Do you wear makeup?

RedSox33RN · Apr 9, 2004

Also wanted to mention that I don't think well-groomed = makeup. I know a lot of people who don't wear makeup and look great and very clean cut and well-groomed.

Thank you. I didn't want to say anything, but sometimes I feel it is an unintentional "dig" at people that don't wear make-up. I haven't for over 15 years, and look fine without it. I don't intend to wear any just because I want a "fresh face" for patients. I'm always neat and presentable, my hair is mid-length, and always neat also, whether up or down. I refuse to wear make-up for anyone but MYSELF. I'm not spending money on something I neither want nor need to suit others. Just my personal opinion! :)

BabyRN2Be · Apr 9, 2004

Nope, not here. I'd be in a mask when doing c-sections, etc and after a serious TBI 5 years ago, one of the residual problems I have is excessive sweating. I only wear makeup for special occasions, not midsummer or daytime. The sweat running down my face creates a lovely (not) effect.

My Mary Kay rep is not getting rich off me... I do feel bad for her, she's one of my best friends.

Carolanne · Apr 10, 2004

I haven't read through any of the other replies yet...Just figured I'd interject my own thoughts first.
I wear makeup every day. I fix my hair every day. I don't see the point in letting nursing school stress appear obvious...haha.
And good grooming is a plus.
Think about it: I truly feel a patient would much prefer looking at a nurse who is wearing a little makeup to brighten her features than a nurse's face demonstrating fatigue and all that....Makeup just gives a little lift. No, doesn't take a whole lot. A little dab'll will do ya; but it will do wonders for the patient (and you!)
And don't forget....At this time, being in nursing school, you do NOT want to start neglecting yourself or your needs.

That's a great point, it not only makes us feel better but the patients have something a little more pleasant to look at! It shows that we take pride in our appearance and want to enforce a positive self image. You're right, nobody wants to look at dark circles and pale skin. Even though we may be dead on our feet, a little pampering never hurt.

RedSox33RN · Apr 10, 2004

That's a great point, it not only makes us feel better but the patients have something a little more pleasant to look at! It shows that we take pride in our appearance and want to enforce a positive self image. You're right, nobody wants to look at dark circles and pale skin. Even though we may be dead on our feet, a little pampering never hurt.

Sorry, I just disagree. I don't think make-up makes me more pleasant to look at. I'm not there to impress the patients with my looks and features. I don't advocate looking like a slob with unkempt hair, but I'm not spending money on unnecessary things to pretty myself up for sick and injured people. I have a positive self-image with my pale skin. :)

Dixen81 · Apr 10, 2004

Dixen, The remark about your twin sister cracked me up. When I was a teenager (1,000 years ago) we had a convenience store around the corner. When my poor old Mom would ask me to "run to the store" to get a gallon of milk or loaf of bread before dinner - I wouldn't go until my make-up and "Farrah Fawcett" hairdo were just perfect - a very lengthy process. She'd always say - for crying out loud, you're just going for milk - not to a Beauty Pageant.. :rotfl:

:chuckle Are you my sister?

BTW, why do we women "look tired and pale" without makeup, but guys don't? No fair!

My favorite, longest lasting lip color is Endless, by Loreal. It stays on longer and doesn't cake at all. And since I have pale lips, I have tried almost all of them at one time or another. It's even better than the $20 stuff I used to buy from Lancome.

PMHNP10 · Apr 10, 2004

I have been wondering about this for some time now! lol
Does anyone worry about hair/makeup while on the job? Anyway, just wondering what your thoughts are on this!

Only on weekends.

sbic56, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2004

Sorry, I just disagree. I don't think make-up makes me more pleasant to look at. I'm not there to impress the patients with my looks and features. I don't advocate looking like a slob with unkempt hair, but I'm not spending money on unnecessary things to pretty myself up for sick and injured people. I have a positive self-image with my pale skin. :)

ITA. I am always clean and well groomed on the job, as I am anywhere else, but make up is not part of my daily routine. I doubt very much that make up matters one iota to a patient in need of good nursing care.

Energizer Bunny · Apr 10, 2004

I used to NEVER wear makeup, but as I am getting older, my skin isn't as nice as it used to be, so now I do wear it most of the time minus eyeliner. Can't stand the stuff and can never get it on right.

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Apr 10, 2004

Never. ;>)

adrienurse, LPN · Apr 10, 2004

It's a vanity thing. Always wear makeup in public. Foundation, mascara, lipstick, sometimes more. That's just me. I wear it in a natural way though, unlike my avatar friend. Never been mistaken for a drag queen.

smk1, LPN · Apr 10, 2004

i am dark skinned and have clear skin so i just dab on some lipstick maybe light eyeliner sometimes and go.

Mandylpn · Apr 11, 2004

Yes, I do wear make-up and fix my hair for both class and clinicals. There are days when I would rather not wear make-up to class but, I keep thinking if I show up with no make-up to class my classmates will wonder if I finally cracked under the pressure. I also wear makeup to clinicals because I do not want to have a patient wake up and think the grim ripper is there to take them to H***.
So that is why I continue to wear my make up.

Grim ripper? Too funny!!! :chuckle :chuckle