# Should I wear make-up to a job interview? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 15, 2009, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-wear-make-up-to-a-job-interview/506476 "2009-08-15T00:33:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Dusty\_Rose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ba8739/32.png) [@Dusty\_Rose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dusty_Rose)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-wear-make-up-to-a-job-interview/506476/1 "2009-08-15T00:33:27Z")
I have a job interview this coming week. I don’t usually wear make-up, but I’m wondering if I should for the interview. I’m undecided because I know you’re supposed to put your best foot forward and look your best, but on the other hand, I don’t plan on wearing it if I get the job. I could use some opinions, please. ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-wear-make-up-to-a-job-interview/506476/2 "2009-08-15T00:39:52Z")
Yes. Conservative. If you don’t usually wear makeup, go minimal, but some lip gloss and eyeliner can go a long way. It depends on how buttoned-up the organization is, too. Zero makeup can be considered unprofessional, as can too much. When I worked in “huge corporate culture,” the way a woman dressed and makeup and such definitely had an effect on whether she got promoted; not just getting through the interview. ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Cymbeline](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_cymbeline/32/9244_2.png) [@Green\_Cymbeline](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Cymbeline)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-wear-make-up-to-a-job-interview/506476/3 "2009-08-15T00:45:32Z")
> [@SeaDragonTattoo](#): > > Yes. Conservative. If you don’t usually wear makeup, go minimal, but some lip gloss and eyeliner can go a long way. > > It depends on how buttoned-up the organization is, too. Zero makeup can be considered unprofessional, as can too much. When I worked in “huge corporate culture,” the way a woman dressed and makeup and such definitely had an effect on whether she got promoted; not just getting through the interview. I’m 33, and in my 10 years in the professional workplace, I have almost never encountered any female coworkers who regularly wore makeup. Are you saying that women who wear makeup are more likely to be promoted than a women who doesn’t? ---
**Author:** ![Lamia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Lamia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamia)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-wear-make-up-to-a-job-interview/506476/4 "2009-08-15T00:50:18Z")
Like you, I almost never wear makeup. I’ve always worn lipstick to job interviews, though. I figure that’s the minimum you can do while still giving the impression that you’ve made an effort on the makeup front. I’d also rather not worry during/after the interview about whether I’d have done better to wear some makeup. I wouldn’t worry about the fact that you don’t plan to wear makeup if you get the job. You’re not going to wear your best suit every day if you get the job either. ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-wear-make-up-to-a-job-interview/506476/5 "2009-08-15T01:03:15Z")
Yes. You should. Makeup makes you look more polished and “finished.” If you don’t wear it normally, keep it minimal, but a little makes a huge difference. At a minimum: –Sheer lipstick in a non-flashy color –Mascara if you have light lashes. –Liner/shadow. They have these powder-pencils that you can smudge. You could also use concealer and/or some powder or something. p.s. in Doper-land, makeup is uncool. ---
**Author:** ![Telperien](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@Telperien](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telperien)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-wear-make-up-to-a-job-interview/506476/6 "2009-08-15T01:06:11Z")
> [@Green\_Bean](#): > > p.s. in Doper-land, makeup is uncool. Then why do we always have lots of makeup threads? ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-wear-make-up-to-a-job-interview/506476/7 "2009-08-15T01:12:21Z")
Wear it if you can make it look decent - if you do a bad job of it, it’ll be worse than if you don’t wear any. Stick to some minimal makeup to accentuate minor things - a little rosy glow to the cheeks, some color to the lips, make your eyes look a bit brighter (or if you’re me, cut down the shine on the nose and forehead - yay for T-zones). I’ve worn makeup to interviews and only rarely at the workplace. ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-wear-make-up-to-a-job-interview/506476/8 "2009-08-15T01:31:24Z")
> [@nyctea scandiaca](#): > > I’m 33, and in my 10 years in the professional workplace, I have almost never encountered any female coworkers who regularly wore makeup. Are you saying that women who wear makeup are more likely to be promoted than a women who doesn’t? In the super-conservative mega financial institution where I worked from 1994 to 2000, yes. Women seen in positions from Officer, to 2VP to VP and up all wore conservative makeup, skirt-suits, pantyhose and closed pumps. No one could hope to be promoted unless they fit the profile. That’s part of the reason I quit. My tongue ring really didn’t fit in there, and kinda freaked some people out. Where I am now it doesn’t even get a second glance, and is kinda conservative. I’m much happier. ---
**Author:** ![Dusty\_Rose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ba8739/32.png) [@Dusty\_Rose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dusty_Rose)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-wear-make-up-to-a-job-interview/506476/9 "2009-08-15T01:33:16Z")
Lots of great opinions, and some very good points. It makes me feel better that others have worn it in interviews, but not on the job. I don’t know what I’m worried about… false advertising? Maybe if I keep it real light. I’ll look better and still feel comfortable. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-wear-make-up-to-a-job-interview/506476/10 "2009-08-15T01:47:11Z")
> [@Dusty\_Rose](#): > > … I don’t plan on wearing it if I get the job. You have to get the job first before you can choose to not wear it. ---
**Author:** ![kittenblue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ba8739/32.png) [@kittenblue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kittenblue)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-wear-make-up-to-a-job-interview/506476/11 "2009-08-15T01:52:23Z")
Just a bit of powder (or mineral foundation) and a bit of eyeliner and lipgloss…enough to keep shininess at bay, and make you look alert. ---
**Author:** ![ZenBeam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/3ab097/32.png) [@ZenBeam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZenBeam)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-wear-make-up-to-a-job-interview/506476/12 "2009-08-15T02:02:40Z")
Male interviewees where I work almost always wear a suit. No one expects them to wear a suit every day. irrelevant anecdote: I knew a woman in college who didn’t wear makeup, but would put it on when she was getting her hair cut, on the theory that the stylist would do a better job. ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-wear-make-up-to-a-job-interview/506476/13 "2009-08-15T02:06:57Z")
> [@Telperien](#): > > Then why do we always have lots of makeup threads? Doper-land isn’t the SDMB. Doper-land is the place where the fattest women and the shortest men are the hottest. The cheapest wedding is the coolest wedding. And wearing more than the most minimal makeup is uncool. ---
**Author:** ![Obsidian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/51bf81/32.png) [@Obsidian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Obsidian)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-wear-make-up-to-a-job-interview/506476/14 "2009-08-15T02:50:27Z")
Even though I don’t wear it at work, I always wear (subtle, professional) make-up to interviews and client meetings. I consider it part of dressing up/putting my best foot forward. I believe it demonstrates I am capable of making myself look good, if the occasion warrants it. Don’t go nuts, but I think powder/blush/lipgloss and maybe a little eyeliner or mascara says “I care”. ---
**Author:** ![Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapioca_Dextrin)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-wear-make-up-to-a-job-interview/506476/15 "2009-08-15T03:07:40Z")
I don’t see what the big deal is. What’s the [downside](http://www.ovesrestaurant.com/off_3012_04.jpg)? ---
**Author:** ![liberty3701](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3d9bf3/32.png) [@liberty3701](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/liberty3701)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-wear-make-up-to-a-job-interview/506476/16 "2009-08-15T03:29:13Z")
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**Author:** ![scout1222](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/34f0e0/32.png) [@scout1222](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scout1222)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-wear-make-up-to-a-job-interview/506476/17 "2009-08-15T13:39:20Z")
Do you already own the makeup? I don’t own any, and I personally wouldn’t go out to buy any just for an interview. Incidentally, I just switched jobs in May, so interviewed in April. And oh Lord, I did not wear makeup! (the job is a senior financial analyst at a utility provider, in case anyone gives a shit) ---
**Author:** ![sandra\_nz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eada6e/32.png) [@sandra\_nz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sandra_nz)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-wear-make-up-to-a-job-interview/506476/18 "2009-08-15T13:47:11Z")
I wear lipgloss and mascara to job interviews, but that’s it. If they’re a make-up heavy workplace, then that’s a sign it’s not the right place for me. ---
**Author:** ![MandaJo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac91a4/32.png) [@MandaJo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MandaJo)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-wear-make-up-to-a-job-interview/506476/19 "2009-08-15T15:08:34Z")
I really do think that makeup conventions are in a serious period of transition right now, and so people’s own experiences are going to vary widely: in 100 years we’ve gone from “any makeup at all means you are a whore” to “anything less than a full-face of makeup to go to the mailbox means you are trash” to today, where I think it’s becoming more and more optional, rather like hose were 10 years ago. ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Hedonia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ann_hedonia/32/319_2.png) [@Ann\_Hedonia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Hedonia)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-wear-make-up-to-a-job-interview/506476/20 "2009-08-15T15:42:21Z")
> [@nyctea scandiaca](#): > > I’m 33, and in my 10 years in the professional workplace, I have almost never encountered any female coworkers who regularly wore makeup. Are you sure?? I wear make-up to work everyday. Foundation, a neutral eyshadow and a light mascara. 2 layers of lip color, a neutral lipstick to even the lips and darken them just a touch, topped with lipgloss. And I wear a creme blush and sometimes powder. When we have events at work, such as after work parties, I wear the same make-up but the colors are varied, the eye stuff is a bit darker and the lip stuff a bit more obvious. On those occasions several coworkers always tell me that they’ve never seen me with make-up before and that I should wear it more often. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-wear-make-up-to-a-job-interview/506476.md?page=2)