medschool and makeup

[crystalgreen]

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hi everyone! i personally love makeup and skincare but most (95%) of my female classmates don't really care about it. in fact, there's almost a stigma that goes with wearing makeup and doing your hair! what gives? maybe they do care and just dont have time but it honestly doesnt take that much time to put on some eyeliner and mascara and maybe some sheer foundation in the morning. maybe there are like 3 three girls that regularly wear makeup but the rest love sporting the dark under eye circles! i know that on average the percentage of medschool girls that wear makeup is much less than the rest of the population due to having very little time but it's a little too extreme in my school. why the stigma? it's not just that there is no time.

 

[Droopy Snoopy]

I've truly seen every "Med school and..." thread now.

 

[slight365]

Keep yourself looking good. I'm in a program where more than 60% are females, or more. I'll be on the lookout.

 

[Isoprop]

I've truly seen every "Med school and..." thread now.

at least it breaks the monotony of SDN

 

[slight365]

Before anyone starts complaining, you should keep in mind that this is the kind of girl one needs in a med school and you should be ****ing loading her inbox up with date requests, cyber requests, or something.

 

[ella umbrella]

hell I always wear make up around my peers. even during test weeks - it takes 5 seconds to but on some foundation and walk out the door.

if it makes you feel good to put some MAC on in the morning, forget what everyone else is doing and do your thing.

 

[Slow]

lalala

 

[SoCuteMD]

I just had other morning priorities - especially once I hit the clinical years. In addition, I found that wearing makeup set me up to get hit on by people I didn't want to be hitting on me.

 

[sugeny]

love this thread! I do feel the stigma, but hey, it's way more fun just to embrace it if you like it. Enjoy wearing makeup? Awesome, own it 😛

 

[slight365]

I would love pics. Before and after and nudies.

 

[neil100]

hi everyone! i personally love makeup and skincare but most (95%) of my female classmates don't really care about it. in fact, there's almost a stigma that goes with wearing makeup and doing your hair! what gives? maybe they do care and just dont have time but it honestly doesnt take that much time to put on some eyeliner and mascara and maybe some sheer foundation in the morning. maybe there are like 3 three girls that regularly wear makeup but the rest love sporting the dark under eye circles! i know that on average the percentage of medschool girls that wear makeup is much less than the rest of the population due to having very little time but it's a little too extreme in my school. why the stigma? it's not just that there is no time.

wow did you really have to start this thread? Btw, remember most guys aren't stupid.
Most normal decent males look for natural beauty and subtract all of the artificial, man-made (man that is ironic...lol) beauty. That is how you calculate the real beauty of a female. Yup. That's how it is. Whether you like it or not.

 

[stiffany]

I don't fear other female med students wearing make-up and haven't considered the issue until now. For me it comes down to a time and laziness factor. If I can sleep in an extra five minutes, I'd much rather do that. Plus (and maybe my expensive Sephora/Mac picks over the years just weren't the best choices) I find that make-up tends to "move" as the day goes forward. I'd rather have a bare perhaps moisturized face than one with smudges everywhere at the end of the day/night!

I disagree with the notion that make-up doesn't matter to men. I think (and maybe it's just a confidence thing) the made-up gal in kitten heels at the bar gets a lot more attention than the woman in a ponytail and crumbled scrubs.

 

[neil100]

I don't fear other female med students wearing make-up and haven't considered the issue until now. For me it comes down to a time and laziness factor. If I can sleep in an extra five minutes, I'd much rather do that. Plus (and maybe my expensive Sephora/Mac picks over the years just weren't the best choices) I find that make-up tends to "move" as the day goes forward. I'd rather have a bare perhaps moisturized face than one with smudges everywhere at the end of the day/night!

I disagree with the notion that make-up doesn't matter to men. I think (and maybe it's just a confidence thing) the made-up gal in kitten heels at the bar gets a lot more attention than the woman in a ponytail and crumbled scrubs.

I believe my point was when males actually are seriously looking for a life-long partner. That is when beauty matters.

Yeah of course the girl covered in artificial stuff is going to turn a lot of heads. That's the point when you are in the bar. Most people are drunk and are basically looking for a one night stand. hello!!! You do know guys right?!!
But, not the case when you are looking for a lifetime partner.

I do hope you agree that natural beauty is far superior and the real beauty versus one which is accentuated by artificial junk. If not, then you are just one of those crazy "modern" women.

 

[WDeagle]

wow did you really have to start this thread? Btw, remember most guys aren't stupid.
Most normal decent males look for natural beauty and subtract all of the artificial, man-made (man that is ironic...lol) beauty. That is how you calculate the real beauty of a female. Yup. That's how it is. Whether you like it or not.

Speak for yourself dude! I honestly appreciate when girls put a little effort into their looks. Too many of my classmates have let themselves go completely(guys and girls). The OP is talking about a little make-up. Its not like she is talking about getting breast implants or anything(which i have nothing against and appreciate).

 

[coldweatherblue]

this thread is too serious.. plenty of girls can rock the natural beauty all day long, then when they get ready to go out and do whatever it is they do to themselves before going out, they still look fly afterwards. THANK YOU for taking care of yourselves ladies. 👍

 

[makushin]

:

 

[Warbux]

Ladies take care of yourselves please. I'm in dental school and I swear most the girls have upper lip hair. This is not attractive. I don't understand it. If you have upper lip hair, I promise you I'm staring at it when you talk, and I'm jumping to conclusions about how you trim the rest of your body hair.

Yeah thats cool when you pull it all together for the weekend, but don't think anyones forgetting what you looked like at in the lab at 1AM. Actually, I can respect that, you can't always wear makeup. But the lip hair has got to go.

Glad I got that off my chest. 😱

👍👍👍

Also, there's nothing wrong with natural looking makeup. I can understand some women going overboard with their makeup but a little foundation or mascara can't hurt.

I'm sure ladies appreciate it when dudes shave their faces and brush their hair. We could look like bums but a lot of us like to look clean, especially since we will be future professionals.

 

[DOCTORSAIB]

Alright, lets get something very clear here -- make-up is ALWAYS a good thing. I can't believe the number of BUSTED looking women in medicine. Honestly, it's ridiculous sometimes the way female med students and residents (and even attendings) show up to work. Unshowered, eyebrows unplucked, hair above the lip, wrinkled clothes, bad breath, etc, etc.

I'm not advocating painting your face on every morning. But a little bit of eye stuff with some foundation and lip gloss/lipstick goes a loooong way. It takes a bloody 5 minutes!

I think one of the biggest fallacies of the "comfort crowd" (who I find instantly annoying, btw) is that natural is better. I got news for you lazy b@st@rds -- it's not. THE BEST STATE IS NEVER THE NATURAL STATE.

To the ladies who take time out to look presentable, THANK YOU. Believe me, it's much appreciated and certainly noticed. 👍

Don't even get me started on the guys. Whatever happened to presenting yourself like a gentlemen?

 

[T Paine]

bleach yo' butthole too

 

[unsung]

hey, if you match in dermatology, this won't be a problem. 😉

 

[SixStars]

I rarely wear make up... concealer to hide zits maybe, but other than that, makeup is not something I care about or feel like I need/want to wear. That said, if you want to wear makeup, go for it, and I'm glad it makes you feel good.

However, for the posters complaining about the "BUSTED" looking women in their classes, get over it. Women were not put in your class to look good for you.

 

[crystalgreen]

Ladies take care of yourselves please. I'm in dental school and I swear most the girls have upper lip hair. This is not attractive. I don't understand it. If you have upper lip hair, I promise you I'm staring at it when you talk, and I'm jumping to conclusions about how you trim the rest of your body hair.

Yeah thats cool when you pull it all together for the weekend, but don't think anyones forgetting what you looked like at in the lab at 1AM. Actually, I can respect that, you can't always wear makeup. But the lip hair has got to go.

Glad I got that off my chest. 😱

LoL that's so funny! and totally true! anything more than peach fuzz is not ok! may i recommend Tweeze? it's a cute epilator and it's only 20 bucks! painful at first but very convenient. no more mustache for me!! haha

 

[Slow]

lalala

 

[DOCTORSAIB]

I rarely wear make up...

I stopped listening after this.

 

[psychforme]

bleach yo' butthole too

 

[WellWornLad]

Alright, lets get something very clear here -- make-up is ALWAYS a good thing. I can't believe the number of BUSTED looking women in medicine. Honestly, it's ridiculous sometimes the way female med students and residents (and even attendings) show up to work. Unshowered, eyebrows unplucked, hair above the lip, wrinkled clothes, bad breath, etc, etc.

I'm not advocating painting your face on every morning. But a little bit of eye stuff with some foundation and lip gloss/lipstick goes a loooong way. It takes a bloody 5 minutes!

I think one of the biggest fallacies of the "comfort crowd" (who I find instantly annoying, btw) is that natural is better. I got news for you lazy b@st@rds -- it's not. THE BEST STATE IS NEVER THE NATURAL STATE.

To the ladies who take time out to look presentable, THANK YOU. Believe me, it's much appreciated and certainly noticed. 👍

Don't even get me started on the guys. Whatever happened to presenting yourself like a gentlemen?

Downright obnoxious.

 

[smq123]

Ladies take care of yourselves please. I'm in dental school and I swear most the girls have upper lip hair. This is not attractive. I don't understand it. If you have upper lip hair, I promise you I'm staring at it when you talk, and I'm jumping to conclusions about how you trim the rest of your body hair.

Yeah thats cool when you pull it all together for the weekend, but don't think anyones forgetting what you looked like at in the lab at 1AM. Actually, I can respect that, you can't always wear makeup. But the lip hair has got to go.

Glad I got that off my chest. 😱

👍👍👍

Also, there's nothing wrong with natural looking makeup. I can understand some women going overboard with their makeup but a little foundation or mascara can't hurt.

I'm sure ladies appreciate it when dudes shave their faces and brush their hair. We could look like bums but a lot of us like to look clean, especially since we will be future professionals.

🙄🙄🙄

You know, the guys who complain the loudest about how "girls in med school let themselves go" are the BIGGEST crybabies during 3rd year.

"Oh my God, these dress shoes hurt! Owww...."

"I have to wear a collared shirt?? I can't breathe in those!!"

"I HATE wearing ties! They're so hot! Ties are just a magnet for MRSA, so I'm not going to wear one!"

Whatever.

While I agree that taking care of your appearance is nice, it's not for the "benefit" of the males in the class. So get over yourselves.

As for the OP - I don't see why you even care. Perhaps you have enough free time to apply makeup AND think about what your classmates are doing.

And, when you hit 3rd year, you will very likely run out of time and/or find it inconvenient. The atmosphere in the hospital does weird things to your skin, and makeup can often make those new (albeit temporary) skin problems much worse. There's already a lot of bacteria floating around; I'd feel like makeup would just trap that bacteria near my skin. BLECH.

And, by God, if you show up late to pre-round, and your fellow classmates are scrambling to pick up your slack, and they see that you're wearing MAKEUP....you better have a good reason for why you were running late and yet STILL found time to apply makeup and do your hair. One of my coworkers did that on surgery, and I was ready to smack her a few times.

 

[SDN2013]

I was ready to smack her a few times.

hot

 

[rmcusc]

So since we don't have to make ourselves up, I don't have to shave for patient care? I like to at least look presentable. Ladies, u don't have to put lots of effort into it, but at least put as much or more than most guys do, and no I am not talking about the guys who look like bugger from "revenge of the nerds." I see some of the girls at our school and I wouldn't even leave the house like that. Its not ok for me to have ridiculous facial hair, so take care of yours too. Also don't wear the same sweat shirt everyday people. LoL.

 

[87138]

🙄🙄🙄

You know, the guys who complain the loudest about how "girls in med school let themselves go" are the BIGGEST crybabies during 3rd year.

That seems like an odd generalization.

 

[coffeebeanjenn]

Alright, lets get something very clear here -- make-up is ALWAYS a good thing.

Make-up is not ALWAYS a good thing.

Reasons:
-Super sensitive skin (beyond the capabilities of so-called sensitive skin products)
-Cost (That $4 tube of lipstick will cost you something like $12 when your loans are paid off)
-Waste/environmental concerns (needless chemical production facilities, throwing away empties, etc)
-Aggravating acne
-Time (I concede the 5 minutes for the morning, but what if someone works out after class, or takes an afternoon nap, or needs to shower because they smell like cadavers? Having to continually re-apply can add up)
-Lack of skill (this is mine--I can never get eyeliner right)

I'm sure there are more. Bottom line, be reasonable. There are very few ALWAYS situations in the world.

 

[rmcusc]

Make-up is not ALWAYS a good thing.

I think what you mean is that EFFORT is always a good thing, as opposed to a lack of effort. It doesn't have to be much, just a little bit.

 

[ShyRem]

In terms of makeup: the bare essentials brand makeup is definitely worth it. Didn't make my skin breakout (and most other stuff did), easy and fast to put on, lasts a long time, doesn't look "like makeup", and breathes. 3 minutes total: the best undereye concealer EVER, a sweep of foundation, and a swipe of mascara.

Get some hair sticks or bear-claw clips for your hair. Cheap and hold like crazy. Throw a ponytail holder in your pocket just in case.

And I'm married, so I certainly don't have to look good for anyone other than me on rotations. I just hate looking like I'm deathly ill (or worse, OLD).

There's no reason you can't look decent. You don't have to look like you're going out for a night on the town, but you don't have to look haggard either. On the other hand, if makeup just isn't your thing, then don't bother with it. You certainly don't have to please anyone other than yourself.

 

[Ashers]

I wore make up all of M1-M3 year, and most of M4 year except for days when I was in the OR all day (I always wear make up if there's a possibility of clinic) or on vacation. However, if I was on overnight call, I didn't wear make up to the hospital the morning call started. I did stop wearing mascara because it irritates my eyes (I don't know why). I only wear it if I'm going out now. For me mascara doesn't make too much difference.

I don't think make up takes that long to put on (foundation + eye shadow + eye liner). I'm also not a girly-girl. (I'm the tom boy whose mom forced her to start wearing make up at 17yo.)

My lack of effort tended to go to my hair when it was super long. I love Scünchi thick-hair hair clips on inpatient wards. I could go to sleep with wet hair then pull it back in the morning. Rubber bands for surgical stuff (my hair would spend most of the time in a bouffant cap anyway). Then I went ahead and chopped off a lot of hair because I forgot how much work it is to take care of short hair, so I had to start doing my hair every morning for the first time since elementary school.

 

[DominicanaMD]

I can understand why some girls don't wear makeup or put any effort into their looks because it attracts unwanted attention. It is encouraged during the clinical yrs to look presentable and well groomed. Natural looking makeup is fine as long as you don't over do do it and look like you're going out to a club w/eyeliner & sparkly glossy lips. I personally take a few min in the morning and put on mascara, concealer and a lil blush to disguise the fact I only get about 4 hrs of sleep a night due to clinical duty & studying. It helps!

 

[potato head]

It is encouraged during the clinical yrs to look presentable and well groomed.

i found this thread a little funny.

anyways, i agree with dominicana to some extent. i think the issue isn't so much wearing make-up, but simply looking groomed and presentable.

i think for the most part, most girls understand what this entails by residency.

 

[alwaysaangel]

-Lack of skill (this is mine--I can never get eyeliner right)

This is a big one. Too many women in our generation don't know how to wear make-up and look ridiculous when they do.

A lot of generalizations in this thread, lets continue them shall we? I love wearing make-up when I have time but most of the time I'd rather sleep an extra 15 min or spend an extra 15 min with my boyfriend or whatever.

As far as the stigma for women who wear make-up all the time, I don't see that at my school. We have about 30-40% of the girls wear very light make-up most of the time.

The only women who have a stigma against them are the ones that consistently look like they're about to put on some stilettos and hit the clubs any minute. Way too much make-up, way too much hair spray and its ALWAYS. The way you wear make-up to go out at night should be VERY different than how you wear it in the day to class - some women don't get that. Those are the girls that the girls roll their eyes at and the guys wonder why she's trying so hard.

So if you think there's a stigma against you - check if you're one of those girls, instead of the moderate make-up wearer that you think you are.

 

[The Angriest Bird]

I'm a guy so I can't really comment a lot. But every time I enter a department and see all the makeup stuffs at the entrance, I thank god for making me a male so I don't have to worry about them. But apparently most ladies aren't complaining...

 

[crystalgreen]

This is a big one. Too many women in our generation don't know how to wear make-up and look ridiculous when they do.

A lot of generalizations in this thread, lets continue them shall we? I love wearing make-up when I have time but most of the time I'd rather sleep an extra 15 min or spend an extra 15 min with my boyfriend or whatever.

As far as the stigma for women who wear make-up all the time, I don't see that at my school. We have about 30-40% of the girls wear very light make-up most of the time.

The only women who have a stigma against them are the ones that consistently look like they're about to put on some stilettos and hit the clubs any minute. Way too much make-up, way too much hair spray and its ALWAYS. The way you wear make-up to go out at night should be VERY different than how you wear it in the day to class - some women don't get that. Those are the girls that the girls roll their eyes at and the guys wonder why she's trying so hard.

So if you think there's a stigma against you - check if you're one of those girls, instead of the moderate make-up wearer that you think you are.

actually, makeup is not rocket science and most women do know how to put on basic makeup and look damn good with it! the "too much makeup and hairspray" stigma that you mention is everywhere in society, not just in medschool. we're talking about the tendency against wearing any makeup at all. and up to 40% of girls at your school wear light makeup most of the time?...by "light makeup" do you mean lip balm? or tinted lip balm? LoL! cuz if that's the definition, our school beats yours...heck, even the guys here wear "light makeup"! and your last sentence there...sigh...where do i even start? oh i know...what kind of "make-up wearer" do you think you are?

 

[alwaysaangel]

actually, makeup is not rocket science and most women do know how to put on basic makeup and look damn good with it! the "too much makeup and hairspray" stigma that you mention is everywhere in society, not just in medschool. we're talking about the tendency against wearing any makeup at all. and up to 40% of girls at your school wear light makeup most of the time?...by "light makeup" do you mean lip balm? or tinted lip balm? LoL! cuz if that's the definition, our school beats yours...heck, even the guys here wear "light makeup"! and your last sentence there...sigh...where do i even start? oh i know...what kind of "make-up wearer" do you think you are?

Wow, I didn't really think I'd said anything inflammatory - and I wasn't directing that at you but all the women in this thread who agreed there was a stigma. If people are giving you funny looks you may look funny. Thats my only point.

I already said I'm a non-wearer and I don't give a rats ass unless I'm going out or doing clinical rotations. I don't care if I look good to my classmates and I'd rather spend 15 min extra in bed. I'm here to get a medical education, not be eye candy for my classmates.

And if everyone you know knows the basics of makeup you must live somewhere extraordinary because most of the women I see have no clue. At least not when they try eye make-up, they're still very stuck in single colors no blending, tarantula mascara, really thick eyeliner, or eyeliner on the bottom in the daytime, etc. I think it has a lot to do with the changing of styles and learning to put on make-up from their mothers. Not really sure. And this isn't me standing on a pedestal judging other women, most of the girls I talk to about make-up say they don't feel comfortable putting it on or don't feel like they do it right - even the ones who are frequent wearers. I never really felt comfortable putting on make-up, it always felt like too much no matter how little I put on. I really want to look professional so I paid a make-up artist to give me some tips for when I start rotations next year on how to do eye make up quickly and look professional. My roommate told a bunch of people I did that and I had a LOT of girls in my class emailing for the make-up artists number, so at least among the women I know - not knowing what they're doing isn't uncommon.

And when I say basic make up I mean foundation, concealer, and usually at least something on the eyes (but not full blown 2-3 tone eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara - just a little browns usually some tacky brighter colors sometimes). It dwindles a little near big tests, but otherwise its actually incredible how many women bother. But then I'm in California, Orange county no less - so I doubt my school is representative of all med schools.

 

[crystalgreen]

In terms of makeup: the bare essentials brand makeup is definitely worth it. Didn't make my skin breakout (and most other stuff did), easy and fast to put on, lasts a long time, doesn't look "like makeup", and breathes. 3 minutes total: the best undereye concealer EVER, a sweep of foundation, and a swipe of mascara.

Get some hair sticks or bear-claw clips for your hair. Cheap and hold like crazy. Throw a ponytail holder in your pocket just in case.

And I'm married, so I certainly don't have to look good for anyone other than me on rotations. I just hate looking like I'm deathly ill (or worse, OLD).

There's no reason you can't look decent. You don't have to look like you're going out for a night on the town, but you don't have to look haggard either. On the other hand, if makeup just isn't your thing, then don't bother with it. You certainly don't have to please anyone other than yourself.

i love mineral makeup! so easy and looks much more natural than liquid foundation. and ladies, always use sunscreen! i agree that the main reason for taking care of your appearance should be to look good for yourself and might i add secondarily for everyone else. so it's ok to look good for others as long as it's not the main reason.

 

[Slow]

[lalala

 

[alwaysaangel]

Not to single you out, just using the above as an example of a common sentiment. Actually, my rant has more to do with dress than makeup anyway.

I increasingly take issue with the "all casual all the time, take me as I come" attitude of guys AND gals. I think it's our responsibility to present ourselves as dignified and mature in public, whether you're a med student or a trash man. I'm reminded of an awesome scene in "The House of Sand and Fog" where the Iranian father puts on his suit to go to work, gets to work and changes into coveralls to dig ditches, and showers and changes back to his suit to go home. This is coming from a guy that cut his own hair and wore shorts, flip flops, and crappy t-shirts for most of undergrad. That may have been almost OK then, but we're grown up now. Time to take pride in ourselves and try to set a good example in manners and professional appearance.

(end off-topic rant).

Well see thats just a difference of definition. I don't think make-up is included AT ALL in the definition of looking nice. I'm sorry, but when you're in your 20s no make-up just DOES NOT = looking unprofessional/scrubby. Maybe when we're 50 and have wrinkles and age spots, or maybe for someone with some pretty bad acne scars. But for the most part, I am too young to need to wear make-up everyday, I have the rest of my life to be like my mom and refuse to leave the house without it. No thank you. So again, I don't give a rats ass about wearing make-up to look made-up. That doesn't mean I don't do my hair/wear nice clothes. And I think thats true for a lot of women.

As far as the "common sentiment" women aren't there to be eye candy in med school. And this is coming from a rampant anti-feminist. If a woman wants to look nice and catch her a med school boyfriend then by all means. But otherwise, as long as they look relatively together, they are fine in my opinion. Med school is hard enough, if spending 1-2 hrs every morning looking pretty isn't something a woman enjoys then she should spend her time doing something else not more of something that she considers work just because some people think you can't leave the house without looking ready to go clubbing.

But I agree with you about the general concept of looking nice. I felt that in college looking decent was an issue as people rolled out of bed and went to school in pajamas. But except maybe on a test day, I've never seen that in med school. For the most part hair is brushed and done, clothes aren't sweats or PJs and everyone both men and women look decent. So since in my opinion its not an issue from what I see, I'm guessing we have different definitions of looking nice for clothes too.

In the end its fine if you think that people who dont meet your standard of looking nice are lazy. They probably are, or they have different priorities than you and don't feel the need to spend an hour getting ready every morning. Either way, I can bet they don't really care what you think.

 

[psipsina]

I love love love makeup but don't feel the need to wear it everyday. If its test week or whatever I don't bother. I do take really really good care of my skin so maybe thats why I can feel confident going out without makeup on. I'd rather spend my time in my night/morning skincare routine making sure my skin is healthy rather than covering up. One can be well groomed without mascara and foundation. For me when time is tight eating right, working out, skincare regimen, sex life and sleep will all be prioritized above makeup.

 

[Slow]

lalala

 

[alwaysaangel]

My God, what have you done? You took that completely out of context and pasted it somewhere else so you could start an argument. The "common sentiment" is that one doesn't need to dress up unless one wants to be eye candy; that one doesn't care what he/she looks like in public. Sheesh.

I didn't start an argument. I hardly used that quote in the discussion at all and I didn't think I was inflammatory. I simply used what you said to say that if a women doesn't enjoy getting all dolled up then she should spend her time on things she finds more important. As long as she looks clean and kempt, she doesn't need to look good on the level of what her classmates think she needs to (ie. eyecandy)

Good grief, talk about being taken out of context and trying to start an argument. Thats twice I thought I was just continuing in on the discussion and someone flipped out as if I were trolling. Either I'm tired and coming across really strongly or there are some very sensitive people around this board these days.

Watch what you're quoting and bolding if you don't want people to "take it out of context" because thats exactly what you sounded like you were saying and THEN you starting talking about people not caring what they looked like in public. But that wasn't even an issue in my discussion so I'm not really clear why you bothered to freak out about it.

 

[87138]

Makeup and ponies and stickers and myspace.com!

 

[DOCTORSAIB]

Downright obnoxious.

Why b/c I have higher standards? Or a difference of opinion?

This thread is a prime example of the 2 schools of thought -- the comfort crowd (i.e. I need to be comfortable all the time b/c I'm a big baby and I need to be able to sleep at anytime during the day in my clothes) vs the I actually care about how I look.

IMO, one of the worst philosophies that plaques american fashion design is the concept of COMFORT. And in some ways, I'm not surprised. Why? B/c Americans are F-A-T. Obesity is a known epidemic. And to an extent fashion needs to cater to the masses in order to sell. So unfortunately, comfort sells. Ever notice how American designers make their clothes too big? And how European designers make their clothes "fitted?"

Call me old school, but part of being a man is showering everyday, shaving, combing your hair, smelling good and of course being a gentleman. BASIC stuff. You'd be surprised how many men can't even meet this basic standard nowadays.

Similarly, if a woman wears a touch of make-up everyday, she's not necessarily catering to the other men in her class. Maybe she just wants to look presentable. Maybe she doesn't want to look like she just rolled out of bed and into her work outfit. Maybe she expects more from herself. And maybe you should too. 🙂

 

[HPSPpayissues]

A bit of make-up is okay, but not too much. However, it is totally fine not to wear any bra and/or panties and show it 😉

 

[Doctor Bagel]

I think it's a tad of a stretch to link the obesity epidemic with Americans being sloppy dressers.

As for makeup, I think you guys are not going to school in the south/midwest. In my neck of the woods, most of the female doctors and medical students wear makeup. I don't and am kind of a rarity. I live in a very conservative place (like the most red of red states) where appearance is very important for women -- we're very proud of our history of producing lots of Miss Americas. 🙄 So yeah, my female classmates are on the whole very attractive and put a lot of effort into their appearance.

My reasons for not wearing it are that it's expensive, and I like to sleep as much as I can. The skill thing mentioned above is true, too. I've never gotten into the habit of wearing makeup daily, so I'm always a little uncertain about how to go about it.