Tips on makeup during clinicals?

[Pacific Nurse]

I am going to start ADN this fall and recently at the intake the subject about make up at clinicals was brought up. Basically, my school requires modesty but wearing a little bit of make at clinicals was encouraged so we "don't scare off the patients at 6 a clock in the morning". Currently I do not have any makeup routine; I only use moisturizer, sunscreen, and occasionally primer and mascara. I'm interested only to apply a thin layer of foundation or powder just enough to even out my skin tone, a little bit mascara, lip gloss, and shape my eyebrows. However, when it comes to what products to pick I have absolutely no idea because I have not bought makeup products in years. I used to apply daily make up until eight years ago when I moved to CA, but I gave it up because it's hot and I get sweaty; the makeup gets smudged. So I am looking to get some products that are easy to apply and won't smudge, try them and build up a routine before school starts. Any recommendation and tips?

[NicuGal, MSN, RN]

We weren't allowed make up back in the day. Don't worry about it, go as yourself, the patients really won't care.

[Pacific Nurse]

Ha ha, yeah she was joking. The makeup is optional, I probably didn't stated that very well. She probably meant for those who wear heavy makeup to tone it down and perhaps she wanted students to take care of their appearance and not show up at clinicals looking like they just rolled out of bed, that is just my guess.

As for myself, I might wear it only if a makeup is good enough to stay on my face, otherwise I won't sweat it. I certainly don't want makeup to distract me from academics and performing my duties. I have a very healthy skin, however during summer I get tanned with brown patches on my forehead and that bothers me; I would like to cover it and even out the color of my face. I already tried the Miracle Skin Transformer foundation, it seemed like it evened out my skin tone, however after couple of hours it was completely wiped of my face.

Thanks for your responses!

[MiladyMalarkey, ASN, BSN]

If you don't want to wear makeup, don't, especially for clinicals. I'd laugh out loud if I was told I had to wear makeup.

[Serhilda, ADN, RN]

Absolutely no one, including the patients, will care if you wear makeup. Most of my clinical group rolled up looking a hot mess but as long as we were there on time and prepared, it was fine.

[LPN1118]

I wear makeup to clinical but its just the same amount that I normally put on every day. Im very pale and look like I should be a sick patient in bed if I don't have it on LOL. Don't worry about it - just do your normal routine. I had a classmate who tended to overdo it with makeup and in post conference she said that her patient told her she wears too much makeup.

[Froggybelly]

To me, it sounds like they are saying not to go to clinicals caked in layers of makeup. You should have no problem going without. In the future, if you are confused by something, you should ask your instructors. That's what they're there for, and if you have a question, someone else does too.

[amanda82003]

Here is a great make up product BUT only if you want to purchase good make up to make you feel comfortable - not because of what your professor said. LOL!

COMPLEXION RESCUEâ„¢ Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream - bareMinerals | Sephora

This stuff is awesome! Very light coverage - just enough to even out your skin tone and give you a very light glow from the hydration since it is a moisturizer.

Anyways good luck!

[Extra Pickles]

You should always present as clean and well-groomed. How you do it is up to you!

[DalekRN]

That is horribly misogynistic. So you don't scare patients? This was only directed at the women right? I think you should tell them the guys need to wear makeup to clinical too. What a load of crap.

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

No make up is fine. Some make up is fine. Don't put on cat eyes or wear the kind of makeup you would wear to a night club.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

I am going to start ADN this fall and recently at the intake the subject about make up at clinicals was brought up. Basically, my school requires modesty but wearing a little bit of make at clinicals was encouraged so we "don't scare off the patients at 6 a clock in the morning". Currently I do not have any makeup routine; I only use moisturizer, sunscreen, and occasionally primer and mascara. I'm interested only to apply a thin layer of foundation or powder just enough to even out my skin tone, a little bit mascara, lip gloss, and shape my eyebrows. However, when it comes to what products to pick I have absolutely no idea because I have not bought makeup products in years. I used to apply daily make up until eight years ago when I moved to CA, but I gave it up because it's hot and I get sweaty; the makeup gets smudged. So I am looking to get some products that are easy to apply and won't smudge, try them and build up a routine before school starts. Any recommendation and tips?

If you don't want to wear make-up, don't.

If you DO want to wear make-up, take yourself to the cosmetics department of Nordstrom, Belk's, Dillard's, Macy's, Filene's or any other large department store or go to Sephora, Bare Minerals, MAC, or whatever line you're interested in. Ask for product recommendations based on the issues you've noted and ask for a demonstration and tips. They are far more likely to have useful and individualized recommendations than we are.

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

This is bizarre. As a clinical instructor myself (who I would never encourage my students to wear make up. It is totally their choice.