A girl who is joining the workforce posted online and asked if make-up is mandatory at a workspace.

Here is what she said:

Is it common to wear makeup when in the workforce? I’m joining the workforce soon, it’s an office job. All the while through school I’ve never worn makeup before.

My mother always tells me only those loose women wear makeup to attract guys, and forbid me to wear makeup. So I don’t really know anything about makeup at all, I’ve watched some youtube videos but it seems very overwhelming to me. Will I be judged for not wearing makeup and is it more polite to wear makeup?

I’m very lost and anxious.

Here are what netizens told her:

• What kind of office jobs? Do you need to face clients? I have colleagues coming to office without makeup too! Anyway now need to wear mask you put lipstick also no use.

• Makeup is showing respect to yourself & others ( by being presentable ).Dun have to be very heavy full makeup. Just loose powder with lipgloss will be sufficient. Looking good will leave a better impression for others on u too.Good luck to your new job.

• To look presentable loh, just like guys comb their hair and shave.

• its up to your own preference.I hated makeup when I go to work. Plus now you need to wear mask,who gives a shit if you have make up beneath. As long as you have self confidence. There’s no need for makeup. That being said, some companies have a dress code which includes make up. If there isn’t then don’t bother. Some make up contains lots of junk ingredients like lead in lipsticks. Reduce such exposures is better. Some say its a form of respect to others, but I would say,learn to respect yourself,love yourself, before you think about that. Such sayings are commercial talks to make women buy makeup.After all,which company doesn’t want to cash in on women’s insecurities?

• my mother also told me hold hands will get pregnant. i think i fathered quite few already.

• Dolling yourself up can also be for yourself, your own mental well being. Your mother’s opinion was for a young girl/teenager in hopes to reduce your chance of having bgr problems, no longer applicable to a young working female adult. Personally I feel better if I put a bit of make up when I go out. Which girl wouldn’t want to look nice?Now everyone wear mask, already cover half the face. First day of work just put a bit at the area that the mask didn’t cover and access if the other ladies at the office put any. See if you want to blend in or you want to do what you want. Personally I find women who make an effort to look presentable will make a good impression at work. No need wayang make up. A little blush if you usually look pale. Make sure no chapped lips in case you have lunch with colleagues. Nice defined brows etc.