There isn't a tremendous difference, IMO between the 1/2 and 3/4. If I were you, I'd stick to a little colour on the lips, something to highlight the eyes, and I would perhaps define the brows a bit more (perhaps a little defining with a brow pencil?). I am not sure your skin calls for full foundation and all that entails.

And the general perception tends to be that women without any eye makeup look "tired". I am not saying it is right or that it is fair, but I think a little bit of eye definition is crucial in order to look and feel my best, even if that only mean curling lashes and applying mascara. But if a person doesn't have bad skin, there's no reason, IMO, to apply a lotion, SPF, primer, concealer, foundation, powder and blush. That's a lot of stuff! You could probably be fine with just an SPF and a little colour on the cheeks if you feel like you need it.

It is fascinating to hear everyone's ideas!
So here's my 2¢ worth:
I personally never leave the house without at least a little bit of makeup. I would feel naked if I did.
My minimum makeup is light foundation or tinted moisturizer with sunscreen, mascara, tinted lipgloss, and some brow pencil. Normally for work I add some under-eye concealer, nude eyeshadow, a little bit of eyeliner pencil, and a dusting of blush. It takes a few minutes at the most, but makes a huge difference in how put-together I feel.

I think you're very lucky to have such beautiful skin! That simplifies your makeup needs right off the bat, because you don't have a lot of imperfections to camouflage.

Even though you look great with no makeup, I think the article is right; it would add to your professional polish to wear a little bit of makeup, and would look pretty for date nights, too. You look very nice in #3-4, although honestly I can't tell that you have on any eye makeup at all. The Clinique Black Honey lipstick looks perfect on you: just the right amount of definition.

In looking at your pictures, I think the thing that would make the biggest difference would be to get your brows shaped and wear a touch of brow defining pencil or powder. I imagine that you've got lots of threading or waxing salons near you, and it's pretty cheap and quick and SO worth it to have your brows done professionally.

Then I would go to the makeup counter at your local department store and have them show you how to add a little quick and simple brow definition. I use Dior's Diorshow brow styler pencil, and I LOVE it! It's so quick and easy to use. But of course there are tons of other great choices out there.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/di.....er/3055987

As far as mascara, you need to find a smudge-proof or waterproof version that you like. I'm a huge fan of waterproof mascara- it takes a little more effort to remove, but I know it will stay put until I do. (Sonia Kashuk eye makeup remover from Target is fantastic!)

Since you are pressed for time when getting ready for work in the morning a really simple makeup routine would be practical.
You could probably get away with a little tinted moisturizer with SPF, a light coat of mascara, some lipgloss or stain, and a little brow pencil, and be out the door in no time looking polished and put-together.

You already look so great with your fabulous style and wardrobe- I think a little makeup will be the icing on the cake!

You are young & pretty enough to not wear any makeup. If you think makeup will make you feel more confident or appear that way & that is what you are aiming for, then a 2 minute morning routine should be enough.

I think doctors are a special situation. I've never personally been seen by a female doc or nurse practitioner who wore more than lipstick during office hours. My thinking is their schedule/sleep is often interrupted. I'd rather they grab a few more minutes sleep, spend time with their kids or whatever is most impt., and let the rest of us ponder what color our nails should be. I want my doc well rested and focused, knowing their work days are very challenging.

You have beautiful skin and you certainly don't "need" makeup, but after looking at the pictures, I do think that a little bit of makeup does give you that extra bit of polish.

I'm with Angie on this - I don't think you need to go full-on makeup at all. Just a little bit of tinted moisturizer (you probaby don't even need this), some mascara, lipstick or some not-too-shiny gloss or tinted lip balm. I know that eyebrows are a big deal, but I am struggling with that one myself, so I don't have any good ideas or advice on that front (until I work up the nerve to get them 'done' again sometime).

I saw a lot of doctors last summer (Mom had a health issue) and I don't think too much makeup is a good idea - but one of Mom's doctor's looked just *lovely* and very professional with just a tiny bit of eyeliner (eyelids only), light mascara (not thick and clumpy) and lipstick. If she was wearing foundation or tinted moisturizer, I couldn't tell. No blush, no eyeshadow that I could see.

I know it sounds a bit strange, but this bit of extra polish inspired confidence in *me*. I have no idea if it gave the doctor more confidence (maybe it did? who knows?) - but the thing is, she looked more authoritative and somehow more "on the ball" and up on the latest and greatest research etc. because of this. She didn't look harried or rushed, she looked calm, cool and collected, somehow. I will even go so far as to say that this had a small, but noticeable influence - it resulted in me hearing her better, and trusting her judgement just a bit more than I might have otherwise.

It wasn't the "makeup" exactly, I suppose it was grooming and 'presence' somehow.

In any case - I like the lipstick and a little bit of makeup on you - it's you, only more polished.

Very pretty too!!

I saw that article when it was published and shared it with my mum. I think it speaks a lot to how conditioned we are to expect women to wear make-up. The Guardian published a response to that, where the the journalist had her photo taken for the first time--for the newspaper at that--without make-up, as a way of demonstrating the right to be bare. There seems to be a thin line between what looks better and expectations. Interestingly, the study is *not* cross-cultural. Not all societies view make-up as inherently better/polished. Blah. These articles get my feminist goat.

Anyway, you look great without make-up. I'll echo the comments said above: if you feel better wearing it, wear it; but if you're wearing it for others and not for yourself, it's not worth the hassle--you'll just come to resent it.

To add to what Velvetychocolate said about her mom's lightly made-up doctor: to me, the whole idea of face makeup and blush is to make your complexion look nicer while being as undetectable as possible! You shouldn't be able to tell that a woman is wearing blush and foundation, even if she is. Eyeliner, mascara and lipstick are going to be more obvious, but they do add polish and professionalism if they are applied with a light touch and are not theatrical-looking.

Thanks so much everyone! Great food for thought. I always thought, "oh it doesn't matter if I wear makeup, as long as I have a good bedside manner". But now that I have seen the difference that dressing nicely makes (esp in my feeling more confident and looking more professional), and have come a long way in the fashion department, I am ready to start thinking more about makeup. I don't like to look heavily made-up (and DH hates it when I wear makeup unless it's super subtle) so I'm after a polished but subtle look. I love the Clinique Black Honey because it feels like lip balm and looks pretty subtle. But it doesn't last long.

Good point about the brows--I haven't paid any attention to them. I really should get them plucked/groomed.

All these comments about my beautiful skin make me feel like I cheated, haha. My bare face was with SPF foundation on, which I normally do not wear. I forgot to take a pic of my totally bare face. It's fairly even, but I think it can tend to be a little oily in the T zone and I haven't been that good about washing my face (other than in the shower). I am starting to use the Olay exfoliator brush though, and it does seem to make my skin smoother. I'm starting to use some Olay night recovery cream too.

I think now that I am starting to have the fashion piece "down", that I can start to think about level 2, things like accessories, hair and makeup.

Sona, MaryK, Rita etc, I will try wearing makeup more often and report back to you whether I notice any difference in reaction from my patients! I think I'll still get the "you're so young" comment, but hopefully a bit less frequently!

I think having your eyebrows professionally groomed and then defined with powder will make the biggest difference. You might be surprised!

I honestly cannot tell the difference at all between these photos. I once did an experiment with myself where I took a barefaced photo and then one in my regular make up and even in a fairly close-up photo the only real difference was fewer noticeable spots, and subtly well-defined brows and eyes. I have thin eyelashes and even mascara doesn't help much. I put a thick line of waterproof eyeliner (usually liquid or gel) along my top lashline and this has the biggest visual impact.

When I wear specs I wear more eye makeup because I want my eyes to standout through the lenses.

I would like to see you in eyeliner (you should check online for tips for eye makeup techniques for asians - I have very causasian round eyes - pretty much the complete opposite of your eyes, so I'm not sure my tips will help!). I'm just curious if it will make your eyes pop a little more through your frames and also help you have that more mature look?

Good luck, and I'm interested to see what you finally settle on for a makeup routine...

I just wanted to say that I have been following this thread with interest. I did always wear a little makeup when I worked outside the home and had the idea that was the right thing to do.

Now, as a SAHM, I don't wear it as much, but try to make a point of at least wearing lipstick if I go out, as my lips are very colourless. I am a bit of a convert to blush too. And like some have related already, the skin that was pretty good in the 20's isn't do super as I near 40. I also dark eye circles, and can look tired when I am not.

I think your recent style transformation would be complimented with some subtle makeup. I am learning from the advice you have already been given!

I find that I don't typically need to reapply anything other than my lipcolor throughout the day. I also tend to rub my eyes, so I've just developed a habit of swiping my finger underneath my eye to clean up any smeared make up.

I mostly wear tinted lip balms or lip gloss. I keep them stashed everywhere, the car, my purse and I take one in my pocket when I leave the house for the day. Tinted lip balm is great b/c you don't need a mirror to apply it. I just swipe some on throughout the day. It fades pretty fast, so I just swipe it on throughout the day.

GP I have seen your skin in other photos (outdoors, and taken by your DH) - it is fabulous.

Although I myself wear makeup most days, I caution you to think twice before messing with perfection. As Krishni said, makeup takes a lot of time and experimentation, and if it's slightly off it can look less fab than bare skin (your pics look good, but pics can fail to show makeup details). At worst, skin problems you never had can be triggered. And you have to take it off every night...

Do you actually need to look more professional? Would you get more patients/ a promotion? I think you do look professional anyway, and I agree with Amy, do your job well (as you do) and that is where the opinions will come from.

I wear makeup because I have acne and acne hyperpigmentation, and because there are things in my face I like to correct and/or enhance. In my mid twenties I wandered into Mecca Cosmetica, really down that day. The SA asked me if she could help me. I said "Make me look pretty".

And she did. I experienced the power of makeup, and the power of being understood and uplifted by a quiet, wise, compassionate SA - there was almost a sisterhood thing about it.

I also actually enjoy makeup; the textures, the categories, the colours, finishes, the Search for the Holy Grail.

But I do NOT think it's compulsory.

Do it if you enjoy it. Don't do it (or buy into assumptions that everyone "needs" it) if you don't feel inclined that way.

And FWIW I think the argument is a crock. I see plenty of women who don't inspire my respect, wearing makeup; some who provoke my discomfort and compassion because they are having a makeup malfunction (unblended foundation, lipstick on teeth); and finally, some who either appear to wear no makeup or clearly aren't, who look poised, put-together, and powerful.

It's a mistake to think eyeglasses "hide" your eyes. If anything, they provide a frame, a focal point, if you will (heh). If your eyes are tired, etc., glasses often shine a spotlight on that. When I wear a shimmery eyebase and mascara, my eyes POP and I look more rested and polished. I also get my eyebrows professionally groomed. That made a HUGE difference in my overall look. I wear only basic makeup: tinted moisturizer, eyebase, mascara and lipstick. Blush is an optional extra for me. I have rosacea (i.e. built-in blush), so I will often skip it for casual days. Oh, and I always start with a 30 spf moisturizer.

Hope that helps!

I know this is an old thread, but maybe the OP is still checking it.

From your photos, I think your skin looks great. I don't think you need foundation. I don't have an opinion on eye makeup for you. Wear it if you enjoy it. Skip it if you don't. Or, maybe save the eye makeup for days when you feel the need to look more dressed up or polished. If you decide to use mascara, you may need a waterproof version to cut down on smudging.

I really do like the lip color, though. It makes you look refreshed and awake. Not that you look tired without it, but it gives you extra "oomph". If you only use one product, make it that one. Yes, you will probably have to retouch several times during the day. But my POV is that I would be using lip balm if I didn't use lipstick...so why not add color when I moisturize?

As a doctor - you're a doctor, right? - I think the makeup is really really optional, perhaps even ill-advised. Esp. perfumed makeup. I mean, in the bakery, which is gluten-free, we have to eat our lunches in a little area by the front door. It's very very cold there, but we risk contaminating the whole place otherwise. First rule is: DON'T KILL THE CUSTOMER.

If you're intent on climbing the organizational ladder, I think it's a good idea to wear makeup. You don't have to go ladies-who-lunch heavy, but it's war paint to show you're in the game.

If you want a "little color", just the lipstick is fine. A little eyeliner and blush are more than enough.

If you're trying to "look better", you don't need any makeup at all.

Natalie, I think we are twins in this respect. I hardly ever used to wear makeup. It was just such a hassle, and it felt like I barely got out the door in time. Then a few hours later, poof, where did it go.
Fast forward two years, and I always put a little something on. Makeup is my "me time" and I feel like a polished fact matches a polished outfit.
Based on your pictures, I think eyebrows, blush, and lipgloss would be your most important things. Love the glow your face has with a touch of blush in #3/4. I think a lot of people underestimate the power of a gentle pop of color on the face.

BTW - you are gorgeous! Your skin looks so pretty.

Hi guys, thanks for reviving this thread!

Since I posted the original thread, I have been wearing lipstick on most days. I bought a burgundy and a red Maybelline lipstick at the drugstore and pick one to match my outfit. I find that even though I am not wearing any other makeup, it helps make me look more "made-up". I carry it in my purse and replace after eating. It isn't that much harder than wearing lip balm which is what I did before. So at least that is a good shortcut!

I haven't gotten around to finding the time to do anything more than this yet, but I did buy myself a makeup set from Nordstrom (one of those Estee Lauder gift sets) for Christmas, so if I get a little more time I may experiment with doing a little more makeup. I really should take better care of my skin...I only remember to wash my face with Cetaphil and slather on some Oil of Olay night creme at night about half the time. Bad, I know!

Wow, you are a natural beauty and can certainly go au naturel, however, you look so polished with a little lip colour etc in 3 & 4. If you feel comfortable I would urge you to take 3 minutes more in the morning on this aspect of your look. The right lip product can protect as well.

I am also wondering if you might get a consult on your brows. I have come to realize that natural looking but "groomed" brows make a huge difference. Sometimes it is a little brow powder or pencil and sometimes a wee bit of shaping can take you from good to great. I certainly warn against over plucking and would always go to a professional for this service, the best I could find. This is not make up per se. Have fun!

I do think that a little bit of well applied makeup can make us look a little better, fresher, whatever. Even though I think that, I have been continuously minimizing how much I'm wearing lately. First of all you have gorgeous skin, so you can get away without much! I've been working on improving mine, and the better it gets, the better I feel with less makeup on. I'm lucky that its very smooth and I don't get much for pimples or anything, but I have a lot of freckles, and I don't always find they look good. But more and more I find that all the chemicals and stuff I've been putting on my face are really bad for me, so I'm trying to reduce my makeup as much as possible. Lately I've been down to concealer for my dark eye circles (if I could only catch up on sleep maybe I wouldn't need it!), and some mascara. Just that alone takes care of 90% of what makes me look tired and gross. I'd love to go bare face all the time, but I'm not quite there yet.

So I think you look beautiful sans makeup, and I would encourage you too go like that as much as possible!

I think applying a bit of makeup is the same as a man shaving or grooming his facial hair before going to work. It indicates a bit of care and interest in putting the "best face forward".
Heavy makeup is cheesy, but enough to make your eyes a little more defined and your skin look a little more alive makes a woman seem alert and engaged, to me.

You look gorgeous. Keep applying sunscreen to protect yourself as long as possible. Everything else is optional.

This has been a fascinating thread.

I don't know if I notice that much whether or not women have make up on. Ironically, I will notice badly kept nails before I notice make-up , yet I don't take very good care of my nails. Hmmm...note to self. I do notice neatness.

Personally, I don't feel as confident if I don't have on concealer. I feel as if my perpetual dark circles are yelling out and diverting from the task at hand.

Since this has resurfaced again... I just had to say I don't agree with make-up being the same as a man shaving or grooming facial hair. The equivalent of that is plucking your eyebrows or bleaching your 'tache!

And I daresay most of us don't think waxing your legs is the same as applying self-tan/bronzing lotion?

Make-up is... make-up! Whatever sex you apply it to.