Working Girl

{Image from Marie Claire}

Obviously here at BreBeauty, I live and breathe all things beauty related. However, as a writer I don’t have a full face of makeup on when I’m working. In fact, I am often in gym clothes and UGGS sporting a facial mask (tres chic I know). When I am with clients, however, I always have makeup on: foundation, concealer, powder, blush, bronzer, eye shadow, eye liner, mascara, lipstick-the works. But that is my very line of work, and often times my clients are in need of makeup ideas and they will like and select what I am wearing for them. I think as long as there has been a workplace the debate of makeup versus no makeup has existed. So in the name of investigative beauty journalism, I posed the following questions to women in different professions: Do you wear makeup to work? Do you think it is appropriate for your job to wear makeup? Do you think it is inappropriate to not wear makeup to work in your chosen field? Would you feel comfortable going to work bare-faced? Here is what they had to say:

I spend my days  with two year old princesses who tell me when my hair is messy so I try to keep my locks tame with all natural tools AKA my hands and an elastic for a quick ponytail. On a day where I have class, I use a tinted moisturizer with SPF and mascara that encourages lash growth (someday I’ll graduate to Latisse). If I’m feeling fancy or have the extra time, I’ll throw on a little bronzer and Fresh’s lip tint with SPF. Polished nails and toes are also a big hit with the girls and me, so you’ll typically see me with a coral or red Essie shade on my toes and nudes on my nails. I keep at least my toes maintained to get the “ohh…PINK!” reaction from the girls. Who knew being a nanny could be this demanding? –Nanny and graduate student

My job can be intense; I don’t need my face looking that way too. I am an RN in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Every day I work, I face a new challenge physically, mentally, and most importantly emotionally. I think it’s important to look presentable and professional in my job, so I do wear makeup to work. I go for the more “natural” look. This includes concealer, mascara, soft colors on the eye. I use eye shadow as my eye liner; I feel it gives a softer, more calming look than using eyeliner. I feel it is important for me to look held together, especially in situations where I know I will be dealing with families who are falling apart.- Registered nurse

I work in the real estate industry, specifically appraising. I want to appear professional, but there is no excuse to look frumpy, even if your clients expect it! So, I never go without it and I tend to keep my makeup simple. I use a tinted moisturizer, concealer, powder, NARS Laguna bronzer is a must, blush, light, brown eye shadows, I curl my lashes and finish with mascara. I prefer light, nude glosses from M.A.C. to complete my professional yet pulled together look. – Real Estate Appraiser

As a lawyer I generally dress up for the workday, though I don’t see many people other than my co-workers on the days I am holed up in my office.  But to remain professional, I usually wear a tinted moisturizer, bronzer, blush and a light cream eye shadow so my face doesn’t feel under-dressed compared to my outfit.  I usually curl my eyelashes and skip the mascara so I don’t end up with raccoon eyes at the end of a long day (it always happens BreBeauty!). When I have a firm event or morning meeting with clients, I wear a cream foundation and add a darker lipstick to my regular routine.  All in all I think it is appropriate to always wear makeup to work because of the off chance there will be a surprise client appearance or last minute event where I need to look professional and put-together (this includes happy hour )- Corporate lawyer

I feel every woman should wear makeup in the workplace. It not only adds to your wardrobe in bringing it full circle but it also helps you look more professional and polished. I’m not saying full on lashes and eye shadow fit for an evening out, but foundation, lip gloss, mascara and some color on the cheeks is perfectly appropriate. Makeup brightens you up too. I couldn’t imagine going on a home visit “bare faced.” I want my clients to have a pleasant feeling when they see me and take me seriously rather than thinking I just rolled out of bed and barely cared enough to show up. – Social worker and aging care manager

{Image from Elle}

What about you? Do you wear makeup to work? Would you ever go to work bare faced? I’d love your feedback and profession in a comment.

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