Hellobee Boards Topic: Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?

Hellobee Boards Topic: Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up? https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:07:43 +0000 plantains on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up/page/2#post-634106 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:16:06 +0000 plantains 634106@https://boards.hellobee.com/ Wow, I had no idea people viewed makeup as a requisite for looking professional. I almost never wear makeup. My skin is has a smooth glow that I love and makeup just makes me look 'done'. softcream on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up/page/2#post-610227 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:03:27 +0000 softcream 610227@https://boards.hellobee.com/ ditto what @MamaMoose said. i used to be a banker in a past life and almost never wore makeup. only used concealer when i had a zit that would have been too distracting in a meeting (actually, i know some guys wore concealer too for the same reason). and sometimes i'd darken my eyebrows if i felt pale, but otherwise, zero makeup. i never felt unprofessional, nor do i think anyone else would have thought so. sarac on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up/page/2#post-610208 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 23:39:51 +0000 sarac 610208@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I don't even own makeup, so I fall squarely in the 'not a problem' camp. I don't think a professional, put together look requires makeup at all. Just good grooming. I've been blessed with a nice complexion, and good hair, and I've never felt like I 'needed' makeup. I'd love to learn to do it just for fun, but that would be it. I'd never use it on the regular. Springtime on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up/page/2#post-609507 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 15:22:34 +0000 Springtime 609507@https://boards.hellobee.com/ For me I think it depends on the person and what they can and can't get away with. I think you should always look presentable whether than means you need makeup or not. Props to those who don't need it! But I definitely do. I might add I work with a lady who never wears makeup and never fixes her hair and wears ratty clothes. I feel like she should put more effort into her appearance to portray that she is professional about her job and respects the work place if that makes sense. I also agree that too much makeup is unprofessional. KissMeCait on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up/page/2#post-609504 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 15:11:50 +0000 KissMeCait 609504@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @MrsTiz: I'm well aware of that, thanks. I wasn't just directing my comment towards you. There were a few people who made somewhat similar statements. Yours just happened to shock me a bit more which I guess is why I chose to add multiple examples in my comment. MrsTiz on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up/page/2#post-609489 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 14:55:54 +0000 MrsTiz 609489@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @KissMeCait: hey, did you know if you click "reply" to my comments it directs your comment at me? Rather than trying to act like you have a statement to every one while quoting me. Just letting you know! Boogs on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up/page/2#post-609485 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 14:52:50 +0000 Boogs 609485@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I think it's more unprofessional to wear too much makeup than none. I personally feel better with at least a little powder and mascara, but for those more comfortable without makeup I say more power to them. MrsTiz on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up/page/2#post-609484 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 14:52:50 +0000 MrsTiz 609484@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @regberadaisy: Oh wow! That def didn't come out right lol! Was supposed to be more as it comes off lazy or rushed. If I came to work with no makeup I would feel frumpy. Mrs.M57 on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up/page/2#post-609429 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 14:12:22 +0000 Mrs.M57 609429@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I don't judge professionalism based upon wearing make up. I think it's just a personal preference that has nothing to do with how your job. But, that's just me. ladybee on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up/page/2#post-609336 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 12:32:53 +0000 ladybee 609336@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I don't feel professional or put together without makeup. I feel frumpy. It doesn't matter to me what you do though. Mrs. Train on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up#post-609329 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 12:24:55 +0000 Mrs. Train 609329@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @Mrs. Tricycle: I thought about you when I answered. I once had a student tell me I looked like a librarian. I must have looked st him like he was crazy. I was standing in front of his table wearing a lab coat and goggles holding bubbling test tubes. He said well I was going to say mad scientist but your hair is too nice. Librarians always have their hair pulled back nicely. mrs. wagon on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up#post-609229 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 11:27:49 +0000 mrs. wagon 609229@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I think it depends on your profession, and also your office. I work with mostly women and most of them look like they've had a makeup and hair stylist every morning and pull their outfits straight from the NON-sale-rack of Anthropologie. So I wouldn't feel comfortable going to work without full makeup and my hair looking decent. That being said, plenty of women I work with wear little to no makeup and no one ever looks down on them so it's probably just me. THAT being said, I've interviewed women who come in wearing no makeup and their hair untidy and I just can't take them seriously. If you can't put yourself together well enough for an interview, I can't trust you to present yourself well enough daily to work for me. And of course I've interviewed women with perfect hair and makeup and wardrobe and not hired them either because they're just not right for the job. illumina on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up#post-609223 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 11:25:33 +0000 illumina 609223@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I think it's unprofessional to wear too much and or bright colours in work. Ra on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up#post-609222 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 11:24:10 +0000 Ra 609222@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I don't think a lack of make up is unprofessional but I do expect certain professionals to look polished. Not everyone needs makeup (I do!) and I have worked with several women who look gorgeous with a bare face (so jealous!). However, I expect certain professionals to dress nicely and have neat hair. If I interviewed a lawyer and she seemed unkempt to me then I probably would not hire her. I would feel the same way about a male lawyer. I also think there are varying degrees of professional, which makes a difference. If a child care worker was wearing a track suit with no make-up and a messy bun but was clean and covered then I would consider that professional. If a nurse had no make-up on, a pony tail and a pair of scrubs, I would also consider that professional. Conversely, if a teacher had a face full of makeup with glitter and heavy eye makeup, I would consider that unprofessional. Does that makes sense? I think looking "polished" is more global than simply wearing makeup or not. heffalump on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up#post-609205 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 11:14:29 +0000 heffalump 609205@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I used to work in an all male mental hospital. I would wear minimal makeup.... I just didn't think it was smart to get all prettied up for my clients. Mrs. Tricycle on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up#post-609185 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 11:04:09 +0000 Mrs. Tricycle 609185@https://boards.hellobee.com/ The feminist in me says no woman should have to wear make-up to work, but I'd never go to school without mascara, powder and blush (though I think nothing of running errands with a naked face). In my building, the women that don't bother with makeup are also, for the most part, wearing wrinkly clothes and unpolished hair. I think I equate looking "put together" with wearing make-up and I think it's important to look "put together" for a professional environment. Though, my best friend wears no makeup, but always has neat professional clothes and polished hair, so it's totally possible to achieve the look without makeup - I guess it's just whatever YOU need to do to feel polished. Mrs. Train on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up#post-609159 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 10:40:03 +0000 Mrs. Train 609159@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I guess I'm a lazy frumpy lady who doesn't care about my appearance. No make up for me. I think I only wear it a few times a year. There is very few products I can wear without a reaction. I will take my unpainted face over the puffy eyes and hives any day. I do use moisturizer with sunblock though but I doubt that helps me more put together. mediagirl on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up#post-609154 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 10:33:18 +0000 mediagirl 609154@https://boards.hellobee.com/ Wow. I can't believe people think it's unprofessional not to wear makeup. That just astounds me. Maysprout on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up#post-609152 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 10:33:07 +0000 Maysprout 609152@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I don't think it's unprofessional, honestly I don't think that thought has ever crossed my mind before I read this thread. yellowbird on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up#post-609149 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 10:29:44 +0000 yellowbird 609149@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I think it really depends on your skin. I look awful without makeup, very blotchy and just yuck. StbHisMrs on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up#post-609142 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 10:25:43 +0000 StbHisMrs 609142@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I have worn foundation, eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick since the day I started wearing makeup (8th or 9th grade). Then I had an allergic reaction to one of those products (blamed it on trying a new mascara), and had to stop wearing all makeup it felt awful!! I personally felt unprofessional but that could've been from the red, swollen, angriness that was my face! Some women are lucky and are able to go without, I am Not one of them. I don't think that makes them any less professional. Now show up with messy hair and gross clothes and that is unprofessional. prettylizy on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up#post-609086 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 09:39:20 +0000 prettylizy 609086@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I don't think makeup is a must, but I personally feel more put together when I'm wearing it. I don't wear makeup every day to work though. Sometimes if I'm running late, it is the thing to get cut from my morning routine. If I know I'm meeting with someone important, I make sure and make the time to put it on though. MamaMoose on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up#post-609047 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 09:13:16 +0000 MamaMoose 609047@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @MrsH: exactly. It's not that I don't wear make up because I'm ok with not looking good. It's because I've been blessed with a great complexion and I'm quiet able to look put together without it! MrsH on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up#post-609020 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 08:49:55 +0000 MrsH 609020@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @MamaMoose: this! I don't wear makeup most days including when I see clients or go to court. I don't feel lazy or frumpy - I could care less what others think about it. I have great skin and I only use gloss to keep my lips from being dry. MarieJ on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up#post-609014 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 08:45:04 +0000 MarieJ 609014@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @mamamoose Your comment is spot on and I completely agree! I love makeup so I wear it pretty much everyday, at least powder, mascara, and gloss. I can not wear makeup and still look professional and pulled together, so in my opinion, makeup is not a necessity for being/looking professional. KissMeCait on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up#post-608997 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 08:27:37 +0000 KissMeCait 608997@https://boards.hellobee.com/ Honestly, I can't believe some of these comments. A woman isn't put together or professional if she doesn't wear makeup? You have mixed feelings about them as a person without a layer of crap on their face? They're lazy and frumpy if they prefer the natural look? Interesting... To answer your question, no, I don't think it's unprofessional AT ALL to not wear makeup. I work in the corporate world and the only time I wear makeup is if I have a zit to cover. I shower, do my hair and slap on a pair of heels (or cute flats) every day. I think I look adequately put together but apparently I'm lacking something if I opt to forego a bunch of chemicals and concealers that supposedly make women look more attractive or "put together". Some women can't wear makeup due to allergies or skin sensitivities. Some feel that they don't need a "layer of lies" (which is what my FIL calls chicks who plaster it on) in order to feel beautiful. I guess I kind of fall into the latter category. If people perceive me as lazy or frumpy because I don't wear makeup then that's their issue, not mine. regberadaisy on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up#post-608992 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 08:22:45 +0000 regberadaisy 608992@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @MrsTiz: let me just get this straight. If someone doesn't wear makeup to work they're lazy & frumpy? I hope that was a proof reading oversight! MrsTiz on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up#post-608977 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 07:57:43 +0000 MrsTiz 608977@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I wear makeup every day just because I look tired without it. I don't know if "professional" is the word that makes sense to me. I think if you don't wear makeup to work, you're lazy or frumpy. If you wear only mascara and maybe powder, I think you don't like makeup but want to look more pulled together.. or you're just smoking hot and don't need it. Wearing full makeup implies that you put effort into your appearance. Too much makeup means you need better friends in your life who will tell you your makeup is ridiculous lol! So basically to me it doesn't affect how I see your professionalism, but it does give me mixed feelings about the person Pirouette on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up#post-608973 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 07:47:02 +0000 Pirouette 608973@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @MamaMoose: I agree completely!! I work in an office with mostly men, and I dress appropriately, but I don't spend time in the morning doing my hair or putting on makeup. I don't look dishevelled, but I don't feel the need to take that extra time for something that is trivial to me. I'm lazy, but I don't look like a lazy bum. Mrs. Lemon-Lime on "Is it unprofessional to not wear make-up?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-unprofessional-to-not-wear-make-up#post-608970 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 07:45:08 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 608970@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I don't wear make up unless I am attending an event or travelling with my boss who does wear make up. I try to keep my skin as clear as possible, but I have problem skin. Make up makes it worse though.