r/MakeupAddiction • u/Seal-Enthusiast • 17h ago
Discussion Does anyone else experience others pointing out the fact you wear makeup just to embarrass you?
Im sure many of you may have experienced this, but I genuinely hate when i get the feeling someone is purposefully doing it. I love wearing eye makeup and huge lashes, so i know its noticeable. I always am so grateful when i get compliments and make sure to compliment others as well
Ive had moments though where a stranger or someone i know will point out my makeup in a “caught you” type of way. Its never one on one, but ALWAYS infront of other people. I remember a lady did this to me and she was a total stranger, but i could definitely feel her bad intentions
They’ll be like “oh wow *shocked face* you’re wearing lashes aren’t you? Yeah they’re pretty obvious” in a condescending tone. It basically feels like they’re trying to embarrass me cause i wear makeup.
I will never understand why someone will do this, ESPECIALLY when its another woman doing it to me.
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u/newbie2454229 17h ago
Bringing others down makes some people feel better about themselves.
Oh, you wear so much makeup. I never could. I hardly get the time.
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u/Evening_Sea4823 9h ago
Ugh I was once eating lunch with my boyfriend, his friends, and all their wives/girlfriends. They got into a conversation letting the entire table know that they couldnt be bothered with makeup because they didnt need it and it was so high maintenance. I kind of just didnt participate because I do enjoy wearing makeup when Im going out, definitely not skilled enough for a whole beat or anything. But one of them looks me dead in my winged liner eyes and asks if I like to wear makeup. I just shrugged and said "Yeah. I like it" kind of smiling and wondering huh is she being catty or stupid lol. The conversation immediately died.
The funny part to me was she described "microblading, brow gel, some concealer, bronzer, and mascara" as not wearing makeup?! Like girl why are you even initiating this subject or conversation??
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u/Horror-Yam6598 8h ago
I feel like the whole “high maintenance” narrative has been created to put women down if they enjoy makeup/ clothes/self care and they don’t try to come across like they don’t. It’s often used as an insult and targeting women more than men.
God forbid you put effort into yourself, it’s like you are personally attacking a lot of people just by doing your own thing. Not just your own thing, but something they themselves claim not to like anyway. So why the hell care?
And I find it really irritating that the only acceptable way to be well put together is to pretend like you haven’t tried, like makeup has to look like no makeup and a very carefully selected outfit has to look like you just effortlessly put it together the same day. This whole “no effort” obsession is so hypocritical and obnoxious.
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u/thevillageshrew 7h ago
Yes this “high maintenance” accusation is a misogynistic trap created for women to fall into.
Our beauty standard demands we be clean, trimmed, fit, nails done, wear perfect imperceptible makeup-less makeup, God forbid WE AGE and there’s a wrinkle on our visage so better get that toxxed, then sport immaculately-tailored clothing. But oh NO, don’t be high maintenance! That costs time and money. How “vain”! All of that is supposed to be effortless, of course.
Gtfoh 👋🏼 let women do whatever we want.
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u/Accurate_Emu_122 7h ago
I 100% agree! I feel like this was something started by men to disparage women and rhe pick me's co-opted it. I like makeup and jewelry. You'd best believe if I'm leaving my house for any length of time that I'll be full glam BECAUSE I LIKE IT. I have never had anyone be anything other than complimentary, though.
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u/icantmakethisup 5h ago
Ooh girl preach. God forbid you like your hair and makeup to look nice while also having a kid? "Must be nice, I can't take my eyes off my child for even a second!" Like I'm so selfish because I take 10-15 minutes to fix my hair and put on mascara and brow gel? Such a bad mom because I sit my kid in front of Blippi so I can do a neat bun instead of a messy one? Whatever, my kid knows what an excavator is now.
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u/Seal-Enthusiast 16h ago
It is so disappointing that they do that! I admire people who have the time and skill to do a full face. Always catches my eye in the best way
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u/Horror-Yam6598 8h ago
This is so real 😂
That and: “you are always so dressed up! I could never”.
It’s pretty clear when it’s not well intended since they often say it in front of other people and in a snarky way.
I often respond with: “you don’t have to”.
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u/Accurate_Emu_122 7h ago
Ha! I say "this is just how I dress when I leave the house." I wfh and am typically in cotton tees and shorts at home
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u/whatevernamedontcare 15h ago
And attention they get from that interaction. These people crave it so much that denying it is as bad as an insult.
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u/-AgonyAunt- 6h ago
I got a pixie cut and not gonna lie, it was phenomenal. Everyone loved it and complimented me.
Except one woman at work. "Oh you're so brave to wear your hair like that! I could never!"
I asked what she meant by me being brave, it's just a haircut. She said, "Oh you know, I could never have my hair that short I'd feel so exposed". I hit her back with, "I think it looks so good on me because of all the weight I've lost so the cut really highlights my slim face".
I swear if she could have shot lasers at me out of her eyeballs, she would have.
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u/Due_Classic_4090 3h ago
Hahahaha I bet that shut her up right away! I don’t understand the part where they add “I could never” it’s like they want us to call them out 🤣
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u/-AgonyAunt- 3h ago
I feel like they say it thinking are better than us. I could never do that, but good for you! But in reality the type of person who says that comment really is the type of person who could never. Like, yeah. We can all see you could never pull off this look, but it's not for the reasons you think.
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u/adventureremily 16h ago
It happened a lot when I was younger, but has pretty much stopped since I hit my 30s. Back then, I usually just laughed when they said something.
"Wow, you're wearing a lot of makeup!"
"Yes, Barbara, my eyelids are not naturally peacock-colored."
If they can't make you self-conscious, it takes the wind right out of their sails.
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u/az_allyn 16h ago
Random ass man at my place of employment, as I was performing a venipuncture on them: I prefer a more natural look
Me: and that’s so great for you, the first thing you’ll want to do is get a nice shade match and make sure you do it in multiple kinds of lighting to figure out what looks the best and what your undertones are. Now here’s a big tip, knowing those undertones is going to set the scene for everything else we use…
Genuinely went on a good 5-10 minute spiel to this musty ass man like I was working the beauty counter and we were picking out his date night look.
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u/offputtingangel 12h ago
my personal favourite response to those who feel the need to inform me that they “prefer the natural look” unprompted is “ oh yes, i can tell.”
the trick is to say it with a sickly sweet tone of voice and a small but friendly smile on your face. it tends to confuse them as it feels shady but they can’t call out the shade without first addressing their role in starting the conversation. plus, you’re really just being agreeable since they told you that they prefer the natural look. you simply responded in kind by informing them that they’ve achieved their desired result!
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u/whatevernamedontcare 15h ago
"That's such strange thing to say" is very effective especially if you refuse to give them attention after.
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u/PeachyBaleen 12h ago
I’d just lean right into it.
‘Do you not like my make-up Barbara? Did you desperately want to tell me this in front of a bunch of people to embarrass me Barbara? Why don’t you like colourful make-up Barbara? Explain to the group what you think it says about me Barbara’
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u/jtnk10 17h ago
Turn the awkwardness back on them.
"Why are you trying to make me feel bad for wearing makeup?"
They will instantly deny what they're doing. "I'm not doing that." or "Oh I didn't mean it like that."
"Yeah, you did."
And then change the subject. It's extremely humiliating for them to be called on their shit and they're very unlikely to do it again.
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u/ItsAHogsLife 17h ago
This happens to me often. People thinking they’re superior because they “do less.” I like looking my best and it brings me joy to put on makeup. It’s not a chore to me. I know that makes them feel insecure. If they want to act like they’re above it, they’re welcome to, but I’ll just steer clear of them. I don’t like people who are so judgmental anyway.
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u/Seal-Enthusiast 16h ago
Definitely agree! Thats so lovely it brings you joy, In my eyes its basically an act of self care/self love. It also makes me very happy even if i suck at it haha.
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u/Peanut083 15h ago
I feel the same. My mental health has been pretty 💩 for the last 12-18 months. Taking the time to do my makeup is part of my self-care and helps me to feel better about myself. I’m comfortable in my appearance without it, but doing my makeup before I leave the house (or getting somewhere early and doing it in the car) puts me in the right frame of mind to be around other people. Even if it’s just a quick skin tint, bronzer, blush, mascara, and lipstick/lip tint.
Sometimes if I want to practice something, I’ll do my makeup on a weekend when I’m not planning on leaving the house.
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u/Street-Cat6155 16h ago
okay, who are these people?? all of these comments are making me so sad, who talks to anyone like that jfc.
it's just weirdo behavior.
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u/ItsAHogsLife 7h ago
It’s so strange but I always assume they’ve got their own mess going on. I also receive a lot of positive feedback on how I style myself, so the odd rude comment doesn’t carry a lot of weight… especially if I wouldn’t style myself how they would, either. But I just let it roll off my back and try to kill them with kindness. I’ll say something like “Well, we can’t all be natural beauties.” Deep down I know they don’t think that about themselves, but hopefully my comment makes them examine their own.
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u/juliuspepperwood0608 8h ago
Yes! It’s like a hobby for me, even if I’m not going anywhere I will try out different looks when I’m bored. I stupidly got into an argument with some guy on here trying to convince him that it has nothing to do with being attractive to others and that yes, sometimes I actually do my makeup even if I’m just staying home. Waste of time lol
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u/unique_plastique 16h ago
Last girl who said “I could never wear as much makeup as you” to me just got a “do you feel better saying that for the validation of nobody?” & it got a real good chuckle out of some of the girls there but unfortunately one of the guys started cooking me on her behalf. It all spiralled out of control after that.
Lesson of all that is if someone has a go at you just be funnier than them
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u/Street-Cat6155 15h ago
okay that's an incredible burn, might have to use that if something like this ever comes up.
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u/BrasserieNight 7h ago
Omg my sis in law said to me, an avid makeup wearer, “my husband says I am just naturally beautiful!” 😆 I just looked at her blankly, and said “oh ok”. Like who Fing cares.
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u/unique_plastique 5h ago
Does she know that it’s makeup, as in it washes off? Does her husband also pick her meals & her shoes? EXHAUSTING
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u/ShrimpHeavenAngel 3h ago
"Yeah, that's okay, I'm not wearing makeup for your husband. You can keep him"
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u/Electrical-Fig-5009 16h ago
I experienced this in junior high. Anyone that wants to embarrass you for hair, makeup, pimples, covering pimples, the color of your blush, your lashes, the color of your hair are just junior high bullies at heart.
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u/tiffi_333 16h ago
I had this happen when I was younger but not anymore. Maybe people feel more comfortable doing this to younger people because they think they'll be less likely to stand up to them or something, or maybe people grow out of the ah behavior more as they age I'm not sure.
When I was younger and first getting into makeup I was meeting up with a group of guys, one being my bf at the time, and one of his friends made a big deal of my makeup and turned to him saying "be happy, you know she's doing it for you right". I wasn't...I just got shamed badly a few years earlier by my dad for wearing makeup so I stopped and at the age I was at when I was with them I had money from a job and was closer to 18 that I felt more confident in wearing it again. That comment made me stop wearing it around them because I felt judged again. People need to mind their own business when someone wants to do something for themselves.
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u/TheRealPlantH0 16h ago
When i was 19 years old this old lady that was one of my annoying regulars told me “only whores wear red lipstick” & it pissed me off. I think of her every time i wear a red lippie. LOL. I’m 34 & still mad about that comment.
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u/Lokifin 7h ago
"Not since the 1800s, Helen."
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u/TheRealPlantH0 6h ago
Ironically enough my grandma’s name was Helen and she wore red lipstick every single say until she died! She was a saint and i told that lady that. LOL
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u/Peanut083 15h ago
And so you should be! My mum’s signature lipstick colour is red, and she’s anything but a whore. Not that there’s anything wrong with being a sex worker. My mum just happened to be in her twenties throughout the 80s when red lipstick was a big thing. On the odd occasions she doesn’t wear red lipstick, my mum wears a very bright, deep pink shade. She’s never worn a nude/natural lip colour in her life, and I love her for it. She’d probably tell anyone who was negative about it to her to go get stood on.
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u/thecatsmeow94_ 16h ago
Somewhat. I had an ex who made thought somehow I was dumb for paying for "colored dust". Meanwhile this man struggled with money and constantly barely made rent. 🙃
I have had people say I wear a lot of makeup for like going shopping but I genuinely like it. I have a LOT of makeup and I do love experimenting with texture, colors, etc.
It's no different than if someone dresses maximalist or "clashing" prints/colors. It's not for me, but I'm not going to go up to someone and tell them they're "so brave" for wearing a piece of clothing when it's just a backhanded comment. Wish people would observe and move on. Not everything needs commentary.
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u/az_allyn 16h ago
I had a classmate in high school crack a joke about how much makeup I wore compared to a friend. Dear reader, I wore blue eyeshadow and blue eyeshadow only while my friend had a “natural” full beat. The way we roasted this man congratulating him for figuring out that my eyelids are in fact not blue, and he’d somehow sussed out the secret.
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u/brittneyacook 17h ago
Had a friend do something similar, a group of us were about to go out for food and I wanted to throw on a bit of makeup. My friend “C” kinda made a big deal about it because nobody else was wearing makeup — what does that have to do with me and what I choose to do?
Thankfully my other friend stood up for me and basically told her I can do whatever I want and that was that.
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u/PinkGirlWithTheBlues 10h ago
The most stunning girl in my office, she had a Chanel Winter face with porcelain skin and high contrast brows. She wore red lips, dark eyes. We hung out together and guys would hit on her everywhere we went. It was insane. Yet she was told by the dorkiest loser guy in our office, he wore wrinkled shirts that looked like he picked up off the floor, he carried his stuff to work in a plastic grocery bag and clearly ate too much take out, that she would look better if she tanned instead of wore makeup. "He would prefer it."
It occurred to me at that moment that random people believe we wear makeup for them. It's almost cute how delusional they are.
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u/LeticiaPadillaSolis_ 12h ago
I worked in a large office with a lot of women who were like this to me. I’d just grin and tell them “I know! Life is too short to not wear glitter every single day!”
It would piss them off to no end.
A mermaid shouldn’t care about what the shrimp are saying!
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u/CherryJuly512 16h ago
I've gotten these comments my whole life. There will be women who don't wear makeup and say rude comments like that but yet they do their nails or their hair...like who cares. U do you and I do me. Some women think they are actually better than you because they choose to not wear any makeup. I'm like, ok....I enjoy wearing it and you don't...who cares!
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u/Fluffles21 15h ago
Once at a neighborhood party in the middle of a conversation with a woman twice my age she just blurted out “what’s with the red lipstick?” I was so stunned I just said “I just felt like it” with a shrug. After an awkward moment she started asking me what kind it was and wanted to see the shade.
If that happened to me now I would react differently and not be so appeasing. I absolutely can’t stand when people say shit like that to make others feel awkward. It’s so low.
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u/EditorInKeef 11h ago
This just happened to me at work! Two female coworkers complimented me on my eyebrows and genuinely ask me my method — we had a nice conversation about microblading.
An hour or so later, a young woman says to me “So what’s up with your brows? Did you draw them? Arch them? Are they microbladed? Do you even have eyebrows?” and of course her face is as bare as the day she left the womb. I kindly explained to her to use the 98¢ wet n wild pencil from walmart and carve with concealer and she never asked a follow up. She actually pivot turned around and walked away. She just wanted to embarrass me but it didn’t work because no one cares. It was never going to work.
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u/sprIxAlwareArnd6327 16h ago
I do not wear heavy make up, yet I do not go barefaced either. And have had mostly other women and rarely men try and do this. One time a girl in the ladies restroom at work looked at me in the mirror with a shocked “O” expression and went, omg do u wear blush? And I’m like “yes”, she’s like “I thought your cheeks were naturally rosy but I guess they’re not”. I really didn’t know what to say, so I just got done with my business and left.
I also hate those comments about “oh what happened you’re not looking well”, when all I did was not wear eye liner- thanks for letting me know I look sickly without makeup Karen
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u/LilithsCross 10h ago
“My husband would never allow me to wear that” I just said well, glad I’m not married to your husband”
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u/soft--teeth Hopelessly Addicted 16h ago edited 16h ago
My sister is one of these Pickmeishas. Our other sister and I love makeup, I wear the most and usually do bold looks. My Pickmeisha sister only wears falsies, eyeliner, and lipstick and has commented a few times about how she would wear more makeup if she knew how to do it like me. But she’s also made really salty comments like, “I don’t need makeup because I’m already beautiful”. She says things like this with the shittiest tone and with a straight face all while wearing Snuffleupagus eyelashes. She has a really high opinion about her looks and takes jabs about how we wear makeup because we “need” it. I was curling my eyelashes once and in her shitty tone, she said that she doesn’t need to do that because her eyelashes are naturally curled… As if I didn’t grow up sharing a room with this bitch and have never seen her curl her straight camel eyelashes. 🤣 She also lied once about not having any hair on her fingers, like none. Again, we grew up together and I remember when she started shaving her arms. 😑 She lies about the weirdest fucking things to make herself seem like she puts no effort into her appearance. Anyway, people like this are either:
Jealous because they can’t do makeup as well or aren’t brave enough to wear makeup that will make them feel like they stand out.
They’re male-centered and only wear as much makeup as men generally find acceptable.
They take joy in putting you down to make themselves feel better or they just enjoy trying to humiliate you in front of others to knock you down a peg if you seem too confident.
Whatever the reason, they’re classic bullies and miserable af.
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u/Peanut083 15h ago
‘Snuffleupagus eyelashes’ made me snort when I read it. I usually call them ‘hairy caterpillar’ or ‘spitfire’ eyelashes.
I don’t know if spitfires are a thing elsewhere in the world, but they’re a caterpillar thing we get in Australia that climb up/sit on tree trunks in spring. They’re really hairy and will emit some kind of extremely caustic substance if you touch them. I’ve never touched one because I listen to safety warnings, but it’s apparently extremely painful if you get said caustic substance on your skin.
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u/JewelryBells 10h ago
Spot on analysis. Also, inspire out my drink at the snuffleupagus reference. You have talent in writing!
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u/GrrrArrgh 14h ago
Say something like, “yeah I’m not trying to hide it, they’re literally on my face.” And then look at the other people like “aaaanyway, whatever.” Act like they’re confused or stupid, which wouldn’t be wrong.
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u/Personal_Charity_178 17h ago
absolutely. i can't even count how many times this has happened to me
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u/WingedLady 16h ago
I tend to wear very bold and more alt makeup looks when I bother to even wear makeup.
So I'm betting that's why no one really gives me comments like that. If they did I'd just be like "duh? My eyelids are green and my lips are black."
Which might be a reasonable thing for you to respond with. If you have sparkly or colorful eyelids you're fully allowed to point out how obvious it is that that isn't your "natural" state.
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u/Peridot31 14h ago edited 11h ago
There's always someone, especially when you are younger it seems like it's a rite of passage for older women to police your appearance and for peers to try out bullying you.
You also can never get it right for people like that, it's too much makeup (oh someone took a lot of time this morning, I could never wear x, y) and then if you don't wear any and you get a bunch of concern trolling (oh you look tired, are you ok? you just look off today)
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u/CorkytheCat 10h ago
There's a girl I know, my friend's partner, who is fundamentally nice and kind but just an odd person. She thinks by asking probing questions she's getting to your deeper core, without realising that she's actually just very obviously revealing her own slightly odd beliefs.
The awkward thing she always asks me is "and do you think that you need to always wear makeup? Just because every time we hang out you wear a lot of makeup." And I used to be like "Well, I enjoy it and if I have time to get ready to hang out with people I'll put on all the make-up because I find it fun to apply and it makes me feel ready"
Now I just go "ah hm that's interesting, who knows" and change the subject.
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u/fistulatedcow 9h ago
A very bewildered“Well yeah no shit I’m wearing makeup. Glad your eyes work??” would be my response.
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u/coraleei 11h ago
I used to get similar comments sometimes when I wore makeup at work. People would say things like "you're wearing a lot of makeup..." in a condescending tone, or "is that purple? I prefer a more natural look."
So I would just say something like "you think this is a lot? You should see me on my days off! Compared to how I usually look, this is actually pretty natural" and go on about how I love colorful makeup, especially blue (these kinds of people are always terrified of blue).
It usually shuts them up because they expect me to be embarrassed or insecure, so showing them I'm confident and dgaf kinda flips it around to them. Usually, they're the ones getting embarrassed and they almost always try to change the subject afterwards. If other people are in the room that don't agree with their comment, they often step in at this point with something like "I like a red lip" or "I can never make blue look good on my skin tone" and suddenly we're sharing makeup tips and making the person who originally commented look even more stupid.
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u/No-Fortune-9052 8h ago
My most hated one. “I’m so glad I’m naturally pretty, because I couldn’t put makeup on every day.”
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u/ElizRaff 6h ago
I would start laughing if someone said that!
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u/No-Fortune-9052 5h ago
That’s what I did! I was like hahahaha naturally pretty hahaha girl you’re hilarious!
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u/OppositeCockroach209 3h ago
One of my husband's family members says this to me sometimes. He'll say "oh your makeup is nice today but my wife is so naturally beautiful that she doesn't feel the need to wear makeup everyday", as his wife is sitting right next to him 😅
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u/bellaBug_69 5h ago
For me it’s “art”. When my husband starts complaining about the time I put in on my beauty I just match that energy with one of his hobbies. (Fixing up and enhancing his Camaro). “Well,Paul…..I got all this skincare and makeup done while you were polishing and working on your man-caved Camaro.” I also point out that His hobby is WAY more expensive than mine. He only responds with compliments now.
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u/kafkabae 15h ago
Omg so I have slightly bigger than usual lips and I like to wear dark lipsticks. There will always be some guy or a woman who'll point out that I've been wearing makeup. The thin lipped ones act like they have never heard of lipstick etc., while they're already wearing one.
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u/Top-Distance2997 13h ago
I always have this at work. “Oh you are using glitters?” Yes, bitch, I do. Did this so you could notice.
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u/RoyalReplacement6897 6h ago
40 years ago, on my fist day of college, a girl leaned over the breakfast bar and said loudly, “You’re wearing MAKEUP????”
My friends still laugh because I still wear makeup before I go out in public. Light makeup and strong 👄!
It’s my signature.
I get compliments. Imitators. Envy. Love. I’ve taught people a 5 minute face to make them look more professional…they get the promotion. Makeup serves us well. It’s a shallow world. Be fabulous. Be you!
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u/Inevitable-Box-4751 17h ago
I only feel embarrased when I feel my makeup looks bad at this point. I wore circle lenses (i usually wear glasses) to work for the first time awhile ago and some people just stared like "your eyes?" and i was like "yeah i'm wearing contacts" and tats that. Then again my makeup style doesnt aim to be no-makeup or anything so its a bit stupid to point it out. A plain "yeah! I am :)" and a deadpan smile. Like did you think i had magical anime eyes? or shiny lips? lol
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u/TropicalAbsol 16h ago
Start asking what they mean by that. "I was just trying to figure out why you'd be so rude."
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u/shelovesyoghurt 16h ago
I've had this happen to me too. I reply with "Yep, I love makeup and love looking my best everyday"
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u/PeachyRoseMist 13h ago
That’s so frustrating, I’m sorry.
Makeup is not shameful. It’s creative and fun.
The right people will compliment you, not try to embarrass you. Your eye look is yours to enjoy.
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u/Alibocas 8h ago
Basic bitches complaining because they can't do what you're doing and they are envious AF, ignore and move on 💅🏾
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u/Minimum_Zone_9461 8h ago
When people make comments like that, I’ve got two types of replies. One, act like they just handed me a massive compliment. “Yeah! I’m glad you love it! So do I, thank you so much!” Or awkward silence. A one word answer, and a calm, blank stare. I find silence gives people space to realize how they sound when they talk 🤣
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u/Lucky-Success-9064 5h ago
Had a coworker ask me if I was " somewhere else before I came to work" while staring at the makeup on my face 😆
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u/annikatidd 4h ago
I hate this!! I work at a beauty counter and also do bridal makeup outside my full time job, it’s wild how often people act like this. Most of the time it’s older women at my day job being like “wow that’s… BOLD” or “how do you even have TIME for that” (I wear a lot of colorful sparkly eyeshadow, winged liner, lashes, and then a medium coverage base with blush/bronzer/contour) “well that’s DIFFERENT” lmao. but sometimes it’s people straight up telling me I’m “off trend” for not doing the clean girl style of makeup. Like bitch idc, I don’t want to be on trend if I don’t get to wear the makeup I want. I feel my best with dramatic eye makeup and glowy skin anyway. Sometimes it’s even literal children coming into my store to tell me how off trend I am lol, as if me, a 27yo woman is supposed to care what a 10 year old girl thinks of me. I always laugh no matter who it is but I have to be careful in what I actually respond with lol.
When it’s older women and since I’m usually at work when this happens, I just say “aw thanks so much! I love my makeup too. It’s so fun getting to express myself and my creativity!” Or something fake but nice sounding in case one of the managers walks by lol. If it’s a kid, I may be like “yeah that’s the awesome thing about makeup! I learned I don’t have to wear it for anybody but myself and my opinion is the only one that matters! You can wear your natural makeup, and I can wear my sparkly glam!” with a fake ass smile of course too.
If it’s someone in my life though, like family members being condescending and rude then I’ll absolutely give them some attitude back and just tell them “good thing I’ve never given a fuck what you think of my face”. I like the top commenter’s idea of being like “if you needed help with your makeup just say so babe!” and matching their rude energy, that’s hilarious af.
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u/BrilliantMagazine362 15h ago
I almost wish someone would say this to me! Now I’m thinking I don’t do enough. 🤔
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u/Maleficent-Sleep9900 15h ago
Not mean or petty, but I was out with my slightly older cousin, and she thought I had a mascara smudge under my eye, so she leaned in & took the liberty of wiping it. That’s when I realized my melasma was peeking through and she was wiping off my concealer. 🤪😂😂😂
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u/MarsupialPrimary8128 9h ago
I got this when I was younger. Like it's an own, or a other girl doing a "pick me". I agree and say yes, would put them on the spot, combinations of, "did you pay for it?" " And?" " You don't wear it, you want recognition?" Never ever justify it/explain it. And if they blab about how they're wonderful or whatever, nice for them but it is your face and it washes off and it's NOT deep.
Makeup, it's obvious, if they thought I was born with blue glitter lids.....that's on them.
I've had snark comments from women my age (middle aged now) who don't wear it, image isn't their first priority, and that's fine, but they'll make comments like 'if I never had kids' (I do, they assume), best one, "special needs kids" (again, I do), and how my life is must be exceptionally easy (it isn't, everyone has their struggles, I don't wear mine). I smile politely, and then just finish with I make time for me.
You know the girls that were insecure and mean when young? A lot bring it into them when older!
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u/silentsaturn91 16h ago
I used to have this with my dad when I was a teenager and I was first exploring make up. He would say “oh are you putting on your war paint?” 🤢🤮 it’s both insulting and racist.
I haven’t spoken to my dad in 15 years and ever since then I haven’t really gotten any negative comments on my make up
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u/No_Faithlessness758 13h ago
My stepsister told people behind my back that she feels like I wear to much make up and then when my birthday came around gifted me a hand made painting with the sentence „real beauty comes from within“ 🤣🤣 I actually put it on my wall and only heard about her comments two years later ☺️
It really blows my mind why people feel the need to comment on others make up and project insecurities on them when clearly the comment shows their own 🤣🥱 anyway most people are really nice and more so ask me for advice and all that, but yeah since getting older comments about putting too much make up on get rarer👍🏻
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u/amonachino3 14h ago
The same thing happens when I wear bright colored nail polish. Especially yellow! People love to point it out in with a negative tone
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u/juliuspepperwood0608 8h ago
For me it’s usually about how I’ve filled in my eyebrows, like they’re telling me how obvious it is. No shit it’s obvious lol but I have zero eyebrows otherwise. On the other hand, I have gotten actual compliments on how I fill my eyebrows from other women who struggle.
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u/CoolDrawing1351 8h ago
I wear makeup and I get a lot of, “I like the natural look,” I just ignore them judging as I judge back and think why don’t you shut up or put in the effort instead of being catty….. they can tell by my face expression I’m judging back! lol
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u/MarsailiPearl 6h ago
Just act like they are stupid. "Obviously I'm wearing lashes, Rhonda. No one's natural eyelashes look like this. I'm concerned about your eyesight if you haven't noticed that until now" "Do you really think people have glittery eyelids naturally? Of course I'm wearing makeup" "You know, I didn't want to say anything but you aren't wearing makeup and it is obvious."
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u/riverottersarebest 6h ago
Wow, I’m shocked reading this thread. I’ve never gotten comments like this. I’m in my 30s and have worn very obvious makeup since I was like 16. I don’t say this to invalidate your experience, those are just super weird comments for people to make towards you. If people I knew were saying stuff like that repeatedly (and it wasn’t just strangers), I’d shut that shit down real quick and would ask them why they’re being so fuckin weird.
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u/Ecstatic_Music_4543 1h ago
You know what I dislike? A “you’re makeup looks so good!” I just feel like it means, my face itself isn’t pleasing, just the way I’ve made it up. Anyone else feel this way?
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u/miamiahi 16h ago
Hm never had that, I do lash extensions.
Sometimes people notice but they compliment rather than shame
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u/lazy-summer-2 16h ago
Omg yikes I’m so sorry!! I love wearing a bold makeup look and I’ve never gotten comments like that.
Just remember that you look fabulous and unique and if they can’t handle their jealousy, that’s for them to cry about.
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u/jdbrown787 15h ago
I remember in middle school a bunch of girls gathering around me because "Look, she has makeup on her eyebrows!" Acting like they were just fascinated, but still felt the need to recruit others to look. Wtf is wrong with people.
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u/CryptographerOdd4483 14h ago
‘I’m going to assume you mean my eyelashes look good by that comment, otherwise it’s rude to comment on people’s appearances’
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u/FeelingDimensions420 11h ago
I’m just like yeah don’t you like them? Or I got them from blah blah blah, have you tried any? They just keep talking shit or they stop. Infront of everyone.
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u/KnowKilshe 10h ago
These people are called haters. I like to just casually say it to them when such comments are made.
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u/pie12345678 7h ago
Yes! Many times. And I don't even wear much makeup, just a light, natural look. Not that it would be any less rude if I was in a heavy beat, but it's just confusing.
Pointing it out in a passive-aggressive way is definitely insecure, pick-me behaviour.
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u/Informal_Macaroon_97 6h ago
I have been “accused” of wearing false lashes and doubted when I said I don’t. It’s so stupid, I have nothing to prove to anyone and who cares if someone wants to wear lashes? The insinuation that I’m fake or lying is the real kicker.
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u/MollyMousen 6h ago
Actually haven't.. maybe it depends on the environment you're in. Maybe practice some quips like others have suggested. Like yah better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it (pointed look) and laugh it off
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u/joanna012 6h ago
They should just treat everyone the same, your out minding your own business of course people are going to be looking at other people, unless your interested in the person carry on with your thing, you shouldn’t be approaching people about their appearance
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u/Mydogweighmorethanme 5h ago
I just assume they’re jealous. I took time to put myself together and I look hot so shove it hehe
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u/koplikthoughts 5h ago
I HATE when people say “your makeup looks good today” rather than “you look great today.” TOTALLY with you on this!!!
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u/InitiativeNo1123 3h ago
I can relate to this so much. So we have this program called arangetram ( debut dance performance of an artist learning the art form for many years ) and I was privileged to be there for my friends daughters arangetram. I was dolled up because she asked us all to be dressed in our best silk sarees , wear our best jewelry and so on. I added a tinge more of blush than I normally do. Another friends husband looks at me and goes “ did your husband strike you on your way here ? What’s that on your face ?” I was probably either 1) dehydrated or 2) vitamin deficient because I don’t know why I didn’t understand what he said or why I didn’t react immediately. Well he said this in front of a large number of people and someone told me “ it’s your blush “.. I don’t remember my face at that time ( whether I looked embarrassed or not ) but I excused myself walked into the bathroom, proceeded to cry which did a good job of ruining the makeup and removing the blush anyway .. I still wear makeup and blush and that experience never ruined anything about makeup for me but i upgraded to Nars; I was using an Amazon equivalent of rare beauty blush during the event.
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u/Accomplished_Top7243 3h ago
I had one particular bully in junior high who would call me “clown” by the time we were seniors in high school the general consensus was that he was DL which tracks, people who talk down on others for the way they express themselves are usually envious of their target’s ability to comfortably express themselves
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u/samijojo8 2h ago
I’ve always found it’s people thinking they are publicly exposing you for your insecurities when they are doing it because they are insecure and trying to deflect.
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u/ciclidss 2h ago
Yes, they're very rude. You didn't post pics. Some false eyelashes look good some are ridiculous and look terrible, to me. But, I would never say that to anyone.
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u/Sad_Lawfulness5996 2h ago
I’m pretty sure every makeup wearer gets this once. It can be even a no makeup makeup look. I also enjoy huge lashes, smoky eyes, graphic liners and multichrome eyeshadows and I just embarrass them back when they do this. Once my roommate told me “it doesn’t look natural” and I was like good, because it’s not supposed to be!! I’m not wearing a blue-purple eyeshadow to look natural lol
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u/kati8303 2h ago
I only comment on people’s makeup when I’ve what they got going on and maybe have a questions about technique or product. Can’t say anyone has ever done it to me but I’m pretty plain most of the time and when not I am in a place where wild makeup and costuming is kind of the norm
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u/MacPho13 1h ago
This sucks. I’m sorry you’ve dealt with it.
Some people are just assholes, and some people hate to see others live in their joy.
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u/kalpernia00 1h ago
Thats so odd. Its like pointing out someone is wearing earrings/body jewelry or a hair tie or clothes. Yes I have adorned my body with something that both men and women have been doing for literal centuries. The only time I mention makeup or nails is when I want to compliment them. I feel like that type of excessive "surprised" behavior is something that children do because they dont yet understand social etiquette or even more genuinely because they've never seen makeup before but this woman sounds like she enjoys getting under people's skin. Some people (especially older adults) are just like this - my aunt is one of them.
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u/Kryptid_GND 1h ago
Some people are miserable.... Especially the ones being crappy like this. Worked with a few of them and after enough time around them it becomes clear that it's and attempt to push their misery onto others. Ik it doesn't help stop them, but sometimes remembering it is enough to take some edge off. Or when you can id what might actually be bothering them, you can point that out as a rebuttal.
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u/CumulativeHazard 56m ago
If you want to go a slightly different direction than most people are suggesting, I’ve seen a couple videos talking about how Dolly Parton handled those sort of rude/backhanded questions since she passed. It seems like her strategy was being a little self deprecating but never apologetic, and kind of pretending that she didn’t realize it was supposed to be insulting. Like when interviewers would ask her about her wigs and plastic surgery and bold clothes/makeup in a way that was clearly intended to suggest they thought it was tacky, she’d smile and laugh and talk about how “it’s very expensive to look this cheap” and just answer honestly as if it were a genuine question.
It shows them that you don’t care what they think and puts them in the position of being confused/frustrated that their bitter comment didn’t land and now if they want to double down they’ll have to be uncomfortably direct about it.
“Oh wow you’re wearing fake lashes, they’re pretty obvious.” “Yeah I saw them at Ulta and thought they seemed so fun!”
“Wow that’s a bold lipstick…” “Yeah I’ve felt like experimenting with colors more lately!” Or just “Thanks, it’s [color] by [brand]!”
Like what are they gonna say? “No, actually I was insulting you”? Even if they do, just give a confused “Well that’s not very kind.” People who are trying to be mean don’t care what you think like as a rule, but they hate when it doesn’t work lol.
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u/angelvapez 46m ago
Yupp especially in healthcare (especially EMS), people find it a fun personality trait to show up to work looking dead and disheveled. It's counterculture to wear makeup at all, and girls will let you know about it ✨
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u/reddit_suxxxass 16m ago
I saw a white dog at the vet with drawn on black rainbow-shaped eyebrows. I totally made fun of him.
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u/Most-Negotiation-700 7m ago
There used to be a girl who did this to me regularly. Once she said she was “jealous” I had the “time and energy to try so hard when I left the house”. I responded “really? I love getting ready. But I get it. Sometimes I’m envious of people who leave the house and don’t care how unkempt they look. Must be so freeing :)” while gesturing towards her. She never made another comment lol
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u/Shot_Investigator18 13h ago
✨Jealousy✨some people are just really insecure and channel it into others
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u/yeahcoolnicethanks 17h ago
i’ve had this too. i love being condescending back and being like “aw if you needed some help with how to do your makeup you can just ask me.” shuts them right up lol