WIW Should I wear more makeup?

I have to be honest, I'm so busy that my grooming skills are sadly neglected. I'm lucky if I manage to get dressed and out the door on time. I don't style my hair, it's just wash and go. I do usually wear a swipe of lipstick but don't do a full face of makeup because I'm usually rushing out the door, sometimes with kids in tow trying to catch the bus. Plus I wear glasses so I didn't think people can really see my eyes anyways. But I experimented and tried wearing some tinted BB cream, eye shadow, eyeliner and blush along with my lipstick the other day (#3). I don't really know how to apply makeup well, but does it make a difference? Too heavy? (My lipstick only face in #6 and #9). Which version do you prefer? Any good tips for harried clumsy makeup newbies? I tried to do that tightlining thing but had to give up because I thought I was going to poke my eyes out! LOL!

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33 Comments

  • AviaMariah replied 7 years ago

    If I were you, I'd save the "full makeup" for special occasions.  I can tell a difference between 2 & 3 but only slight.  As a fellow busy mom with kids, I say it's not enough of a difference to put pressure on yourself to do another thing in the morning.  Your lipstick looks great and you couldn't help but look put together with your fab wardrobe.  If you wanted to add something besides lipstick, I say add blush.  That's the biggest different I see between 2& 3.  But I am a minimalist with makeup too so you may get a different opinion from someone who really knows what they're talking about.  ;)

  • rachylou replied 7 years ago

    You're a doctor, right? Then I'd say no. As a patient, I can smell it and it often makes me sick. Also, I'm personally too lazy for every day make up. But you do look nice.

  • JAileen replied 7 years ago

    When I wore glasses I wore mascara, and it would smear on my glasses, so I stopped wearing it. Lipstick has a lot of impact on you. I think you should wear it, if you like it. I think Clinique is fragrance free. Your hair looks great. Your outfits are fab to the max. Any other makeup would have little impact compared to these other elements.

  • Suz replied 7 years ago

    Natalie, you have lovely skin and because your eyes are dark they don't need much emphasis -- your specs and your eyes and your shiny hair do a lot of work for you. If you are comfortable without the makeup I would go with lipstick every day. 

    For myself, a tiny bit of makeup is part of my daily grooming but I also don't wear foundation. I like to wear mascara and do my brows because otherwise I don't have enough contrast, but this is not an issue for you. 

  • shedev replied 7 years ago

    You have nice skin without a lot of makeup.

  • Runcarla replied 7 years ago

    Love the lippy. Anything else is gilding the lily.

  • UmmLila (Lisa) replied 7 years ago

    The eye makeup is very nice; if you were going to add just one thing I would do that. I will admit to being a makeup everywhere but running with my dog person, though.

  • goldenpig replied 7 years ago

    Thanks ladies! I'm glad you don't think I need too much makeup. I guess I've been thinking about it because I've been seeing a lot of posts on my doctor mom group and the regular posters all have full flawless makeup on. Wondering if I needed to step up my game to look more professional at work. They look great but I don't know how they manage to do it! Even with that little bit of eyeliner I felt like I had raccoon eyes at the end of the day and I didn't even do mascara!

  • columbine(erin) replied 7 years ago

    If I had skin and hair as beautiful as yours I wouldn't mess with makeup. Just lippie looks great.

  • Sally replied 7 years ago

    That's interesting. I wear glasses and have always worn eye makeup (liner, shadow and mascara) because people always notice when I wear it. But you have nice dark features and I can't really notice the difference. Recently I have lightened my hair and feel comfortable without makeup but feel I have set a precedence at work and if I'm not wearing makeup people will ask if I'm tired etc. So best to leave for special occasions so you don't feel you have to keep it up.

  • goldenpig replied 7 years ago

    Thanks everyone! Maybe I wasn't wearing enough makeup to see a difference? I didn't do mascara and lash curling, etc. Glad to not have to add another thing to my full plate!

  • DonnaF replied 7 years ago

    Save the extra makeup for date nights and when you're far older and your lashes have grown thin; your life is hectic enough already.  I think gals with blonde lashes have a harder time skipping the mascara and liner. 

  • jill58 replied 7 years ago

    Echoing everyone else -- you really don't need it. Lipstick when you feel like it but leave the rest for special occasions. You look great.

  • Angie replied 7 years ago

    YES. I think make-up adds lots of polish and is a great finishing touch, Natalie. Professional and well groomed. I love what you did here. 

    I wear specs and eye make-up daily - mascara and eyeliner. It's very noticeable. 

  • Aida replied 7 years ago

    I think the makeup you did here is lovely! Especially the eye makeup, to me it makes a big difference even behind your glasses. The blush is very subtle, I don't see a huge difference there. So for a little more polish that's quicker than the full thing, you could probably just do the BB cream with eyeliner and light lippie. You also look lovely fresh-faced with lipstick :) I do my lips+eyes (mascara, liner) for work, but for weekends just a tinted nude-for-me peach lip balm.

  • Style Fan replied 7 years ago

    You have beautiful skin, hair and features.  Your lashes are dark naturally.  So you don't "need" make up.  But I like the look of a small amount of make up.  I echo Angie that it adds a touch of polish.  I like what you did.
    I also know what it is like to try to get out the door on time with clothes on.  Sometimes make up is not a priority.  I sometimes use to put make up on during the morning.  My co workers thought it was a hoot.  Different stages of being "painted".

  • replied 7 years ago

    I agree with Angie in saying that makeup works well on your skin and definitely adds polish and professionalism. Asian skin is wonderful in that it can be ageless, but by the same token ....you want to be seen as professional and well groomed and not too youthful and inexperienced (i.e a grad student)  I think you look utterly fantastic with that strong lip colour. It would tell me as patient that you have time for yourself, and enjoy caring for yourself.  And , please, wear that wrap printed dress as often as humanly possible. VERY flattering , feminine and sexy without being over the top. You look terrific. 

  • Helena replied 7 years ago

    The lip color is gorgeous on you; I don't think you need a thing more than that.

  • jassi replied 7 years ago

    i am a 

    makeup newbies too, i only use BB cream. i like your lip color.

  • Gigi replied 7 years ago

    I personally don't see a lot of difference with the eye makeup. The lippie is what really stands out, and you look great with just that. I wouldn't add more work for yourself and would just continue with the lipstick.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 7 years ago

    I do see a difference, and I think the makeup adds a bit of polish to your look. If it feels overwhelming to go with that look every day right off the bat, I would say try wearing a little, maybe the bb cream, along with your lipstick. Then gradually add to it as you can. I've added more steps to my makeup routine over the years, and it seems manageable, even though it adds time. You've got a lot on your hands, though, and you do look fabulous with just lipstick in 6 & 9, so if it's too much right now, let it go, save makeup for special occasions, and revisit the daily makeup question after a while.

  • retailgirl replied 7 years ago

    Yes to the lipstick, the rest looks good on you but you don't have to do it. My absolute minimum is mascara and lipstick, if I have more time I do shadow and liner. I look awful without lipstick, and I have fair skin and used to have dark hair...it's now salt and pepper.

  • Staysfit replied 7 years ago

    Doctor mom here, and I say make-up is a go! I use hypoallergenic make up or mineral makeup for the reason that Rachy mentioned. Even though my personal style and worksite is more casual than that of most physicians, I think it's important to look polished and professional. I can see a pleasant difference in your pics when you're wearing make-up.

    I'm literally nearing the end of the "at home" child raising phase of motherhood. My DD just graduated from college and my DS will graduate from HS on June 17th and leave for college in August. The busy-ness continues in different ways from when they are little. I didn't start with make-up until I was in medical school. To be honest they brought in a color consultant and she taught us the importance of looking professional and wearing colors to flatter and proper makeup! I still have the color swatches from that consultation. They don't do that now, and didn't do that at any of the other schools in the state. I was trained in a different generation. They were pushing hard to generate more family physicians from our program, and there were very few female students in my class and entering medicine in general. The percent of women in medical school classes went up every year I was in my training until it was maybe 30%. My training took 9 years. My medical school class a had a 22% female composition. In the hospitals during clerkships female doctors and students were still unusual and it was rough, it was very male dominated. It was important to be professional, in control, sharp, and on your game, etc. I don't know any female physician from my generation that was not discriminated against or mistreated in some way. So, the color consultation was my medical schools way of trying to make sure that all the women looked the most professional, and presentable, etc. The consultation was done for any of the men who wanted it as well, but very few of them showed up.

    So, now that everyone knows more than they ever wanted to know about medical school training, back to make-up! I never wear much. Just enough foundation to cover any redness if I have it. Eye liner, and some lip color. Mascara always because I have thin lashes. I have hooded eyes, and wear glasses, but I always do my eyes. I think it makes them stand out and my eye color is one of my best features. I also like lip color. I don't wear blush because my cheeks have color plus I think it makes me look clownish. IMO it's just enough to look polished. A little goes a long way.

    I love all your posts Goldenpig! It reminds me of my life when my kids were younger. Happy days! Enjoy every minute! They are all so precious and wonderful.

  • viva replied 7 years ago

    I don't think it needs to take a lot of time to do a very basic makeup routine, and I think the extra polish it adds is really worth it -- especially because you put so much effort into your overall look! You are so beautiful, and with the lip color and a bit on your eyes, the picture is complete. I agree there is a difference between the "full face" for a night out and a "work face," but I think upping your day game a bit is worth doing and makes perfect sense given your extreme attention to your overall aesthetic. For day I would do: quick swipe of BB cream, mascara and liner, lipstick. This should take well under 5 minutes.

    BTW, I completely agree with Lisa about how stunning you are in that wrap dress! Wear it often. May I ask what brand it is?

  • RobinF replied 7 years ago

    First of all, love your outfits! The black and white is awesome and that wrap dress, love it! Anyway, I think the makeup look is a little bit fresher, not a lot, you definitely can get away with just lipstick but I would add the makeup when you have time.

  • replied 7 years ago

    You look more polished and professional with makeup, and the lipstick is particularly flattering.

  • goldenpig replied 7 years ago

    Thanks so much everyone! I'm glad you all think the lipstick is enough and thanks for the compliments on my outfits!
    Rachy, I'm smell sensitive too, so I don't wear fragrances. I haven't had the experience of makeup being heavily scented? I don't like scented lotions or shampoos either, so I've had to throw some out that were too strong.
    Donna, funny thing is DH doesn't like it when I wear makeup so I'm sure he'd prefer no makeup for date night!
    Angie, I do think nice makeup looks more professional. Trick is how to get it to stay on my face all day without smearing between the glasses and rubbing my eyes.
    Style Fan, I think that's a great idea. I will try to leave some makeup at work so that I can put it on if I didn't have time to do it in the morning, and refresh during the day. Brilliant!
    Lisap, I agree, I've always had people tell me I look too young to be a doctor, so in some sense I want to try to look older, LOL. I definitely need to take better care of my skin, so I think that should be my first priority and then try to do the makeup more regularly.
    Staysfit, congrats on nearing the finish line to getting your little birds out of the nest! It's so busy that time is flying by, it's hard to see that with my nose in the trenches but I'm sure my kids will be there before I know it. That's great that they did a color consultation for you in med school, I wish I had that option when I was starting out (heck, even now!). Yes, there are more and more women physicians every day. My med school class was the first year with a majority women in the class. When I started out in surgery internship, my class of 6 was 3 women. In my current practice, I was the only woman for a while, but now we are 3 out of 6 women. So there's hope for progress! 
    Lisa and Viva, the dress is several years old and is a Michael Michael Kors faux wrap dress that I bought at Nordstrom. I'm wishing I had bought a version in black. I can never seem to get true wrap dresses to work for my apple body (darn you DVF!) but faux wrap dresses work better for me.

  • Angie replied 7 years ago

    Honey pie, don't rub your eyes! 

  • annabelle replied 7 years ago

    Chiming in here. Polished and professional is great! and it can be accomplished with (relatively) simple routine and look very natural. Some of the formulations for tinted moisturizer are luxurious and light; I like NARS. It's one's skincare routine and keeping our skin amazing that makes the makeup routine easy, because we are not spending thought and effort on covering and concealing. Your skin looks gorgeous. 

    My simple makeup: Algenist color correcting primer (this is sufficient to where I can skip concealer on the capillaries around my nose now!), lightweight under eye concealer, Stila convertible color as cream blush, lipliner and either lip balm or lip color, eyebrow controller, NARS tinted moisturizer, eyeshadow including a dark brown as a liner, and curler and mascara. Sometimes a dusting of loose powder depending on how my skin and the weather feels. Done. I use the same colors every day except the lippie, which I might mix up a bit. 

    Using the same colors and brand every day takes out the thinking and makes the routine still fun and self indulgent (I enjoy my colors and brands and the textures), but EASY. 

  • Maneera replied 7 years ago

    You have great skin...so I'm going to say - go ahead and don't use makeup. The difference between 2&3 isn't all that extreme.

    When I do use makeup, and that's rarely, I do this:

    1) Use BB cream; not foundation
    2) A hint of blush that's gives just a natural pink tint to my cheeks; nothing extreme
    3)A swipe of pressed powder because I can look greasy real quick
    4) A black liner for top & bottom lid. 2 coats of mascara. I skip 2nd coat when I'm wearing glasses; I too think eye makeup doesn't show much when you're wearing glasses
    5) Swipe of lipstick

    It takes just 5 mins. Practice makes perfect.

    I think wearing just lipstick looks good enough on you ... Polished, but not overwhelming. Since your skin already looks even toned and you have a well-shaped strong brow, i dont think you need much more.

  • Scarlet replied 7 years ago

    I can see what some people are saying that make-up adds polish, but seriously you are very blessed with beautiful skin, dark eyes and dark hair that give you color and contrast. Maybe reach for the make-up when you have the extra five, ten minutes, but don't feel bad if you can't. Personally I wore a small amount daily pre-kids. Post-kids I don't really care, but still do eyebrows, mascara, and light foundation when I want to feel like I am putting some armour on. My lips are naturally dark, but fading with age, which is making lipstick more interesting to me.

  • replied 7 years ago

    GP, I agree with Scarlet. Based on the pics, I don't see too much difference between the full makeup and lippy only looks, but then I'm a minimalist in the makeup department--a little tightlining, swipe of mascara and dab of lippie. One thing I do wear every day is a BB or CC cream for moisture, sun protection and a little finishing. You might find that application gets quicker the more you do it, but if it interferes with time with your kids or becomes just another stressful thing to do, then I'd say the choice is clear.

  • unfrumped replied 7 years ago

    I think of it as avoiding " should".

    I wear makeup as a compensatory thing and wish I did not feel I had to.
    If I looked like you do now w/o makeup, i feel like I would not do much for everyday. I actually think there's a risk of not going back-- not absolutely of course, it's like hair color- but, you skip makeup and someone says, oh, you look tired!
    I'm not sure where the line is between " polished" makeup and hose and spider veins and wingy arms and all that.
    I think I would do lipstick and excellent, frequent haircuts, skincare ( sunscreen and whatever moisturizer, cleanser etc is best for you) and spend the 5 minutes on exercise in the morning and be as picky as you have time for with your fabulous wardrobe ( wear your best, fave looks) UNLESS you just want to have fun with makeup, which is fine. Hands and feet need care too and it all adds up and is about priorities.
    That is taking advantage of your natural good looks, and you might decide to change your approach over time, same as evolve your style.
    I work with lots of women doctors and for better or worse, I do " react" to ( judge?!) all elements. " Natural" has been taken over by modern day expectations and prejudices and gender biases( otherwise men would wear makeup!) but I've never looked at it as required per se--more as an effect( brighter, glowier, definition. ) Or the absence of: chapped lips, flaky skin, messy hair. The more that that is inherent in someone's "natural" look, the less I notice, or rather, I tend to admire them more if I can't seem to detect makeup but they look great!

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