# Makeup and Job Interviews **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 31, 2019, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-and-job-interviews/845686 "2019-12-31T19:09:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2020, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-and-job-interviews/845686/21 "2020-01-01T18:25:36Z")
Best wishes on the interview. Feeling “put together” is definitely a plus. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Maple\_Leaf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a8b319/32.png) [@The\_Maple\_Leaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Maple_Leaf)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2020, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-and-job-interviews/845686/22 "2020-01-01T18:40:00Z")
> [@SmartAleq](#): > > I don’t wear makeup, I wouldn’t wear makeup if I got the job and I’m not going to put that shit on my face “just in case.” “Just in case” what? Why would I want to work for a company that’s so insistent that makeup is a requirement for a woman to land a job there? Yeah, no. > > Puts me in mind of an interview I did where I mentioned that I do have [Firstname.Lastname@ISP.com](mailto:Firstname.Lastname@ISP.com) as an alternate email address that I never use because SmartAleq is kind of my normal nom de 'net and main address. The interviewer asked why I’d use the saucier address and my reply was that any company that would take issue with my usual email address is a company that wouldn’t like anything else about my personality either and it wouldn’t be a good fit. Got the job, worked there five years. This. Why would you be so worried about meeting a sexist standard? Of course you can get a job without wearing makeup in 2020. Maybe not a job at L’Oreal, but a normal industry job? I wouldn’t want to work for an employer who was so superficial that they would apply such a sexist standard to me. I also doubt too many interviewers would be scanning your face for whether or not you’re wearing makeup. If you feel some makeup would portray your best self, then putting on a little might not hurt. But I think you should portray your _real_ best self, not a fake version therof. If makeup is not part of your real best self, then I think it is pointless to wear it to the interview. I have gone even further than this. As I wrote in earlier threads, my “real self” normally includes blue jeans. I have insisted on wearing jeans to job interviews, and have gotten jobs as such. Going without makeup in the industry you work in should be inconsequential in comparison. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2020, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-and-job-interviews/845686/23 "2020-01-01T18:52:42Z")
I’m a Group Leader at work, and occasionally hire people. I don’t care if a woman wears makeup or not, as it will not be a factor on whether or not they’re chosen for the position. ---
**Author:** ![Mallard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b9bd4f/32.png) [@Mallard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mallard)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2020, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-and-job-interviews/845686/24 "2020-01-01T20:51:01Z")
The “youth” thing is really in and ageism is out there. If makeup makes you look younger by all means go for it. ---
**Author:** ![salinqmind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3ec8ea/32.png) [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2020, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-and-job-interviews/845686/25 "2020-01-02T05:37:29Z")
> [@MandaJo](#): > > The harm would be the cost. If all her stuff is too old to wear, a new basic “set” is $45-60. That’s $30:for foundation, $10 lipstick, $10 for eyeliner or mascara. Anything cheaper than that will look cheap. > > Now, it might be worth it. I spent $150 on a haircut for an interview once. But if she never wears it otherwise, it does feel like a lot to pay for stuff that might as well go in the trash, after. My deeply rooted ‘cheapness’ cries out in anguish at the thought of buying all that expensive makeup, to wear once, and then put in a drawer. There is nothing wrong with drugstore makeup, properly applied. Cheap to me is smeary, garish, unblended, or clashes with one’s natural coloring (too dark a foundation not blended, sticky pink lip gloss, bright blue eyeshadow.) ‘Dupes’ of the expensive stuff and ‘great drugstore makeup tutorials’ are all over youtube. One young woman bought and applied a ton of Dollar Tree makeup and looked great. She expressed mild surprise it was so easy to use and of fair-to-good quality. I’m not saying YOU have to put on a ton, but mascara, a subtle lip gloss or lipstick, and some brightening blush can make a big difference, and it would cost under $20. ---
**Author:** ![Odesio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/odesio/32/20003_2.png) [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2020, 5:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-and-job-interviews/845686/26 "2020-01-02T05:48:24Z")
> [@slalexan](#): > > So, I’m contemplating not wearing makeup. How bad of an impression would it make if I didn’t wear makeup? I’d still do my hair and wear my best interviewing clothes. But my face would be bare. What do you think? I’m not a recruiter but I do interview people for positions as I am in HR. Personally, I wouldn’t even notice if you didn’t wear makeup. I’d notice if your hair was unkempt, your clothes were wrinkled, if you wore an excessive amount of makeup, and I might notice your body odor if it was particularly strong. But I’m probably not going to notice a lack of makeup. When discussing candidates I’ve never heard a hiring manager mention a candidate’s lack of makeup though they have mentioned inappropriate clothing and unkempt appearances. I honestly don’t think you need to worry about going to an interview without makeup. ---
**Author:** ![slalexan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e47c2d/32.png) [@slalexan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slalexan)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2020, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-and-job-interviews/845686/27 "2020-01-03T00:22:41Z")
Small update - I had the interview today. It wasn’t clear to me until today that this would be a contract position. That makes me nervous. I felt good in my new makeup and might start wearing it more. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2020, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-and-job-interviews/845686/28 "2020-01-03T02:57:34Z")
Though it’s late, I can report that I have no idea if any of the women I’ve interviewed for engineering jobs have worn makeup or not. I’d suspect the right answer is whatever makes you feel comfortable. Anyone who would not hire someone for a project management job based on makeup is not someone you’d want to work for. ---
**Author:** ![slalexan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e47c2d/32.png) [@slalexan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slalexan)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2020, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-and-job-interviews/845686/29 "2020-01-06T20:32:34Z")
For an bumpdate no one asked for - They are offering me a job. I don’t know how I feel about it. Right after the interview, I felt so guilty for some reason. Now, I’m not so sure I want it. I just talked to the recruiter and he’s supposed to be sending me information so I can figure out if this is really the best move for me. I should not be feeling this way but I am. ---
**Author:** ![Aspidistra](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspidistra/32/3894_2.png) [@Aspidistra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspidistra)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2020, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-and-job-interviews/845686/30 "2020-01-06T20:44:37Z")
What are the pros and cons if you do take the job versus don’t? Are you happy in your current place? Would the new one have given you anything you’re missing? FWIW I once rejected a job I’d had a great interview for, and they were keen to get me in. They were surprised and, I think, a little miffed. But it was totally the recruiter’s fault - I told her I wanted to do contract but she insisted on putting me up for this full-time position on the grounds that my skillset fitted it. I didn’t feel bad. You needn’t either. ---
**Author:** ![Aspidistra](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspidistra/32/3894_2.png) [@Aspidistra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspidistra)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2020, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-and-job-interviews/845686/31 "2020-01-06T20:47:04Z")
… ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2020, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-and-job-interviews/845686/32 "2020-01-06T21:11:52Z")
For the men posting in this thread: I think you’d be surprised about how good (or rather, bad) you are at knowing when a woman is wearing makeup. What we think of as “made-up” is usually a night-time look. > [@slalexan](#): > > For an bumpdate no one asked for - They are offering me a job. I don’t know how I feel about it. Right after the interview, I felt so guilty for some reason. Now, I’m not so sure I want it. I just talked to the recruiter and he’s supposed to be sending me information so I can figure out if this is really the best move for me. I should not be feeling this way but I am. What do you dislike about it? ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2020, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-and-job-interviews/845686/33 "2020-01-06T21:20:26Z")
> [@slalexan](#): > > For an bumpdate no one asked for - They are offering me a job. I don’t know how I feel about it. Right after the interview, I felt so guilty for some reason. Now, I’m not so sure I want it. I just talked to the recruiter and he’s supposed to be sending me information so I can figure out if this is really the best move for me. I should not be feeling this way but I am. Congratulations! Something to keep in mind - you have options, you are not locked into your current job. Because the very first interview got you a job offer. Whatever you are doing, is working. I can’t advise you on whether to take the new job or not, but pat yourself on the back no matter what. Checklist for my next job interview - [ul][li]Clean shirt[/li][li]My best suit[/li][li]Polished shoes[/li][li]Power tie[/li][li]A little eyeliner…[/ul][/li]Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2020, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-and-job-interviews/845686/34 "2020-01-06T21:34:16Z")
Road trip to Sephora? ---
**Author:** ![slalexan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e47c2d/32.png) [@slalexan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slalexan)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2020, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-and-job-interviews/845686/35 "2020-01-06T21:55:58Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > What do you dislike about it? I’m feeling uneasy about the contract aspect of it. I’m also uneasy about having to change up childcare to make the schedule work. It is definitely doable but it also means I’ll spend less time with my child (though I may make it up in the evening as I’d get out earlier). I’m a little afraid of the change too. I have to keep reminding myself that I am actually smart and not just really good at fooling the people around me. And, hey, a little eyeliner goes a long way (I don’t actually use eyeliner. People who can line their own eyes are wizards as far as I am concerned.) ---
**Author:** ![The\_Maple\_Leaf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a8b319/32.png) [@The\_Maple\_Leaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Maple_Leaf)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2020, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-and-job-interviews/845686/36 "2020-01-06T23:00:40Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > For the men posting in this thread: I think you’d be surprised about how good (or rather, bad) you are at knowing when a woman is wearing makeup. What we think of as “made-up” is usually a night-time look. I’m sure you’re right about this in the case of many men, but I think I’m able to detect when a woman is wearing even only the more subtle kind of makeup and when she is truly makeup-free. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2020, 8:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-and-job-interviews/845686/37 "2020-01-07T08:31:20Z")
Makeup is a kind of glamour (in the magick sense, hence the magazine title) which means it creates or enhances an illusion. Illusions don’t work if you’re aware of them. The best “nude” makeup models look FANTASTIC. They also don’t look like they’re wearing makeup at all. (The models often look so jarringly un-fantastic when they’ve just washed their bare face, that it occasionally makes me think they put on a touch of zombie makeup instead.) As another example, take the actors and especially actresses in any historical/period film or TV show. They are most certainly wearing makeup, and it’s applied with excruciating care to make sure you DON’T notice it. But foundation/powder and mascara, blush and lip color, you betcha those are all over their faces. ---
**Author:** ![phantom\_lamb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5f9b8f/32.png) [@phantom\_lamb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phantom_lamb)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2020, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-and-job-interviews/845686/38 "2020-01-08T16:53:05Z")
I wish I could say “It doesn’t matter” but we’re not there yet as a society. I don’t know your age and the state of your skin but I’m 35 and I cannot get away being without makeup and not giving the impression that I’m tired, ill and unkept. I could have gotten away with it when I was 19 but not anymore. And I don’t want others to perceive me as tired, ill or unkept - therefore makeup in public/social situations it is for me. I wouldn’t suggest you get all dolled up or something… but maybe a little bit of concealer for dark spots, a touch of lip gloss (or even just lip balm) and some subtle mascara wouldn’t exactly be bad. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Maple\_Leaf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a8b319/32.png) [@The\_Maple\_Leaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Maple_Leaf)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2020, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-and-job-interviews/845686/39 "2020-01-08T22:46:15Z")
> [@phantom\_lamb](#): > > I wish I could say “It doesn’t matter” but we’re not there yet as a society. > > I don’t know your age and the state of your skin but I’m 35 and I cannot get away being without makeup and not giving the impression that I’m tired, ill and unkept. I could have gotten away with it when I was 19 but not anymore. And I don’t want others to perceive me as tired, ill or unkept - therefore makeup in public/social situations it is for me. > > I wouldn’t suggest you get all dolled up or something… but maybe a little bit of concealer for dark spots, a touch of lip gloss (or even just lip balm) and some subtle mascara wouldn’t exactly be bad. You can, of course, do what works for you. But just to respectfully note - if you’re really right that “we’re not there yet as a society”, we won’t get there until people start challenging the supposed convention. If some of us hadn’t chosen to flaunt other conventions (e.g. having to wear business suits or at least ties to most white-collar jobs - very common before c. 1990), we would still be adhering to a variety of strict, artificial, arbitrary standards that have gone the way of the dodo. Interesting that _men_ are not faced with a similar worry of putting stuff on their face so as not to look tired or ill due to wrinkles and blemishes… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/makeup-and-job-interviews/845686.md?page=1)