When is it Safe to Skip Your Makeup?

Allure Daily Beauty Reporter

Cara Birnbaum




We all know to skip foundation when we're sweating on the mat at Bikram and to pile on mascara before a cocktail party. But a new survey of girls between the ages of 8 and 18 years old reveals that women prioritize makeup in some surprising ways.

See more: The 10 Commandments of Mascara

The places that were most acceptable to go bare-faced were pretty much what you'd expect: inside your own home, at the pool or beach, or at the gym. But 58% of those surveyed said they would never go to school without it makeup and 67% paint up before going to a friend's house. I get the school bit-junior year was brutal without lipstick. But assuming she's a real friend, and not just a frenemy, I find the notion of putting on makeup to visit a pal a little strange. I thought a friend's house is where you hang out in pajamas and cucumber masks.

See more: Top 21 Drugstore Beauty Bargains

In my mind, work, errands, and dates take makeup priority. In fact, now that I think of it, I think I'll always wear makeup when I go outside. Because the day I skip concealer is inevitably the day I run into my crush/boss/mortal enemy buying avocados at the farmer's market, and I don't want anybody to see those giant bags under my eyes except people I can truly count on-my friends.

See more from Allure:
The 12 Best Eye Creams
10 Hairstyles That Make You Look 10 Years Younger
The Most Flattering Makeup Colors for Brown Eyes
The 10 Most Gorgeous Hair-Color Ideas for Brunettes