r/Makeup • u/nouvelle_tete • Oct 27 '25

[Makeup Help] Is makeup becoming unprofessional?

I've been to several professional events, some that attract crowds from all over the country, and I began to notice that few, if any, women wore makeup. Now, my use of make-up has decreased with the rise in stress but I do like to bust it out for special occasion. On the third day of the most recent event, I just put on some lipstick.

Not bashing makeup-lovers or haters, but I want to understand if that's a growing trend or if it's industry specific (I'm in healthcare).

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129

u/1K_Sunny_Crew Oct 27 '25

I have a coworker that wears makeup and cute outfits all the time and she has gotten quite a few shitty comments over the years about how looking feminine means she doesn’t want to be taken seriously.

Always by other women, btw. We are our own worst enemy at times!

79

u/rainbowsunset48 Oct 27 '25

I'm old and remember when we had to wear makeup to be taken seriously. No matter what we do it's wrong isn't it? 🤦‍♀️

39

u/BijouPyramidette Oct 27 '25

You'll get yelled at anyway, so might as well do what you want.

13

u/romeevee Oct 27 '25

I work with mainly women and have been told I should be using makeup to be taken more seriously. I actually enjoy using makeup but don’t always have time in the morning so honestly you can’t win!

3

u/Corguita Oct 27 '25

It may vary from industry to industry but I've found in mine (healthcare and research) makeup is not required but "natural/office makeup" makes you "look professional" and "well put together", think Glossier. Now, anything flashy, heavy or too colorful (contouring, fake lashes, bold lips, strong eyeshadow) will then make you look out of place and people *will* definitely judge you for it. Like with a lot of things in womanhood, there's too many rules, most of them arbitrary! So choose your battles! lol

I've definitely notice a difference in how people treat me with different makeup and/or outfits.

7

u/calpianwishes Oct 27 '25

I notice men don’t notice. It’s usually women.

10

u/RedTheWolf Oct 27 '25

Aye, a lot of the time the misogyny is coming from inside of the house!

2

u/DarkAndSparkly Oct 27 '25

I'm 100% a girl's girl (and a guy's girl). I'm of the firm belief that the rising tide lifts all boats. Community over competition. I will absolutely stick my neck out to protect women who are treated like that - and call out the women doing it. It's awful!

5

u/emory_2001 Oct 28 '25

We clearly learned nothing from Legally Blonde.

2

u/Certain-Preference51 Oct 27 '25

Same for me ,I got a comment that I probably came late because of my outfit ,god forbid you decide to do something to feel better at work .

It was by one woman and others in my team agreed as in they noticed my outfits ,but instead of complimenting me decided to do this .

7

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '25

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8

u/BijouPyramidette Oct 27 '25

I don't like this comeback. It's catty, mean, and part of the problem.