Just as men aren't supposed to wear hats at the table, women aren't supposed to "powder their noses" or apply lipstick either. Most of you think that applying makeup in public isn't so cool, but I've consulted Emily Post's (queen of all etiquette) website for the official word on manners. As it turns out, there's no one right answer:
- Why it's a yes — "In general, personal grooming should be done in private for the simple reason that it can be annoying and it’s tacky," Post explains. "Still, think first! When in doubt, don’t do it, such as when you’re at a business meal or with people you don’t know very well."
- Why it's a no — According to Post, "It’s okay to quickly apply lipstick at the table if you’re with close friends or relatives in a non-business situation, and at a non-deluxe restaurant."
- Why it's a maybe — "Put putting on lipstick without using a mirror and without fanfare is one grooming ritual that can sometimes be performed in front of others," Post says.
So, depending on where you are, you're just fine — no need to freak out if you need a little touch-up.
Like Miss Post says- lipstick can be understandable in my opinion at a dinner with close friends or at a non-super posh resto, but what I am totally against is when people pull out a compact and start putting on powder or concealer or w/e on their face. Lipstick comes off when eating and drinking so that makes sense but face powder doesn't and I think it looks trashy to re-apply that at the table. Saw a girl do it on Sat night when we were out to eat, it actually really grossed me out because from our table I could see that her applicator sponge was super dirty! Yuck!!!
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