Can a woman only be successful if she wears make-up?
Can a woman only be successful if she wears make-up? – [Updated – June 2025]
On Thursday 26th January (2017) there was a debate/discussion on ITV’s This Morning.
The discussion was called “Can a woman be successful without wearing make-up”
I was sitting with a cuppa when I saw this debate come on and it sparked something within me, brining me here to voice my opinions.
This is the clip in questions from This morning –
Sitting down for a calm morning
After dropping Little bear off at nursery I came home, made a cup of tea and proceeded to watch morning television on ITV as I normally do on my days “off” where there’s no work, everything’s done and I actually have some free time which are few and far between these days.
I was excited to watch This Morning because it was the morning after the NTA’S and last year it was hilarious!
Holly and Phillip were hungover, and it was a really good show.
So, I was expecting something along the same lines this year.
But this one?
This one left me filled with rage at their discussion on women not being successful if they don’t wear make-up, it sort of sparked a rage in me that I didn’t know was possible.
My blood was boiling
I took to twitter to express my frustration and looked through the #Thismorning hashtag to find my blood boiling even more.
Some of the comments that were made really got on my wick and I was disgusted at some people’s responses to this discussion.
A woman, no matter what she has on her face should not be judged in her talents, skills and abilities.
The thought that if I have a degree and go for an interview, make-up free vs someone who has high-school qualification and has her face done up with make-up, that they will be the one to get hired simply because I didn’t stick some foundation on really riles me up.
Women not wearing make-up
I am confident and happy within myself to not wear make-up when I want to.
But I am also happy and confident within myself to wear make-up when I want to.
I do both, I have make-up free time and I have make-up time. But just because I have added some contour to my face and some lipstick doesn’t automatically mean I’m going to be better at a job.
There are lots of other ways to take pride in your appearance OTHER than wearing make-up.
I was disgusted to hear that Rebecca Jane wouldn’t employ someone if they didn’t wear make-up.
Where is the logic? Why does wearing make-up automatically define your success?
IT DOESN’T.
Make-up doesn’t equal success
It really, really doesn’t make you less successful if you have no make-up on in the workplace.
Would they hire a man who doesn’t wear makeup? I mean, would they?
Going by their logic they must only hire men who wear make-up because why would they only hire women who wear make up?
Oh, that’s right, double bloody standards.
A man is judged on his abilities and his skills within the work place, he’s judged on how good he is at his job, not whether or not he’s wearing a bloody Mac lipstick with some Urban decay foundation and Benefit mascara.
So, why should women be judged on this rather than how good they are at their job?
I don’t get this argument.
This really hit a nerve with me
This topic really hit a nerve with me!!
A woman should be wearing make up for herself, not because her employer makes her, or she fears she will lose her job if she doesn’t get that face on first thing in the morning.
By no means am I having a go at those who wear make-up, that’s not the point here.
I wear make-up, I love doing my make-up!
But I sure as hell wouldn’t be doing it for my boss so they would actually take me serious in my career.
I’ll pass this off to you, what’s your thoughts on the matter?
Can a woman only be successful if she wears make-up?
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It's a good job my current employer didn't use make up as hiring factor, I wouldn't have got the job, I hardly ever wear make up!I have no issue with people who wear make up – if I wasn't so determined to spend that extra ten minutes in bed in the morning I probably would be a little more inclined to do so but I'd hate to think that my not wearing make up would be the deciding factor in me getting or not getting a job. Obviously I make sure I'm presentable for work, I'll do something with my hair, and make sure I follow the dress code, though casual Fridays when I can go in in my jeans is my favourite day! The only career I can see it being more of an issue would be something like a flight attendant where it is expected.I also have issues with dress codes that demand women wear heels. Now I love my heels and I'll often wear them to work, but you'll also find me in my ballet pumps, I'd certainly not be happy if I was forced into my heels every day!
I find this topic so sad to hear and I'm glad I wasn't watching on this particular day!
I don't think it should matter either way if you wear makeup or not to work. I personally don't wear any at all, those I work with are older and really couldn't care less if I'm honest. But it's also the fact that we should be made to feel confident in the way we look, and be praised for not wanting to wear makeup all the time.
We get slated for wearing to much, then put down for not making an effort so they say. It makes me so angry how in the media and this world, we can be told off for being to fat, and then another minute we are to skinny.
It goes on with so many things and it's so frustrating!
Alys
I can't believe this is a genuine thing people believe! It's ridiculous, and downright sexist. I also think it begs the question – is a woman with lots of make-up better than only a little bit of make-up? I'm sure that wouldn't be the case because there's always a "oh she wears too much make-up", so again it's a stupid double standard!
Paris x
OH MY GOD. I am so incredibly filled with anger after watching that video. I actually feel a bit sorry for that awful woman. She's suffering from internalized misogyny.
Urgh, I hate this attitude so much, where a woman has to wear make-up to be "professional". Uhhhm, what bearing does makeup have on anything other than superficial appearance?
That said, as much as I very rarely make-up I do make a special effort if I know that the big boss will be in at work or if we have visitors, and I kinda hate myself for it.
Ooft it's made me angry. I hate misogyny.
Cora |
I hardly ever wear makeup. When I do, it’s because I want to, not because someone else wants me to.
Typical of today’s double standards; it’s always against women. I’m tired of us getting judged by our appearance and not by our ability.
I know right?! It really grinds my gears that this is even a discussion! Especially in the 22st century
I can understand why some people would see wearing make up as a person making effort. However, I do not agree and it definitely should not be a consideration in a persons ability to do their job. Someone not wearing makeup to an interview is a lot different to someone not washing their clothes/shoes for said interview. A persons character should be judged on their qualities (and hygiene), not on their desire to shave their legs or apply mascara!
Right? Make-up has 0 to do with your skills or abilities and to think it does is a joke. Got so angry when I saw the debate for the first time, I still do any time it pops up.