Is it too much for an employer to ask its female staff to wear makeup? Does this impede on a woman’s rights? Most jobs demand a dress code, and that’s an acceptable practice. Management often requires its staff to look clean and tidy, at the very least presentable. Men are frequently expected to be clean shaven and their hair combed. So why is it so insulting to some women to be expected to slap on a little mascara and lip gloss? A little foundation and blush?
Some have observed that since ‘business casual’ has become the norm in many offices and workplaces, employees have let their concern for their appearance slide dramatically, females in particular. This makes me sad. Regardless of required dress codes, we can’t let ourselves get lazy—and I believe it is laziness that is perpetuating this depressing trend. And what of those who believe that donning makeup plays into the reproduction of inequality? Bollocks to that! Eye shadow is fun. Mascara is awesome. Lip gloss is shiny (and who doesn't love shiny?)
Is it a time thing? Yes, we are all in a rush nowadays. I get that. Blah, blah, blah. But it’s a rare occasion when my hair isn't brushed to a glossy sheen or at the very least tied up in a messy yet chic ponytail. You just have to desire looking good. What’s the alternative? Giving up? I shudder at the thought. If it has nothing to do with time, is it just lack of experience and talent? That would be silly because the internet has a wealth of instruction and guidance. You just have to look for it and practice, practice, practice. Whatever the reason, ladies, don’t allow yourself to lose your competitive edge.
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| Who would you rather have as the face of YOUR company? |
More frequently, studies are proving that pretty people make more money than their plain counterparts. Pretty people are moving up the corporate ladders with greater ease. Our society likes visually appealing things. We know this. We can’t help it. I can speak with experience in this area. As a waitress for many years, my tips were always better when I had a full face of makeup versus when I worked with just light foundation. I always liked to take advantage of this, using my done-up face as leverage to line my pockets with cash. I wasn't being shallow. Rather, I knew to exploit my beauty capital.
Hair and makeup are a facet of nonverbal communication. If nonverbal communication makes up 2/3 of all communication one can draw from that the importance of one’s appearance. Sorry, but we are judged day in, day out by one person or another. Harsh or not, that’s not going to change. Looking good leads to feeling good. Cliché or not, it is what it is. Looking good and feeling good increases confidence. Never see makeup as a mask (unless you’re in the circus, or participating in the local zombie walk) and never, ever let someone make you think that just because you strive to look and feel pretty, that you’re somehow less intelligent. That’s just stupid. Play the game and look the part. It will only benefit you in the end.
