homestead women and makeup

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Just wondering what homestead women think of using makeup, fingernail polish, etc. Do you wear less than city women or none at all? If you do use it, do you make your own natural cosmetics? Men do you prefer women to wear makeup or do you like a more natural look?

-- Cindy(IN) (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), April 25, 2000

Answers

I don't wear make-up very often and when I do, don't use much -- partly because I'm allergic to some brands, and partly because it's just a bother that I don't have time for. Also, I don't like using base, powder, etc. because I honestly think they make you look older. That may be fine when you are eighteen (though it's a shame to see young girls covering up their skin with paint) but at 43 it's not so good!! There was a woman who used to come to our church who wore heavy make-up all the time (we found out later to cover up bruises, but that's another story). One day I met her in the grocery store without all the goo, and she looked ten years younger.

-- Kathleen Sanderson (stonycft@worldpath.net), April 25, 2000.

This is a funny question! I wear make-up for occassions when a man would make sure he had a nice shave, or when I where heels, or when I need to look professional. Last night before I could go to bed, however, I had to wash the dirt off of my feet and take the ball- point pen out that was holding my hair up!

I don't wear nail polish, and I keep my nails trimmed.

-- Rachel (rldk@hotmail.com), April 25, 2000.


Mostly I don't wear makeup because I don't take time and don't really care. I do know how to apply it professionally ( in one of my past lives, I actually had employment that required it) and as one of my friends at church says, "my, you clean up nice!" when I do wear it.

I think done well, it can really enhance one's appearance, and done poorly, it just makes me want to wince. But it's not necessary, can be expensive, and is a bother to apply and moreso to take off. as to nailpolish, I would probably have to grow nails first, which in all likelihood ain't gonna happen around this farm!!

p.s. I don't make my own and buy non animal tested products. My husband likes it when I wear makeup, so when we go out (ha!) I will wear it, sometimes.

-- sheepish (rborgo@gte.net), April 25, 2000.


Hi Cindy, I wear make-up. I like to look pretty and when I am at home I am too exhausted to dress nice much less make-up. I would look funny out in the garden with a full face of make-up. But when I go to town or a play group I have a thing about looking like I just rolled in from the field. I try to dress nice and wear my hair nice with alittle make-up. It makes me feel special and it is an occasion out of the norm. SO much for farm life. My point is that just because I am back in the woods doesn't mean I have to look like it all the time. Karole

-- Karole Schoepf (Biz3boymom@aol.com), April 25, 2000.

I had surgery this past fall and my priest came to see me the second day. He came in the room, smiled and nodded to me and walked right arond the curtain to the other bed! And I go to church almost every day, he eats many meals at our house and I serve at most funerals. So it goes to show how much different a little warpaint can make.

-- Susie*Ks (goodartfarm@msn.com), April 25, 2000.


Maybe twice a year I will break out the warpaint. I just don't invest that much time or money in worrying about it. My big luxury is bath goodies.

-- Connie (connie@lunehaven.com), April 25, 2000.

I have admired and adored the female body and face from a very early age. I think that I became aware of the beauty of women as a result of my interest in photograpy, about the time my brother was, and at the time he was receiving photography magazines that always gave lessons for posing, proper lighting, etc. While I do believe that make-up can be used to embellish a woman when done tastefully, I prefer a more natural look. I saw a talk show on television quite a number of years ago, and it told that most men do prefer that less make-up be worn by women. So ladies, you are often just wearing it to feel good about yourselves, not for the man/men in your life. What I don't care for is heavy make-up lines around the neck area that really show that make-up is being worn. Make-up in my opinion, should appear that none has even been applied, with the exception of enhancment of eyes and lips. And please, when you appear natural 75% of the time, don't go with some vivid lipstick. It's just not natural and is just too drastic of a change. Same with eye shadow, etc., subtle is the key. Now Rachael, when I shave each time, it is always to present myself in the best light, i.e. each shave is scrutnized and done so that if I had a date in 10 minutes I'd be ready. Even when I wear a beard, I still do a proper shaving job on my neck and on my cheeks. Ah! ladies, I do love you all whether you have make-up on or not. Appearance is one thing, but true beauty is in the heart and mind.

-- greenbeanman (greenbeanman@ourtownusa.net), April 25, 2000.

I don't ever wear makeup. To me, it is false, wanting to be some way that I'm not,and would seem like my own face wasn't good enough.Why is it that women,but not men,have to shave their legs,artificially curl and color their hair,diet and exercise to look like the unattainable Barbie doll physique,torture their feet with high heels, file and paint their fingernails, get plastic surgery to augment or reduce portions of their bodies, etc? To me it evidences an extreme insecurity about what we were born with, that who we really are isn't enough, and that exterior appearance is extremely important, as opposed to a person's soul and personality. I have also noticed that the women who routinely wear makeup cannot bear to look at themselves in a mirror without the makeup on and feel so ugly without it that they don't want anyone else to see them without it,either. To me,that is very sad. I do try to be clean when I go out,and to have my hair brushed,and to dress better than I do on the farm, but do not and will not wear makeup. Sometimes I wear some fragrance, I have some that are based on essential oils and smell nice,not oversexed,like most coomercial perfumes smell to me! I don't know, to me, wearing makeup is reinforcing the idea that we as women are sex objects, and that our main value is physical beauty. It seems really sad to see 70 or 80 year old women wearing lipstick and all made up. I don't know about anyone else here, but I don't want to be valued mainly as a sex object or a walking barbie doll. If who I really am isn't good enough for other people, I don't need them in my life. I don't see men toruring themselves and agonizing over their physical appearance.If someone expects that kind of behavior out of me they can go look elsewhere!

-- Rebekah (daniel1@transport.com), April 25, 2000.

Rebekah, I sure agree with you, I also think women believe all the advertisers(they want your money) and movies. It seems to me, as long as a woman is tied to the "have to" of makeup etc. she's not truly "liberated"

-- Cindy(IN) (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), April 25, 2000.

Along the same lines, for those of you with gray hair - are you leaving it natural or coloring it? I went through a "fit" last summer where I felt my hair was too blah and colored it. After too much "red" tint, expense and damage to my hair, I have resolved not to give in to my vanity again! As far as makeup goes, I do like a tinted moisturizer and lip-tone lip balm daily. A little more, but still natural for church or other social times. I strive for clean nails, no polish. Clean and neat is my philosophy. Sheepish, I laughed over your friend's comment about you cleaning up nice!!

-- Jean (schiszik@tbcnet.com), April 25, 2000.


With apologies to Greenbeanman, and thanks for all his wise words, I have to say that it has been my experience that men SAY they like the natural look but it's the girls with makeup you could scrape off with a knife that they drool over.

Personally I like Oil of Olay with sunscreen as a moisturizer. I burn easily and don't like the heavy oil of most sunscreen. I also came to the conclusion that shaving our legs was just a stupid idea generated by the same idiot who invented nylon stockings. When the men start to wear them MAYBE I'll consider wearing them again too.

-- Peg (NW WI) (wildwoodfarms@hushmail.com), April 25, 2000.


I wear no make-up. I think if you want to wear it go for it! If you don't, don't! I'll never forget the story my sister in law told me. She is tall (I'm shy of 5'!), beautiful, well dressed and always wears make up. One day my 5 year old daughter spend the night at their flat. Carol put on make up the next day and my little girl said "my mommy doesn't need to wear makeup". I did have a good laugh. I love my sister-in-law, we're just different. No need to judge folks by their beauty habits!!! Kim

p.s. Cindy you asked about men, let me answer for my husband, he hates make-up. In fact perfume really bugs him. He hates to go places where everyone smells of perfume.

-- kim (fleece@eritter.net), April 25, 2000.


While for some women, it may be a sign of insecurity to wear makeup, I have to voice that for others it's a matter of just another thing...Like what color of blouse to put on or not. No big deal. I don't care what other people think of me or not, certainly with respect to makeup. I think it's pretty judgemental to say that women who wear makeup are somehow flawed, or that the fact that because someone doesn't makes them somehow better. Sometimes I think people demonstrate their own insecurities by caring too much about what everyone else is doing and then ragging about it. No offense intended, just my $.02 again. I think the women on this forum are pretty level headed.

-- sheepish (rborgo@gte.net), April 25, 2000.

cindy, I like a clean look and smell. I rarely wear makeup, maybe sometimes to church I might put on a little foundation and very light eye shadow and a pale lipstick but that's the most it ever gets and don't do that real often. I never wear nail polish. I strive for a natural look although I do color my hair some! My one vice but then my husband is younger than me and I don't want to look too old!!!!! I don't see anything wrong with make up as long as it is natural looking.

-- barbara (barbaraj@mis.net), April 25, 2000.

I have been wearing make-up since I was 14 yrs. old... I am now in my 40's. I don't wear it as much as I did then. I have a full time professional career that calls for me to dress. I wear my war paint when I am at work... but at home on the farm... hey... I go natural... nothing. I hate wearing make up as I get older and use a lot less than I once did. I primarily use eye makeup now and a little lipstick. But the funny thing is I forget to reapply it after I eat, etc. Besides the goats don't care what I look like!

-- Bernice (geminigoats@yahoo.com), April 25, 2000.


Greenbeanman - come over here and we will circle the wagons! (How do you circle 2 wagons?) You gals are tough! (Sorry! is "gals" politically incorrect?) If so "Tough, ah, er, bananas!, Yeah, bananas!" Anyway, I notice with amazement and alarm that the more or less regular respondents to this site, responding to this question, are overwhelmingly from the distaff side. Now why is this? Ladies are more outgoing? I don't think so! Less inhibited? Nah! How about less inhibited if somewhat shielded by the anoniminity of the internet? BINGO! Now, many of you ladies know me from previous posts. Many do not. And here is my opinion, which you may believe or put in the the same trash bin where you have filed everything the present administration (lower case intended) has uttered: I believe a man is attracted to a woman by what some have called a "natural beauty". This is, again in my opinion, a combination of physical attractiveness, intelligence, compatibility (if I like animals and you like wealth - it ain't gonna work!), and committment. There's more, but I tend to be too verbose under the best circumstances. Do I like to see a beautiful woman "gussied up" with some make-up from time to time? You betchum, Red Ryder! (You young honeys - talk to Mom!) But seldom. Hey, you other guys out there! Jump in! Greenbeanman and I are feeling isolated here! To one and all - GL!

-- Brad (homefixer@mix-net.net), April 25, 2000.

I like make-up on women if it looks natural - like Greenbeanman said. I hate heavy make-up because they look like fluzzies (prostitutes).

To the origination of nylon hose: they were invented by men as revenge for neck ties. Touche'

-- Vaughn (vdcjm5@juno.com), April 25, 2000.


Reinforcements from the guy side: Personally I don't much care for makeup. From what I've seen many women don't know how to use it tastefully and those that put it on with a trowell just look pathetic to me. I like the inner beauty comments by Brad and greenbeanman. Much preferable to warpaint. Less is definitely more in this case. I'm very not into appearances and rarely wear even jewelry or a watch myself. Again to quote HD Thoreau "Beware of any enterprise that requires new clothes". That seems to apply to makeup as well.

-- john leake (natlivent@pcpros.net), April 25, 2000.

Men do, too, have their rituals! Ever see a teenage boy getting ready for a date?! Maybe not makeup, but the hair, the clothes, the shave, the cologne...

GBMan -- a guy who actually looks in the mirror when he shaves! That's nice. And speaking of shaving, someone said something about men not shaving their legs. Well, yes, but what they lack in square footage they make up for in frequency.

I haven't colored my hair for a year, but I think I'm about to! Not to cover the gray, but just for the hell of it. Not because I am not liberated, or trying to impress anyone (nyone...nyone...one..this is an echo) Who's going to see me out here!?! But, like Sheepish said, sometimes I choose a green shirt, and sometimes I choose something else.

And, since we are on homestead grooming, MEN, tell us women that you have a brush to scrub under YOUR nails!

-- Rachel (rldk@hotmail.com), April 25, 2000.


While I do look in the mirror while shaving, it is through bifocals, so I go mainly by feel. I tend to call shaving my self-sacrifice to the gods. Now about nail brushes. Sure I've got one, it called a toothbrush. Just had to kid you about that, no, really, I've bought an extra brush like I use on vegetables that is used just for my hands. What works as well for me, is to apply hand lotion after washing my hands and bathing, then actually scraping off a bit of fingernail from the underside to get rid of the staining. I have to laugh, I went through auto mechanics school years ago but never went into the trade because I discovered that I liked my Chicago Tribune office job better, because I didn't get so dirty. This from a guy that grew up on a farm eating dirt from the tires of a tractor. LOL. When I was drafted by my Uncle Sam, had completed basic training and was awaiting assignment, it eventually came and I was to be in the MPs. Since I already had mechanics training I just knew that had to stand for the motor pools, not the military police. Boy was I ever wrong. Now why would US use someone for what they had been trained for when that could be retrained to do something else. Yep, I got off of the subject now didn't I? Anyway, how we feel about ourselves, and how we look and dress is very much an individual thing that we must each determine for ourselves. At the same time, if there is a mate involved, a person should keep in mind their feelings too on how we look. After all, we wouldn't our mate to suddenly be ashamed of how we look due to a drastic change. On the other extreme, I know a lady that won't come out of her bedroom in the morning until she is bathed, full make-up on, and hair fixed. Doubt her kids even know what she really looks like. Sad but true.

-- greenbeanman (greenbeanman@ourtownusa.net), April 25, 2000.

My girls (goats) don't care how I look either. I do wear nails, yes the fake kind at the salon, yes in loud colors, I take them off just before the first doe is due and have them put back on (last week) when the last doe kids. It makes me feel female, and farming is tough on the nails. I also don't wear makeup, though I will put on mascara. I love perfume, and silky under things! I also wear Oil of Olay with a sunblock and a visor, I will be dieing the hair, and I wear it very short. When we started our Homestead, we didn't have electricity for a year, I went from hair to my waist to hair above my collar in one day, husband John, "if I wanted to marry a man I would have married a man"! 14 years later I still have short hair! Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), April 26, 2000.

I do not use makeup either. Nor do I color the nice big grey hairs that are showing up. Really do not see the need to impress people,, they have to accept me as I am. :O)

-- Bergere (autumnhaus@aol.com), April 26, 2000.

My job (RN) precludes the wearing of long fingernails or colored nail polishes. I do polish my toenails bright colors in the summer though, just for the entertainment value. Make-up? Nah - I'm gorgeous enough without it! Have you seen the price of that stuff?! Why, I could buy a dozen hens and feed them for a year for what "basic" war paint costs! Not to mention the time that it would take to put on - I've been known to roll out of bed, into the shower, dress and out the door in 10 minutes. At the age of 41, I have quite a bit of grey hair - I rather like it - makes me look mature - dignified, even. (SNORT!) I do get a perm every year or so, keep my hair cut to just above shoulder length, and my hair-do is shower - gel - comb - go. I have a few suits in my closet, and a few nice pair of britches and sweaters, but for the most part (other than white scrubs for work), it's sweats, jeans or a jumper at home. Most of my social life is either having family over or attending the ball games (daughter is a rah-rah) or other school funtions - for those, jeans and a Shebyville Rams sweatshirt are considered appropriate wear, and I have a few denim or cotton jumpers for other occasions. I do wear shorts in the summer. I shave the legs and pits because I can't stand them if I don't. Kid and Hubby don't walk three feet behind me and pretend that they don't know me when we're out in public, so I guess they're not TOO ashamed of my appearance!!

-- Polly (tigger@moultrie.com), April 26, 2000.

Here's one woman who believes the men. I've been dating (post divorce) for three years, and what I've found is that men most appreciate a genuine smile, decent conversation, and long hair. If a bit of make-up makes a woman feel prettier and more self-confident, then she's more likely to have a genuine smile and make decent conversation.

-- Deborah (ActuaryMom@hotmail.com), April 26, 2000.

Just the 'wanna be' here with a comment on the subject. Just a 'little dab will do ya', and makes ME feel better. No big hair, or pounds of goo. The gray can stay! Who needs to deal with roots (and fried) hair, besides, Mom calls the gray and wrinkles our 'badges of courage!' We EARNED them! I dress in clean jeans and a nice top for my factory job-when you buy your clothes for a dollar or 2 at the thrift shop, you can 'afford' to look nice, even if the stuff will be ruined in no time flat!

-- Kathy (catfish@bestweb.net), April 26, 2000.

Me either. over the years I used less and less. No time, to expensive, and it doesn't impress a husband of 11 years who honestly likes no makeup,perm or haircolor at all so what is the point? I usually put on a little about once or twice a year for something special (christmas party). Which is about how often I shave my legs. My husband gave up complaining about that but he pulls the hair in my armpits if I let that get long enough. I told him I'd go back to shaving as soon HIS legs were done! 150 years ago this wouldn't have even been asked.

-- Novina West (lamb@stellarnet.com), April 27, 2000.

Re: the leg shaving, etc. my husband told me years ago that he didn't mind if I didn't shave my legs, but please shave the armpits! I think that may be important too if you want to smell nice -- I may have to start shaving my daughter's armpits and see if that reduces the body odor. I will smell her as I'm drying her off after a bath -- and I just washed her!!! Anybody have any ideas on this problem? (It takes a lot of deodorant.)

-- Kathleen Sanderson (stonycft@worldpath.net), April 27, 2000.

Kathleen, I mean this totally benignly, but if your daughter has hairy armpits, shouldn't she be old enough to bathe herself? Maybe she has special needs, but I think grooming tips would be good advice and some deodorant soap (like Dial, which is anti-bacterial). Maybe a bathe sponge (those guaze balls???)

My nine year old boy has his own "Teen Spirit" deodorant which smells like a pina colada. He doesn't need that so much as a bath every two days, but he has it.

-- Rachel (rldk@hotmail.com), April 27, 2000.


Juniper is twenty, but mentally only on the level of a three or four- year-old (and you know how good a job a child of that age does of bathing themselves!!). She wouldn't understand grooming tips -- I'm still trying to get her to brush her own teeth and hair, and she won't TOUCH shampoo. She doesn't care what kind of deodorant, it just takes a lot! And I haven't been shaving her because I really didn't want to have to start that -- I have shaved her legs a couple of times so she could wear real nylons for a wedding or something (usually we both wear black tights with our dresses). She does dress herself, though, as long as we aren't wearing dresses that day. And feed herself, and can talk some, though not always sensibly. She also has vitligo (patches of skin with no pigment), and sometimes for church I'll use a little base to smooth the edges of the white patches so they don't stand out so much -- she doesn't really like that, but puts up with it -- she doesn't care at all about the appearance of the vitiligo, like a normal girl her age would. But she was pleased with the attention when her next older sister made her up one day!

-- Kathleen Sanderson (stonycft@worldpath.net), April 27, 2000.

For years I worked for a hair coloring company--traveled & did platform work(which means I stood up on a stage & taught others how to use products). I colored my hair a different color sometimes a couple a times a week, as you couldn't sell color if you didn't use it & show the different trends. I made really good money--thought I had the world by the tail--as this farm raised girl was modeling & doing shows, with well know experts in this field. I owned beauty salons--latier owned an image company--which I taught professional people (men & women) how to dress, apply make up, etc. I wore make up, did the whole show for almost 25 years. Then I got really sick--& almost died--found it came from useing up my immune system from all the hair color, make up & chemicals. Now, I am allergic to all chemicals!!!! Couldn't color my hair if I wanted to--no make up, perfume or any other chemicals!!! My hubby thought I was a knock out when he met me --but tells me (maybe lieing to me) I look better than I ever did!!!! I found when I ran with all the models--that all the men may have drooled--but it was the natural girls they married & loved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm just glad my man saw past all the chemicals, to that plain farm raised me, & took me home to marry & love! Now we are back in the rural area--& my friends still caught up in my former world wish they were, where I am!

-- Sonda Bruce (sgbruce@birch.net), April 27, 2000.

Sondra,

I worked in fashion for a while. Ironically, that's one reason I am not down on people wearing makeup. I know a couple of people who are still very image conscious (it's their job!) However, they are smart, independent, and more or less self actualized people. There are some real bimbos out there, too, please don't get me wrong! But I figured I couldn't judge people by their looks anymore, either way: whether they are "beautiful"(social definition, not mine) or well, you know, like the rest of us! Makeup or not. Glad you escaped from the chemical nightmare...

-- sheepish (rborgo@gte.net), April 27, 2000.


I wear makeup about twice a year and have to go buy a new mascara each time as they should be changed every six months. Found out a long time ago If your hairs brushed and you are wearing clean cloths[ not what you cleaned the barn out in]the guys will look makeup or not.

-- kathy h (saddlebronc@msn.com), April 28, 2000.

I work mostly from home (small farmette with a few critters), but I have to dress and act professionally (including makeup) when I make contact with my clients. I hate it. I am fortunate that I have a husband who accepts me as I am...occasionally with a saggy face and unshaven legs. One thing I do think is important however, and that is taking care of one's skin (male or female). Healthy skin will look good, no matter what is or isn't over it.

-- Laura Jane Baumgardner (lbaumgardner@wideopen.net), April 28, 2000.

Hey Ladies,

Check out this website.

http://www.ishaah.com/Believe.htm

Beth (NC)

-- Beth (NC) (craig@icu2.net), May 01, 2000.


Cindy~ Did you do this for honest advice, or just to open a can of worms? And no lying - I know you! Good golly, Miss Molly! There are a lot of opinions out there, and I cannot disagree with any. Because opinions are non-negotiable, and disagreement is fruitless. So here's another of mine. As a guy, and believe it or not, one who has been described as an "Alpha-male" ( I didn't say this, a female friend did, but eat your heart out, Algore!), I will offer the following: 1. Physical attractiveness is the FIRST explosive attractant between guys and gals, you and we, men and women. 2. If you accept that, round 2 has to do with the question of similar interests. 3. Having passed that test, there is the question of accepting the other person's insane attraction to really stupid things. Herein lie chickens, opera, goats, country music, exotic mammals, democrats, republicans, guinea hens, sheep, cows, beef animals, hillary, e-coli, broccoli,piggies, and ted kennedy. 4. I have (almost) never met a woman who I considered to be physically unattractive. I have met few that I was very attracted to. But I do appreciate ladies who try to be attractive, by using (on occasion, and tastefully) a little make-up and a nice scent. I don't mind eau-du-goat, but I really like the stuff I got for Maggie! 5. So what is the opinion of you Ladies about the way we guys gussy up? Shaving? (I'm talking face here). New shirt? Deodorant? (WHAT should a man smell like?) Cologne? (I do that on occasion!) I know what the survey says, but what do you foxy ladfies like?) 6. If I've started a whole new controversy, well -YESSS! GL!

-- Brad (homefixer@mix-net.net), May 01, 2000.

#5 Shower and shave, ditch the cologne. My 'GQ' is a roofer. Love those good ole' construction boys! Nothing like coming home to fresh sweat!

-- Kathy (catfish@bestweb.net), May 01, 2000.

Cindy, this is so interesting, I remember going to Red Lobster with another country couple, we ladies had put on listick, all the eye stuff and fingernail polish on fingernails and toenails. We both laughed over the polish since we had done this separately. I used to color my hair, not to cover the gray but I thought my natural color was too dull,now I don't, cause I like my hair better, maybe more gray gave it some character. Aren't the men being so nice and sweet? I like it when the menfolk wear some Good Cologne, sorry but my boys wore so much Brut, It stinks!! I do not wear makeup to work or on the farm, Moisturizers yes, and try to have my hair look nice, even when out doing chores since that is when someone is sure to stop. And a little dab of good perfume always make me feel dessed up. karen

-- Karen Mauk (dairygoatmama@hotmail.com), May 01, 2000.

Cindy, this is so interesting, I remember going to Red Lobster with another country couple, we ladies had put on listick, all the eye stuff and fingernail polish on fingernails and toenails. We both laughed over the polish since we had done this separately. I used to color my hair, not to cover the gray but I thought my natural color was too dull,now I don't, cause I like my hair better, maybe more gray gave it some character. Aren't the men being so nice and sweet? I like it when the menfolk wear some Good Cologne, sorry but my boys wore so much Brut, (It stinks!!) I do not wear makeup to work or on the farm, Moisturizers yes, and try to have my hair look nice, even when out doing chores since that is when someone is sure to stop. And a little dab of good perfume always make me feel dessed up. karen

-- Karen Mauk (dairygoatmama@hotmail.com), May 01, 2000.

Brad, I usually don't notice until they walk away....Seriously, I like all men who have a spark of vitality, a twinkle in their eye, and a sense of humor. Wit, especially dry, is a bonus. In the past (and currently, actually!) it has helped if they were tall, blonde, in shape, and oh yeah, a mustache. Ponytails are nice, but optional....there is a recent one lying on my dresser. I guess blonde is really optional, too, same way my hair color is! I am tall and like long arm bones(research has shown relationship between length of arms to physical attraction). Mostly I think men are most attractive if clean (major exception during chores) and if they genuinely like women as people. You can tell...

-- sheepish (rborgo@gte.net), May 01, 2000.

Hmmm...after contemplating all the answers here...I think the most attractive aspect of either men or women is good health. It enables one to stand up staight, sparkle from within and gives confidence. Cleanliness and neatness is always attractive. And even for those of us who do not have the benefit of excellent health, isn't it quality of character and love of life that shines through and makes the physical fade from view?

-- Jean (IL) (schiszik@tbcnet.com), May 02, 2000.

I like beards,don't like guys that smell like pot or cigarette smoke! To be honest,I like a man's natural scent,if he is the kind that I'm attracted to,he'll smell good no matter how sweaty he is! The colognes are OK, but can't begin to compare to the natural scent. Men who eat a lot of raw garlic, or lots of meat, don't smell good to me. Too much meat makes them smell aggressive, and aggressive men scare me. Men who don't eat a lot of meat (maybe once a week or less) smell very different from the ones that do, very fragrant,kind of sweet and hard to describe. But aside from the physical stuff,a man has to have nice eyes.I don't mean any particular color, but when you look into them, there should be a kind spirit and a good heart in them. If they look cold, or not quite right, it doesn't matter how good he smells or looks. There is something in the bible about the eyes being the window of the soul, and I think that is very true.

-- Rebekah (daniel1@transport.com), May 02, 2000.

Clean, a shave or beard trim, reasonable nails. Cologne is a take it or leave it. No strong deodorants or soaps.

Now, a strong back with a working man's tan doesn't hurt, either.

-- Rachel (rldk@hotmail.com), May 03, 2000.


my vote for guys is deoderant,and just a hint of cologne [makes you want to get closer to smell again], kind eyes[ with just a hint of mischief] and a reasonably well kept body. also vote for a good sense of humor makes life easyer.

-- kathy h (saddlebronc@msn.com), May 04, 2000.

Kathy, I like your standards for men -- but let's add, an appropriate sense of humor. Some guys don't know when to quit, or when they've crossed the line between funny and crass.

-- Kathleen Sanderson (stonycft@worldpath.net), May 04, 2000.

good point kathleen.

-- kathy h (saddlebronc@msn.com), May 04, 2000.

I'd just like to add my comment: I wear make-up on occasion. When I go out or go to church. When I taught (teacher aide actually) in our local elementary shcool I was late one day and decided to put my make-up on at school (it was important to the principal to look professional, even though I was "only an aide".) When I arrived a student who knew me well asked me if I was sick - I guess I looked it without make-up on. I'd prefer never to have to shave again but my legs right now look like I should bushhog them. :) I think it is up to the individual. Men should at least smell clean, whether he uses cologne or not.

-- Karen Smith (southfork7@yahoo.com), May 13, 2000.

I never wear make-up and all the men I've ever gone out with said they hate make-up. They say it's artificial and dishonest. But then that is sort of self-selecting, isn't it? I mean if they found that attractive , they wouldn't be going out with me, would they? So, if you want to be attractive to someone who is attracted to the painted you, slather it on. And if you want a man who appreciates you naturally, be natural. When I was a teenager I used nailpolish a few times, but nowadays I figure if I haven't got anything more interesting to do, to read, to create, to think about, than paint my nails, it's time to commit suicide.

-- snoozy (allen@oz.net), May 14, 2000.

Stumbled across this thread while browsing and thought I'd throw my two cents in the hat. While my past career requires lots of makeup (entertainment), I can't stand to wear the "full face" unless I have to. As soon as I got home, I'd wash it off. We in the biz have a few sayings regarding make-up and the use of it that are telling: my favorite is "Honey, your Spackle is starting to crackle!" Also known as drag rot. (No, I'm not a cross dresser. I am completely female and always have been.) My sister once said of a fellow high school student "If she ever tool off her make-up, her head would be the size of a softball.", so loathing of warpaint seems to be congenital. I do wear a bit of it from time to time on special occasions, and I do my nails at least 4 times a year. As far as shaving goes, I'm lucky to have a husband with a slightly bent mind who actually loves the stuff, so when I'm off the stage, which is most of the time now, it's Sasquatch time, with praise and admiration on the side from hubby dearest. Ahh, this is the life!

-- Soni (thomkilroy@hotmail.com), August 07, 2000.

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