Almost Half of Male Respondents Affirm That a Widely Practiced Beauty Routine Turns Them Off, Reveals Study

Almost Half of Male Respondents Affirm That a Widely Practiced Beauty Routine Turns Them Off, Reveals Study

A Tale of Lipstick and Love, or Why Men Hate My Red Lips

Listen up, ladies. I've got a confession to make: I've dated a chap who considered my fiery red Chanel lipstick a clownish travesty. You're probably thinking, "What's the big deal?" Well, let me tell you, it was a big deal for me. And, as it turns out, I wasn't the only one who's experienced the sting of a man's unsolicited opinion on makeup.

There are few things as frustrating as watching your boyfriend roll his eyes at your carefully applied makeup, or hearing your male mates make disparaging remarks about your lipstick. But the real kicker? Most straight men don't seem to be big fans of a glammed-up dame. Go figure, right?

But fear not, my fellow makeup enthusiasts. It seems that we're not alone in our love for the stuff. In fact, according to a study by St. Ives[2], an astounding 40% of men think women wear too much makeup, with a whopping 45% admitting that all the makeup women wear is what turns them off completely[3][4]. That's right, honey, they don't want to be smothered in bold red lipstick kisses!

And it's not just my beloved red lippy that's driving the fellas away, either. Fake tans clocked in at a close second, followed by thick eyebrows, faux lashes, and, you guessed it, my beloved red lipstick[4]. But hey, don't be too disheartened. While these statistics might make you think we're doomed to be single forever, it's essential to remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

So, what's the deal with all this beauty brouhaha? Well, researchers concluded that women are essentially catering to the nonexistent standards of beauty that men think they prefer[5]. In other words, we're wearing makeup to win over the good ol' boys, even if it means losing a little bit of ourselves in the process.

Is it any wonder why so many women struggle with self-confidence when they're expected to conform to these impossible standards? But let's be real, that expectation isn't exclusive to makeup. The media, society, and sometimes even our partners pressure us to look, act, and be a certain way, leaving us feeling inadequate and unsure of ourselves.

But here's a little secret: men have their own set of insecurities and expectations. In fact, research has shown that 14% of women would refuse to leave the house without makeup, while 17% would call off a date if their makeup routine was disrupted[5]. That means that men are just as likely to be insecure about our appearance as we are.

So, what can we learn from all this? Well, first and foremost, don't change yourself for anyone, especially when it comes to your appearance. I've been there, ditching my red lipstick because some guy thought it made me look like a clown. But let me tell you, that was one of the biggest mistakes I've ever made.

Now, I've learned to embrace my love for bold lip colors, 'cause listen up: self-confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can wear. Whether you're rocking a natural look or a full face of makeup, own it. Because at the end of the day, as much as men might claim to hate our makeup, they can't help but be drawn to a woman who knows her worth and isn't afraid to show it.

References:1. " study: half of men admit that women wearing too much makeup repels them" StyleCaster, 2018, https://www.stylecaster.com/men-dont-like-makeup-survey/2. " St. Ives conducted research" YourTango, 2017, https://www.yourtango.com/2017316834/men-who-turned-off-women-something-totally-surprising3. " According to research, half of men admit that women who wear too much makeup repel them." YourTango, 2017, https://www.yourtango.com/2017316834/men-who-turned-off-women-something-totally-surprising4. " Not far behind makeup in the turn-off department, at 33 percent, were fake tans. Then, my beloved bright red lipstick came in at five percent" YourTango, 2017, https://www.yourtango.com/2017316834/men-who-turned-off-women-something-totally-surprising5. " Researchers said, "Taken together, these results suggest that women are likely wearing cosmetics to appeal to the mistaken preferences of others. These mistaken preferences seem more tied to the perceived expectancies of men, and, to a lesser degree, of women."" YourTango, 2017, https://www.yourtango.com/2017316834/men-who-turned-off-women-something-totally-surprising

1. Despite the research revealing that 40% of men think women wear too much makeup, it's important to remember that beauty is subjective, a fundamental aspect of women's health-and-wellness, and an expression of personal lifestyle.
2. The study further uncovered a surprising fact: men are just as likely to be insecure about women's appearances, with 17% stating they would call off a date if their makeup routine was disrupted, similar to 14% of women who refuse to leave the house without it.
3. Fashion-and-beauty choices, such as my red lipstick, fake tans, thick eyebrows, and faux lashes, can serve as influential signifiers within the complex psychology of interpersonal dynamics between men and women.
4. I've realized the importance of self-love and embracing my personal style, even when faced with negative comments from a man, as self-confidence becomes the ultimate fashion statement, enhancing women's attractiveness and maintaining a strong sense of personal identity.
5. As advocates for women's health and wellness, it is crucial to seek greater understanding of the role of self-love, self-expression through fashion-and-beauty choices, and overall wellness in establishing healthy, loving, and accepting relationships within marriage and beyond.

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