Feb 21 2008
Please…Do This At Home
It’s been a long time since I’ve had to ride public transportation during commuter hours.
It’s been a long time since I’ve had an actual Monday to Friday 9-to-5 type of job!
I’m still getting used to the routine.
I’d forgotten some of the “highlights” of public transportation:
- The pushing and shoving at the doors.
- The rush to board without letting people get off the bus or train.
- The backpacks that remain on peoples’ backs when it’s standing room only.
The thing that gets me is when I see women putting on their makeup on the bus.
What’s up with that?
I am not talking about touching up some lipstick. I’m talking about the big production effort: the foundation, the blush, the eye shadow. I’ve seen women with cosmetic kits on their lap. Sheesh.
I really don’t want to see a woman putting on their mascara on the train. I feel as if voyeurism is being forced on me.
I dunno. I guess it’s a more efficient use of time - it’s not like you can do anything on the train but sit there. But still, can’t they do this at home?
On the bright side, putting on makeup on the train doesn’t have much potential for harm. I’ve seen women drivers put on makeup while stopped in traffic.
I feel that putting on makeup is something you do in the bathroom or in private.
Maybe I’m being persnickety. What do you think?
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I completely agree. Not only should it be done in private, but bathrooms and vanities at home provide better lighting and mirror space.
As I get older, the makeup routine is such a horrifying experience I dare say I wouldn’t force that upon anyone…
Actually I don’t mind people doing their make-up on the train. It sometimes fun to watch on the train. What irks me is people –mostly Asians — cutting their nails on the subway and seeing it all over the floor. ” click- click- click - click ” AHHHHHHHHH.
Anyway, reminds me of Mr Bean episode with him trying to dress and shave while trying a car. (Not sure how if embed works in the comments). Enjoy…
I think it is harder on the bus considering if it makes turns and what not. I’ve seen a woman go from plain-Jane to some-sort-of-vision-of-beauty in seven train stops flat. I don’t get how people do all this grooming on the train. Between this woman caking her face and checking it in the tiny mirror to another clipping her nails it’s a bit much for me.
I say do it at home. But hey, it was great to see the transformation on how she went from a yellow to a beige color. I just didn’t understand why she bothered considering her neck still had the natural coloring. Why put on all that make up if you can tell you have all that makeup on?
I’m a dude, I know, but I don’t get the make up. I like a natural woman. If I rub against you I don’t want to be left with your face on my shirt, pants or whatever else.
I don’t usually put makeup on in public—I bring my lipstick to the bathroom. But if other women want to put their whole face on in public, I don’t mind. It’s kind of interesting to watch.
Yeah I’m gonna have to say that’s slightly strange to see it on public transportation. I’m really not a huge fan of seeing people driving and doing other things! I see that more often (since I drive rather than take public transportation).
If only the upcoming law (in California) preventing drivers from talking on their cell phones (without a hands-free device) included things like makeup, reading, shaving, and so on. I guess that’d be more difficult to police, but it’s probably a good idea!
Sue: You’re right about the better lighting and more space! Personally, I don’t want to lug all that stuff around. Not that it’s much stuff in my case…sunscreen is my “base” and eye shadow when I’m “dressed up.”
Beth: For some reason I thought you might be low maintenance with respect to the makeup routine! Personally, it’s the hair that it taking me a while. I’ve been growing it out (amazing how much more male attention I get with 2 extra inches of hair…) and the blowdrying…yeesh. I’m glad that’s all I do and it’s not some product-appliance intensive process!
Sewell: Eeewww on the nail-clipping … on the train! I think I wrote about nail clipping in the office. Ick on public nail clipping.
UT: I like your description about “vision-of-beauty”! I’ve seen before and after makeup photos and dang, some woman look amazing in the after!
I’d forgotten about how reality stops at the neck! I remember seeing the difference it color between the neck and the face and thinking…what’s the point? I rarely wear foundation or “base” and when I do it’s more psychological than anything! I just use a few “dots” and then blend it like mad and really, it’s all done to make me feel extra dressed up.
I’m with you on not wanting to leave makeup on clothing. All the men I’ve dated liked natural women but appreciated a bit of makeup on occasion. I don’t wear it all the time. Well..now that I’m working I do put on some eye shadow BEFORE I LEAVE THE HOUSe. I gave up on lipstick about 20 years ago. What a hassle and I don’t think it suits me. Vaseline-in-a-tube suits me.
I never wanted to wear much makeup because it’s not only a hassle, I’ve always wondered what a guy would think if he always saw me made up and then…not! It would be like, “Who is this woman?”
Christine: You even put on lipstick in the bathroom? Lipstick doesn’t bother me - I guess because it’s so quick and unlike the other makeup, it does wear off quicker. Which is why I don’t wear lipstick…
Derek: I like your suggestions about what not to do while driving! I think most states are requiring a headset to be used when driving. I don’t like to drive and talk on the phone even with a headset. I walk a lot and I’ve seen a lot of people making turns while holding a cell phone.
HI Ms.Q!!!!! I’ve had no internet or phone at home so I’m way behind!!!!!!! I don’t really wear much makeup, but what little I do, I always put on in the car! If I rode the train, I imagine I’d put it on in the train. I just use eyeliner and lip gloss, that’s it. But I always try & have time in the morning & I always never do! So I end up putting it on in at a traffic light or in the bathroom at work. Luckily it takes me all of seven seconds…
Derek - I never tried shaving while driving. Now THAT would be a timesaver! KIDDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Actually, the little shave-y hairs would sort of defeat the purpose of having given my car such a thorough cleaning…
Jill!!! What happened to your Internet and phone access? I haven’t read the latest news on your site - sorry! I didn’t even think you used eyeliner, thought you were au naturel! I vaguely recall that you sometimes use “base” but most times don’t bother.
Eyeliner in 7 seconds? Dang. I put on some eyeshadow and that’s it. But prior to that it’s all sorts of moisturizers and sunscreen after I shower. I’m lucky I don’t have to deal with shaving. Aaah, the joys of being Asian! Those commercials of women shaving their legs used to puzzle me until I saw women with hairy legs. I had no idea.
I bought some base…I did try it a time or two I guess…I have a sunscreen for the face with a little tiny bit of color that I try & remember to use if I’m really dressing up fancy.
I just barely posted on not having any internet…since it’s sort of hard to post from work with 16 or so three, four, and five year olds requiring all kinds of attention, I can’t usually do much from work. I didn’t know Asian women didn’t have to shave! That is so lucky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!