Decades ago, I worked with a woman who never wore makeup because her fiance claimed to hate it. The bridal salon where she bought her wedding dress gave her a free makeup demo when she went for a fitting one night after work. When she got home, he said “Wow, you look fantastic! What have you been doing?” 🤦

Unless they were theatre kids in high school, most men have no clue how makeup works. They didn’t grow up with fashion magazines and online makeup tutorials, so they think of someone who has really overdone it when they think of makeup.

Since men typically don’t understand what light coverage means, it makes me feel like I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t. If I do the thing they say they want, it’s not actually what they want, and if I do the thing I think they actually want, is it really what they want? Because it’s not what they’re saying.

I’ve also heard this manosphere opinion that women hide behind makeup, and so they say they prefer no makeup because they want to be sure whether the woman is actually beautiful and not “deceiving them.”

So I’m happy I’m engaged to a woman.

My best guy friend says he prefers no makeup, but I respect his opinion on the matter, because it’s an informed opinion and the people he’s dated have genuinely preferred not wearing makeup. That doesn’t seem to be the majority of guys saying that.

I think it’s part of the eternal trap:

• “I like a woman who takes care of her appearance.”
• Woman puts on makeup.
• “I like a woman who doesn’t look like a painted whore.”
• Woman takes off makeup.

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

I haven’t worn makeup for anything but major life events since I was … somewhere in my early 20s. Because I got tired of playing that loopy game. Take me as I am or you don’t get me at all.

That a decent portion of them don’t actually mean it, but that what they’re really saying is they prefer their women low maintenance and likely not extremely feminine aesthetically.

I couldn’t care less seeing as I don’t date men, am married, and wear makeup the opposite of how the men who say it but don’t mean it like (I prefer bold styles, only wear it when going out, and don’t attempt to cover blemishes, thanks college feminist discussions)

The last three times I wore makeup were the last three weddings I’ve been in (including my own).

I’m conventionally attractive, possibly an egg, and incredibly uncomfortable with being considered attractive by anyone other than my husband, so I dress like a mailman and engage in zero grooming other than hygiene (washing, brushing, deodorant). I have a mild unibrow, which is very effective at discouraging people from commenting on my appearance.

When they comment more generally about makeup vs no makeup, I tend to take it neutrally. If I think they’re being shitty/sexist, I’ll tell them that I prefer my men with just tasteful accents. Then, if they respond angrily, I’ll tell them that they should learn to embrace their natural beauty and there are plenty of demos online if they want to learn.

More than likely the person has no idea when someone is and is not wearing makeup this is on top of it not being their business.

After rolling my eyes, my immediate thought is that a) I don’t care I wear it for me and b) usually it’s that men prefer a no make up look, which requires make up to perfect

I don’t think much of it unless it’s an unsolicited opinion.

Some guys do it to signal they’re not down with unfair beauty standards for women. Misguided, but their heart’s in the right place.

Otherwise it’s not much different from how I always say “I like a man in sweatervest.”

I laugh and say you think we’re getting dressed up to impress you??? GTFO because we sure as shit aren’t.

Also when men say “no makeup” they are usually looking at a woman with a fuck ton of makeup on, they’re just too dumb to see it. Which makes their lizard brains think “nude makeup” is zero makeup and the rest of us just choose to NOT look like that.

JFC…

I assume it means “heavy makeup” and they don’t actually mean no makeup lol

I also find they don’t know heck about how much effort a lady puts into grooming/haircare/skincare/etc. just to look presentable! Guys always wonder what we’re doing in the bathroom lol. No I’m not just fuckin around in there lol there’s always something, like flossing, trimming my nails, tweezing, checking for blackheads, moisturizing, cleaning my makeup pads/brushes, etc. etc.

I prefer women with makeup that doesn’t draw attention to itself. Makeup with strong colors and unnatural shades isn’t my preference. Now that I’ve transitioned and wear makeup myself I wear the minimum needed to cover the remaining beard shadow. I am consistant if nothing else.

Before I transitioned the topic of makeup came up in conversation. I mentioned my preference. One of the women in the conversation normally wore naturalistic makeup, but the next day had incredibly sparkley and colorful eye shadow. Clear statement, and probably the best possible response.

I usually think that they prefer the “no makeup” look or prefer women that spend more time grooming themselves. Hello, skincare and eyebrow shaping!

If the man was asked directly, sure I don’t really mind their preference.

It usually isn’t prompted, though. It’s usually brought up after they see someone with a lot of makeup on. Those guys are just assholes. Same lines of “I hate it when women dye their hair blue” or “I hate it when women wear…” or “I hate it when women do [something harmless]”

I am usually barefaced, but I love wearing makeup sometimes. The natural look is nice, but I also love sparkles and color! It is fun.

A man is free to prefer no makeup. He doesn’t have to wear any if he doesn’t want to.

I think “who the hell asked for your opinion?” as I roll my eyes and apply more sparkly purple lipstick.

I think “why are you telling me this, I didn’t ask for your opinion”.

I am only one data point but I am a man and I much prefer no makeup.

Not a “natural look,” it’s not a skill issue for women applying their makeup as much as I see that explanation offered.

I prefer no makeup.

You can wear makeup, that’s fine (and my wife does, for her) but I am allowed to prefer her with no make-up.

What is truly disappointing for me is how I don’t think she believes me even to this day.

🤷‍♂️

Life is weird.