How Dare You Be Girly!

[Flyndaran]

...like I can't take an interest in my appearance and be in any way cerebral or academically minded. I don't mind, though. I like when people underestimate me. Gives me an advantage..

You fell into the same egocentric trap that someone else on this forum did.
People can and do take care of their appearance without using make-up.

...Also, I've worked in the cosmetic/beauty industry for more than ten years. I've never worked with makeup that other people can smell when it's on my face. Lotions, absolutely. Perfumes, sure. Hair products, in certain circumstances. But not makeup. I'm sure there are product lines that have makeup with a strong smell, I just can't say I've encountered any that are strong enough to smell on other people in everyday circumstances, and I'm quite sensitive to smell. Most perfumes send me into an allergy attack or a splitting headache. Lancome and Chanel come to mind as lines with strong smelling products in the packaging (Lancome's lipstick, Chanel's liquid foundation, etc.) but once applied, the smell isn't strong enough to notice unless you're up in someone's face, sniffing.

Many have told me that my family's super acute sense of smell is very unusual. I can smell all make-up from a distance. I can identify people and pets by scent alone, so take what I write on this topic as a very minority ridden view.

[pile of monkeys]

You fell into the same egocentric trap that someone else on this forum did.
People can and do take care of their appearance without using make-up.

You fell into the same single-minded interpretation as you did earlier in the thread. I wasn't just talking about makeup. I was talking also about "doing" my hair, wearing non-casual clothes, taking time to make changes to my appearance that I find to be flattering or enjoyable. For me, it's hair, makeup, and clothes. I do think if you consider yourself to "take care" of your appearance, it generally involves one or more of the above. You can carefully select your clothes in a style you like and is flattering, and that is "taking care" with your appearance. You can groom your hair, you can keep your skin clear and natural, or made up and enhanced, you can wear jewelry that is appealing to you, etc. I'm trying, and failing, to come up with a way that someone would be considered to "take care" with their appearance that doesn't involve hair, skin, or clothing (and/or accessories). Even without any enhancements, keeping those things groomed or specifically chosen to your own standards is really the only way to "take care" with physical appearances.

What I was talking about was not fitting into the geek=slob equation so many seem to buy into.

[Flyndaran]

...
What I was talking about was not fitting into the geek=slob equation so many seem to buy into.

I'm sorry but your post did not convey what you meant very clearly.
I've met too many geeks that are slobs to consider it just a stereotype.
I have issues in general with those too conscious of appearance.
I don't wear stained dirty clothing, but I don't care that much how strangers think of me. Then again I rarely go outside so it's a moot issue.
Either way, as long as one take care of hygiene I don't really care how anyone looks.

[Slytovhand]

Don't be so sure. I've actually been close to being arrested for running around without makeup. Scaring small children and pets, and whatnot.

Hahaha. Kidding of course.

Rubbish!

I've seen the photo over on the CS album!

[Peppergirl]

Rubbish!

I've seen the photo over on the CS album!

I believe I was wearing makeup on those, smartarse.

[violetyoshi]

I will admit the though of putting on makeup makes me gag but if you want to then go ahead. I think your coworker is just being mean to you.

I don't wear makeup, cause I don't want to risk eye infection. Meh.

[BroomJockey]

I don't wear makeup, cause I don't want to risk eye infection. Meh.

Wait, what?! You can get eye infections from make-up?! Holy crap.

[Fashion Lad!]

Wait, what?! You can get eye infections from make-up?! Holy crap.

I notice women generally do dangerous, risky things to look nice.

Blas, I don't know how you carry yourself in public, so don't take what I am about to say as rude or offensive, it's just an observation from my own personal standpoint.

I do notice that when a girl takes time to put on makeup everyday, or just look like they spend a good hour or two just getting ready for work, they tend to have that thing about them. You know that thing that says, "I'm better than you because I take the time to make myself look nice and you obviously don't care." Like I said, I don't know how you carry yourself. These women could just be bitches or they could be just feeling insecure because you look nice and they don't feel they have what it takes to do the same so they lash out at you.

[JuniorMintz]

Wait, what?! You can get eye infections from make-up?! Holy crap.

Eye infections are not caused by wearing make up. Allergic reactions maybe, if you're unlucky. Now, if you already *have* an infection, there's a very high chance of re-infection if you continue to use the same make up and brushes (especially mascara). The same goes for your contact lenses and cases.

[AdminAssistant]

Eye infections are not caused by wearing make up.

Exactly. Don't share makeup. Don't use old mascara, liner, eyeshadow (or anything else for that matter). And if you get an eye infection, toss everything. Also, it's not a bad idea to give your skin (especially around the eyes) a break once in a while. Lots of days I just put on some concealer and powder and call it good.

One thing I promote is actually spending a bit of money on cosmetics - if you're going to use them. I mean, you're putting that stuff on your face, don't you want to make sure it's decent quality? I've tried using store brand cleansers and makeup, but I go right back to Clinique as soon as I can afford it.

[Boozy]

I've been wearing eye make-up nearly every day for 15 years now, and I've never had an infection. I throw old, expired, or possibly contaminated mascaras into the garbage, and I wash my brushes once a week. And I don't share them.

And I wear inexpensive cosmetics available at drugstores. There's no reason to spend a fortune on department store brands. Their ingredients are all the same; you can find non-irritating cleansers and cosmetics at half the price.

[BroomJockey]

Now, if you already *have* an infection, there's a very high chance of re-infection if you continue to use the same make up and brushes (especially mascara). The same goes for your contact lenses and cases.

Ah, that makes sense very much so. Here I was, thinking that make up had some odd power to lower the resistance to infection, or something like that. Thanks

[Peppergirl]

I'm on the fence as to the "expensive -vs- store bought" cosmetics.

When I was younger, I could use the inexpensive brands easily. Unfortunately, as one gets older, (at least in my case) I have noticed a signifigant difference in the quality of the more expensive brands.

Don't get me wrong, I still wear the inexpensive stuff on eyes and lips, but as far as cleansers, moisturizers and foundation, I do spend a bit more and it definitely shows an improvement.

The above is from a perspective of a 40 year old female who *chooses* to wear makeup, of course. Don't wanna get into another 'makeup vs no-makeup' thing again.

[AdminAssistant]

Well, as I think I've said before, I pretty much have to wear a certain brand and type of makeup, as it's the only thing I've found that matches my skin tone without washing me out. Ah, the joy of being pale.... I have a friend who sells Arbonne, and she's just about got me convinced to start buying those products. It's a little pricier than what I've been using, but she swears by it. And they don't test on animals or anything like that.

Honestly, whenever I try to use store brand cleansers, I have to use more, so it's really not that much extra to get the stuff I really like.

[Peppergirl]

Honestly, whenever I try to use store brand cleansers, I have to use more, so it's really not that much extra to get the stuff I really like.

I've noticed that too with the store cleansers.

Never heard of arbonne, and I consider myself a bit of a make-up junkie. I'll need to check them out!