wear it if you want/don’t wear it if you don’t want to. I don’t wear it for anyone’s sake but my own. I like the way my skin doesn’t break out! As far as influencing my daughter – she has great skin and has never worn very much if any makeup beyong mascara. And this is after spending 21 years watching me put it on. Don’t think there’s a lot of influence going on there.
sophyb
April 1st, 2012
1:44 pm
Oh, and deoderant is something you do as much for others as for yourself! I don’t consider it optional in the Georgia heat. Yuck.
Kat
April 1st, 2012
9:46 pm
How young is “too young” of an age for a child to see the “Titanic” movie? I know we spoke about “The Hunger Games” the other day, but what about this one? I recall there being some obscenities, some brief nudity, and (most importantly) a woman being slapped by a man. Thoughts?
Denise
April 2nd, 2012
12:04 pm
@Sophyb – Mary Kay philosophy is that foundation is a must as a protection for your skin against the environment so it make sense that you would break out if you don’t have it on. I don’t have an opinion on that because it works both ways – if you have on the wrong foundation formula (liquid versus powder versus cream versus cream-to-powder versus mineral, etc) you can get breakouts because of the foundation. I need something that is more matte or I will look greasy as my skin is oily and I will break out if I don’t wash the foundation off really well as soon as possible. I rarely wear it from day to night. I’ll apply it for night or I will use the matte version which is lighter.