Makeup application in public; an etiquette faux pas?
Rules are meant to be broken and time evaporates some of the strict fashion messages of other times. It is now summer and I remember the old adage “never wear white before Memorial Day” so for years those white handbags and jackets languished in my closet waiting for the fictitious bell to ring on that day. Then after Labor Day all whites went into hibernation. That was before designers created “winter white” and “white became the new black”. Ah Fashion!
Make up has its’ own dilemma and that is when it is ok to apply make up in public. My opinion is that it is fine, even elegant, to take out a smart compact from your purse. In fact – you want people to see it. It’s chic and made for discussion. Some of the lipstick tubes themselves are works of sculpture and meant as accessories as well as lip tint enhancements.
Some of my most memorable gifts have been glamorous gold or jeweled compacts with my initials or zodiac sign. I did not want to keep these just for my eyes only or an occasional comment in ladies room. These were beautiful and certainly conversation starters.
I love the old fashion romance of a wax perfume container of the Belle Époque era.
Ladies would imbed their favorite perfume in a soft wax and carry it in a gorgeous container like a large cameo or pill box. They would take it out and with elegant flourish apply fragrance letting their company experience this beautiful scent. It was an act of femininity.
Makeup application in public; an etiquette faux pas?
I think this is the secret to applying makeup in public! Is it an act of femininity which will enhance you? Some women can do it well and some it just misses.
I believe there are boundaries to what is just good taste and what can enhance you visually. Starting makeup from scratch with moisturizing and applying foundation in public is just not good sense and makes you look foolish. Driving to work using the rearview mirror and applying mascara is dangerous and could get you a ticket. But adding a puff of powder or blush is fast and can add to your aura if done with style.
The secret to applying makeup in public is to have a good looking, new looking compact or lipstick or blush. It should make more of who you are not state I need to buy an item immediately because what you see is messy or almost used up.
We all need a touch up – whether we are at our desk, at dinner or driving home (passenger side only). My rule is if the pubic (meaning anyone other than you) is going to see it – it should be new. So retire anything in you portable make up bag which you use to your private at home drawer.
Performing such private acts in public places was once socially unacceptable. Today, it is often unavoidable, some women say.
Although, it’s becoming commonplace I think it’s absolutely a function of time. You can work it into your routine. It takes five minutes.
Many say when a woman beautifies herself in public; it hurts her professional and personal image. I think it depends on the situation and who is with you. A lipstick application at a girl’s night out dinner is different from a business dinner.
Is this tacky? What do you think?
