The Makeup Debate: Is It Appropriate to Come to Work Not Wearing Any?

By Heather Muir, Allure magazine

At Allure, we live and breathe beauty products, but that doesn't mean all of us put on our faces everyday to come to the office. (Though, truth be told, the beauty dept is always pretty decked.) Yes, the makeup/no makeup debate continues: Is it appropriate to come to work sans makeup? Here's what women in different professions have to say about the topic right now:

"I teach five year olds and when I don't wear any makeup, they notice and aren't afraid to say, 'why do you look different today?' So I tend to put on the basics (some blush and lip gloss), even on my laziest days." -elementary school teacher

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"From a managerial perspective, I wouldn't come down on someone on my team for not wearing makeup. I'd be harder on them if they came to the office inappropriately dressed. They shouldn't come in with messy hair or mascara under their eyes from the night before, but I think a day look is your personal preference." -public relations executive

"When people are sick, they don't care what you look like-it's how you take care of them. So wearing makeup isn't a major aspect in the nursing profession. For me personally, I like wearing makeup, so I do. But as a nurse, I'm judged on my quality of care." -registered nurse

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"It's a personal decision regarding how you want to be perceived. Putting makeup on for work shows that you care about your appearance and are detail oriented. My boss (a man) might be hesitant to take me to client sites for the simple fact of societal views. We are supposed to look like business professionals at all times." -finance associate

"In a fine-dining atmosphere such as my restaurant, looking polished by wearing makeup and having my hair styled allows me to look prepared for my job. Patrons are more receptive to me because I look like I prepared for my job rather than just rolling out of bed. Also, my uniform is strictly black on black, so wearing makeup gives me the opportunity to switch my look from day to day, which helps me from getting bored in my drab uniform." - server

So what do you think? Is it appropriate to go to work without a stitch of makeup on? And do you feel comfortable being bare-faced at the office?

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