MODERATION IN MAKE=UP

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 November 1939, Page 8

MODERATION IN MAKE=UP

GIVES BRIGHT. ATTRACTIVE EFFECT.

Women who do not trouble to consider the aspect of any other question appear to be vitally touched and to have definite opinions on the subject of make-up. Every year we are told, the “national beauty bill” —as the accumulated amount expended on beauty accessories is sometimes termed —increases on a grand scale.

Women who have adopted the cosmetic habit show no sign of dropping it; many new disciples are gained for those who follow the daily cult of imitating the artificial Venus.

Face creams, rouges, powders, eyebrow pencils and lipsticks used in France alone, if they were taken to an open space and arranged by a builder, would form a City of Exquisite Nonsense. Particularly lipsticks—bridges of lipsticks would rival shades of sunset.

It is claimed that a high percentage of these beauty accessories are bought by women and used by them in offices during working hours. But should girls who are earning their living wear make-up in offices? Let us examine this question. Let us be absolutely frank and fair. Let us avoid “downing” the girl, who troubles to make herself attractive by touching up her face.

Do not let us assume that those who have qualms about office makeup,. and feel that use of it entails loss of self-respect are straight-laced, priggish and ready to be hard on more attractive women.

Why do girls make-up in offices? First, they like to have a slick, smart, up-to-date feeling. Lack of make-up in a world where fashionable women use it is compatible with shabbiness, and shabbiness has a bad psychological effect on work.

Convention spells make-up for women for day-wear, and they do not dare defy convention. Make-up—in moderation, of course —gives a bright attractive effect.

Women who do not make-up are those who get no reaction from life, who are generally dull in their outlook and careless about their appearance.

There are those who say that lipsticks and too much rouge introduce a false atmosphere into an office. They distract the attention of fellowworkers at times when it is necessary for them to be serious. In an age when make-up is becoming popular, it is more distinctive during working hours to retain natural cheeks and lips, and these people also say that women Waste too much time in mak-ing-up. Here, then, are two sides of the question. It must be remembered that extremely intelligent women use make-up. Not all women who scorn it are dowdy, plain and unattractive.