I ended up on local radio last week giving comments following a St. Ives survey that highlighted the radical news that women wear too much make-up. Naturally, the men that we’re doing it for wish we wouldn’t. *cough*
I have so many issues with this survey I hardly know where to start. Too much bright red lipstick is a top turn off for men, apparently. One in ten of us only wear make up to impress men. Men don’t like us wearing fake tan. Nor do they like us having thick eyebrows.
The survey was conducted with 1000 women and 550 men and I can’t help wondering what age this group fell into. Personally, I couldn’t give a stuff what men think of my makeup, let alone my eyebrows. I cannot remember the last time it was even a consideration!
Nonetheless, while it’s all very well to flag up where we’re failing, where St. Ives have gone worryingly wrong is the judgement on any woman’s right to look as they please. On the same day that I’m on the radio defending women’s right to wear whatever they please, makeup wise, I also posted on BBB about Sophie Lancaster, a young woman who chose to look different and wear her makeup differently, in a goth style. She was kicked to death because of it at the age of 21.
So really, a beauty brand that serves to highlight and belittle differences in how we look, and more importantly, how we choose to look, is downright irresponsible in their messaging.
It’s not only highly annoying that in this day and age, St Ives think we could care less about whether anyone is judging us on our level of blush, but also that the assumption every time a lipstick touches our lips it must be to impress a man. It makes me think they did that survey in the 70’s and only just found it again now.
17% of us reapply some makeup as soon as we get to work. So what? 14% of women wouldn’t leave the house without make up. So what? Actually, the lovely (and somewhat baffled) radio presenter was highly amused that I’d worn makeup to take my dogs for a walk at 8am. I did explain that it was a swoosh of BB cream and some gloss, but then, I also thought it was funny that he thought it was so funny so we did end up having quite a laugh! It’s the next thing I do after brushing my teeth, but again, so what!
St. Ives are encouraging us not to hide our ‘natural beauty’ and to have the confidence to pare back the amount of makeup we wear – tell that to Sophie who wore black lipstick as a life choice and form of expression. I think St. Ives should mind their own business.
The Sophie Lancaster Foundation is HERE.
Transparency Disclosure
All products are sent to me as samples from brands and agencies unless otherwise stated. Affiliate links may be used. Posts are not affiliate driven.
9 comments
Can we have some surveys that pick over men’s choices? Women’s have been done to death. On a serious note, how is it I’m just hearing about Sophie Lancaster?
Too bloody right! I’m retired so often don’t wear make up, but when I do – it’s for me! Not my husband, not other men, not for anyone else. What happened to Sophie is appalling, I do remember the case. So sad and unnecessary.
I’m just a bit speechless. And you very eloquently voice exactly what I thought! When I had a cataract op, I wasn’t allowed to wear make-up for a week. I nearly died. I won’t leave house without make-up, even if it’s for a hot and sweaty 40-mile bike ride. St. Ives have missed the point: every woman’s beauty is infinitely enhanced by make-up. Honestly, you wouldn’t look twice at Kate Moss if she wasn’t wearing any make-up. Apart from how good it makes me feel, I actually look forward to putting it on. It’s a small pleasure, really.
This kind of stuff makes me crazy! Who cares what men think about our makeup? Where is the survey asking if we enjoy seeing their beer bellies hanging out on hot days when they take off their shirts?
And thank you for the information about Sophie Lancaster. I had heard a little about her story, but nothing in detail.
right on, sister!!!! (said by a 64 year old who has just recently rediscovered the utter joy and pleasure of wearing full make up again, every day, after many years of minimalism during the raising of 3 children). Thanks for your interesting postings btw.
My sweet grandmother lived to be 99,almost 100. She wore her Max Factor powder,blush,and lipstick every day. Whether she had only plans to clean her house that day,or attend a wedding. My mother,73,the same. I in turn at 53 the same.
I have never,nor will ever determine my cosmetic choices by the preferences of a man. I feel St. Ives just set themselves back about 100 years.
Very well said!
jane-in-tx
Yes! Perhaps what is of more concern is that I am a total beauty addict – maybe I need help? Seriously – yawn St Ives – heard it all before……..did you dig this up with the 1950’s advice on ‘How to keep your husband happy’.
I can only agree with the suggestion of turning tables & voice women’s opinions on men for a change, now that would be new!
I wonder if maybe there’s a twisted marketing strategy behind this, as in “You really should wear less make-up BUT you should make sure your skin is perfect -> buy such & such products from our brand!” St Ives are a skincare company after all.
I remember a picture of Sophie in hospital, in a coma, showing her injuries, being the front page of the Sun, I still have it somewhere actually. Sophie’s attackers AND their parents were reportedly laughing while being interrogated. Sophie’s mother has been campaigning tirelessly, especially in schools, and her charity truly deserves support. Thanks for talking about it Jane, it’s not that far a jump from the results of this survey to attacks such as the one on Sophie.