If guys don’t like makeup, why do girls get more attention with makeup on?

Question

hellionthesagereborn · Accepted Answer

Men do not hate makeup but that doesn't mean they like it either. First and foremost if you use to much, it is unattractive plain and simple. They also don't like the fact that women use it to hide their flaws (using it deceptively). They don't like when women use it because they feel they need to (especially if he is dating her, he doesn't want her to feel like she isn't good enough as is because that's not the case (otherwise he wouldn't date her).

That said, make up can enhance a woman's features and men do like that (this means subtle use of makeup usually), they like when she wears it specifically for him (it means she wants to look good for him which means she really likes him and that is always sexy), they like it because its different (also a reason why he may not like her wearing makeup, because she is ALWAYS wearing makeup, it gets annoying after awhile (it becomes routine and bland)) or if she is wearing it all the time or with other people but not him (meaning, she is more interested in getting some one elses attention that isn't his).

So both are true, what your (and many women) are not understanding is the reason behind it, or the fact that both can be equally true (and yes, some men are just against it in general (we are not a monolith, their are things that are more likely to be preferred by men in general but we are still individuals just like women so we have differences of opinion).

NicknameShirt · Accepted Answer

The answer is simple. Makeup should FLATTER your face, not conceal it. Just like clothes should flatter your body, not hide it. Men DO find women hotter with makeup on in general, but only a moderate amount of makeup. It's not a "men hate all makeup" vs "men love makeup" question. It's a question of manner and degree.
If you wear so much makeup that you can't even be recognized when you take it off, it's way too much. If you do that, you have fooled us, shown how insecure you are about your face and haven't flattered yourself. (If you are insecure about your face you are still loveable, by the way. Everyone is insecure. But don't hide your face :) )
I personally LOVE red lipstick and a bit of mascara or very moderate stuff around the eyes.

I guess you could say that seeing a woman with decently applied makeup, is like for women to see a man with a perfectly fitted suit that he wears confidently. It's not like you will instantly be turned off if you saw him in casual clothes, but that suit just shows off his build and looks so smooth and classy on him. That's how makeup is to us guys. If it flatters her, it looks GOOOOD. If it doesn't flatter her, it's better to not wear it.

itsjustlew · Accepted Answer

Men are attracted to girls with makeup, but they say they aren't because they can't tell the difference. They think all girls who wear makeup wear it like the girl in that picture and don't realize natural makeup exists. Most women without makeup have red coloration some places if they have lighter skin, some extent of acne (even if its very little), or eye bags/slight discoloration around eyes. It's normal due to hormones especially in teens and young adults. My natural makeup consists of very light/water based foundation, concealer, light blush, light highlight, mascara, and clear lipgloss. Most women can spot the makeup since they do it so often, but men cannot besides mascara sometimes. That's why the makeup gets praised by men even though they deny liking it, is because unlike women they can't tell. That's also why some will think their girlfriend is sick when she isn't wearing any makeup.

CubsterShura · Accepted Answer

That's exactly what men don't like about makeup, that many women look so good with it but after it's all off they don't look as good anymore and they feel like it would have been better if they got to see her the way she was to begin with.

They're a famous joke that I'll share with you. A makeup artist did wonderful makeup for the bride, so the groom told the makeup artist that he will give her a small gift for the amazing work she did on the wedding. He sent her a gift a week after the wedding and the packaging was of an iPhone. But when she opened it there was an old Samsung phone in it, with a letter that said 'this is how you made me feel'

Guys don't dislike makeup, they just dislike the deceiving part of it. Most men like it when the makeup is worn in a way that it enhanced the natural features but doesn't alter the face.

Anonymous · Answer

Firstly,
Obviously because they look less unattractive without it.

But the mistake most women seem to make is coming to the conclusion that it means that I like your makeup.

Yes, makeup hides unattractiveness, and yes, at the same time I and most guys don't like that you wear it and I would rather you don't.

What's so hard to understand about that?

Secondly,
Women are putting on makeup when they expect to be seen and when they are putting themselves in situations where they want attention. If you do that then you're likely to get attention regardless of makeup.

Thirdly,
Women have this weird hangup where they can't understand why they get attention when they don't want it. We've seen a million questions like "why do guys to talk to me when I just go to the corner-store in my sweatpants and no makeup?"
It seems as though there is such a situation where they genuinely "ask for it" but can't understand why someone would act in other situations when it wasn't their *intention* to be attractive -- as if you're only attractive when you "try".

But basically, like many guys, I don't like makeup and I'd rather you not wear it and I don't see how that's such a head-scratcher. What's not to get?

Anonymous · Answer

In my personal preference, and this is a little hard, because its not easy to put something that you feel into words. I prefer girls that wear little or no make up, it's not that I think girls that wear makeup are less attractive than girls that don't wear makeup. But I can say that I've always thought that girls that do wear makeup aren't quite being truthful to themselves. Because I know that makeup can literally transform someone if done right. They aren't being truthful to themselves, because a lot of them don't believe that they look beautiful just as they are, they think that they have to visibly change themselves to make themselves more attractive or more desirable, which is usually due to low self-esteem. I know some girls that are very attractive without makeup, and they just wear makeup sometimes because they enjoy it, they say that it makes them feel good, not because they lack confidence in how they look, but just because they enjoy it. I'm personally just attracted to girls that don't wear a lot of makeup, there's not a definitive reason for why, Im just attracted to them more

ShortCircuit · Answer

It's not that men don't like makeup. Men don't like when women wear an uncharacteristic amount of makeup in the initial stages of dating in order to "hook" them, then proceed to let themselves go. That's what we mean when we say "false advertizement".

If you wear the same amount of makeup (or lack thereof) on the first date, as you would on any other day--there's no problem.

Cortaine · Answer

The statement "Men don't like makeup" is flawed. First, it assumes all men like the same in women. Second, even if a man likes women with a 'natural' look, they will still be drawn to women with makeup - because they make an effort that attracts men. Just like a man that works out or waxes his chest - it gets attention because they show that they care about how they look.

This is not saying that either men or women do it JUST for the opposite sex (or same sex, if you swing another way) - but the effect is still there.

This ALSO doesn't say that the woman wearing makeup when hitting on guys at the bar for attention has to keep using makeup when in a relationship, to KEEP attention.

TL;DR: Makeup shows you made an effort to look good. That gets you attention.

Anonymous · Answer

Here's the truth about guys and makeup. They think they don't like makeup, and they definitely don't like the idea of makeup, but in reality most prefer the look of girls who wear light makeup but don't look like they are wearing makeup at all. The natural look.

What guys definitely do NOT like is the fake look that comes with the heavy makeup that seems to have become popular lately, like the girl pictured in your question. That looks terrible. She looks like a plastic mannequin, and that is definitely a turn off.

I think most guys are just kind of tired of fakeness in general.. Fake lashes, unnatural hair color, big fake nails, puffed up lips, fake boobs, tattooed eyebrows. Yuck!

Bananaman177 · Answer

The guys who want to pump and dump like girls with make-up, because it shows you're insecure and down to get fucked and chucked.

Good men who are looking for wives and potential mothers of their children are not impressed by make-up.

You're attracting the worst guys and driving good men away.

Jjpayne · Answer

I'm not one of those guys :) I like makeup and know it's value. I can understand with wanting the natural movement. But makeup is such a benefit that I really am excited for the day when male make up will be available because bring able to conceal your face is pretty awesome

Nadia533 · Answer

Guys say they don't like makeup but most can't even tell we're wearing it unless its a very drastic look. In my experience, when they say they don't like makeup, they really mean that they like natural makeup that covers up blemishes but doesn't stand out to the untrained eye.

Finchie40 · Answer

It’s not that we don’t like make up we just like a girl to look good without the make up on as well lol sometimes it’s a 50/50 chance that she still would look good without make up on lol if she only looks good with make up on then that would be kind
Of a turn off cuz if we sleep with her in bed and then wake up to her when she has no make up on cuz it fell off of her while we were sleeping we might think to ourselves what the hell did I drink last night lol

Hermes-Paris · Answer

Who says we don't like makeup? I like good application. It's the clownish colors, excessive foundation, and the fish slime lip gloss that makes us run like a bad taco night. I mean really ladies. Look at the fish slime lip crap. Do you honestly think there is a guy on this planet or the others that thinks... yeah! I want to get some of that all over me tonight! You would do better to use bacon fat. A lot of guys at least like bacon.

Ashleyrain22 · Answer

When guys say they don’t like makeup, they often mean caked on foundation, crazy eyeshadow and lipstick, and huge eyelashes. Basically, they don’t like when you look fake and plastic. If you wear a bit of makeup or at least make it look decently natural, they often don’t mind or even notice. That’s what the term “no-makeup makeup” is used for.

Anonymous · Answer

Because it's BS. Men may not like makeup like the picture provided, or so they say, but they do like natural looks. Most women that men compliment about being "naturally beautiful without makeup" are actually wearing makeup lol. Foundation, mascara, subtle eyeshadow and lipgloss. They literally can't tell the difference unless it's a very obvious one.

bamesjond0069 · Answer

They get ho attention. All men want to fuck hos. All men do not want to get serious with hos. All women who wear makeup appear to be hos and so all men assume they are hos and would not date them but really want to fuck them. (Now realize when i say all it just means most).

AC3sABlazeit · Answer

Because media, internet, high class standards are all over trying to drive the thought of that standard into our heads so they can get the last of your pocket book. So they make women and men think that they are ugly without it. To me it's ugly with all that dirt on y'all's face. Like the pic, Lipstick sexy, I want it all over me in a few minutes, even down there! lol. It defines your unique lips, and eyeliner enhances your eyes so you can look at me the whole time when your getting that lipstick all on me. Other then that it looks like most women stuck there face in a litter box.

cast277 · Answer

Well if you mean from strangers and lesser known people, sure. It's the peacocking effect. Be flashy and you get more attention. Especially when you're out on the town. Its expected to put effort in to your looks then.
But that's cause it's a time when you meet people for the first time. And a first impression is a lasting one.

Now at home there better not be a drop of makeup on. I want the girl I fell for not what she can do with brush. (Now there are amazing aesthetics out there.)

JSmuve · Answer

They don't dislike make-up. They dislike the fact that girls look far less attractive without it on. Few guy wants to go out with a girl who looks like an 8 with make-up on but then plummets to a 4 or 5 without it. It's like going out with two different girls; one you're attracted to, the other you're not.

loveslongnails · Answer

I'm guessing that men like it when they see a good looking girl with make-up on, but if it's a LOT of make-up, they know she won't be AS attractive to them without it. or maybe not at all. So, it's logical for a guy to say " I don't like girls with make-up" because if he's attracted to a girl who doesn't wear any, or wear much at all, he can figure "she'll only be better looking with it !" Too much make up is a deal breaker for me, personally.

red324 · Answer

I like makeup. lol. The only downside is she could be a total ugly fuck and disguise it with makeup, so once you start dating her she's not always going to look hot since a girl isn't going to wear makeup from sunup to sundown typically. Oh well we can't all have our cake and eat it.

Shuri · Answer

Because men don't know what they're talking about. They do like make up on a woman. What they mean to say is they don't like when your face looks like a coloring book that's been completed by a 3 year old. A lot of women cake on the make up and eyelashes and crap so they look terrible.

honestGUY45 · Answer

I'm not saying all men feel this way, but I'm guessing since they see their partner without makeup, they accept that and would rather their partner not wear makeup if it will attract other men. On the flip side, when they see another woman wearing makeup, that is what makes them attractive. At that moment, they are one of the 'other men' being attracted to possibly someone else's woman.

Elliegirl · Answer

Guys think they don’t like makeup. In my experience, most guys can’t tell the difference between when I wear light makeup and when I don’t wear any. They seem to think light makeup is me wearing none.

AmandaYVR · Answer

Because the majority of men like SUBTLE makeup, not high-maintenance makeup/girls. They want to see the slightly improved version, but still natural looking. Nothing like the mannequin in the pic.

RolandCuthbert · Answer

Doesn't that depend on the guy? My girlfriend insists on wearing make up and dying her hair.

And the photo I have of her everywhere is her with her natural hair color, in a normal style. . . no foundation and only lipstick and mascara.

franziska · Answer

Girls want to look prettier with makeup, men think they look pretty without makeup. Let us believe in you and let's make ourselves more beautiful with makeup and maybe we'll infect some men to do that too.

Raja1881 · Answer

You'll notice they'll get attention from guys who just like outer beauty and easy to fool, where as guys who say dont like make up are the ones who are actually married and love the woman for her inner beauty... looks fade, personality doesn't

abdel636 · Answer

Only smart men don't like make-up and appreciate the natural beauty of women. Idiots on the other hand don't value natural beauty and find it more appealing to be deceived by make up so girls go like okay here it is!

HAMD7 · Answer

Men don't always dislike makeup it's just that some girls over do it and they keep doing it day in day out. Even if they go crazy with makeup, no doubt they look amazing 💯 but don't do that everyday

FilfeeAnimal · Answer

as a male.. i'll tell u why.. its cos men are full of shit, they are tryna be "morally correct" or something.. they're tryna make girls feel good inside saying they look beautiful naturally, but i know for a fact i think a girl looks much better with makeup, im not on the bandwagon,
i think guys who say that are just full of shit

Gravit1 · Answer

It's psychology, women modify their facial features to guide and control men's attention on their face. Though this trick is effective, I don't like to be tricked or my eyes forced. I like to see a woman for who she really is. I don't mind occasional light makeup, but everyday and heavy (no thanks).

Anonymous · Answer

Men like makeup... But he wants his wife show the makeup at home only for him...

When she go out, she go for being beautiful... But men feel that attractive by all men... So the feel of only him get killed...

Conclusion men like makeup at home... But men like makeup...
His woman wanna saw by him only...

Shamalien · Answer

It fools us. We are attracted to it but we don’t like being tricked.  Makeup is a way people make money off of women’s insecurities. In a world without makeup men still date women

cicchis0 · Answer

Makeup is an advertisement of intent that distinguishes you as wanting to be noticed as beautiful. It sends a signal in the same way that a ring or headphones can indicate that you don't want to be approached.

worldscolide · Answer

Let me see if I can get it in words.. Girls that do their makeup well are nice to look at, and get attention, but the girls I want to take home don't need the makeup to look as good as they do.. It's like art VS reality.

seanras · Answer

Guys don't like excess make up that doesn't show correctly how you look without it. If make up is to prominently show the already existing features it's good. If it's like painting a face so that the face without makeup looks drastically different, it's not good.

Liam_Hayden · Answer

Because girls who do wear makeup also tend to take more care with their overall appearance. So, despite many or most guys preferring little or no makeup, we are still attracted to the overall appearance which might play itself out in ways that seem to contradict the aforementioned preference.

rienna888 · Answer

Lmao because guys can’t tell the difference. Most of the time girls do look better without makeup though. Like their eyes look bigger and their face look more youthful.

PeterAyre · Answer

You spent all that time to look nice tonight vs the girl who rolled out of bed. The question is why? People will answer that question differently and act and maybe judge the girls and their intents based on those answers.

khushshah · Answer

It's not true that we don't like makeup. But ya too much of it... very guy will hate that. Girls know how much of makeup they should put or else they won't put any.
If you know things well you can do wonders with them.

lofii · Answer

Girls with more make up look sleazy and easy  That's why hookers wear it

A_madi6 · Answer

I don't like makeup on women. I think some of guys think that makeup is a signal of availability to engage or attention

Sensmind · Answer

That is a thing I ask myself a lot when I see the fuss here on GaG

hellacray · Answer

Makeup is great.  Except when women use way too much. Or when women suck at applying makeup and ends up looking like a clown.

serious · Answer

The fact is men do like makeup on women provided it is of the right amount applied.

jamesgoldman · Answer

I don't like makeup... but when you call yourself a 4 and are happy with personality and intelligence then you stop caring about makeup

GoodGuyBreakingBad · Answer

I like girls who wear makeup and I like girls with the smokey eye look and I like red lipstick and black lipstick like the Gothic look

StephenCF · Answer

I’m a guy who knows how to appreciate make-up on women when it’s not overdone 🤷🏻‍♂️

jojixlight · Answer

I don't put too much makeup I just use lipstick and sometimes some foundation if I needed

Someguywithanopinion · Answer

I don't think this is true. Maybe if you hang out with a bunch of shallow assholes it might be. Like fake tits... guys are gonna stare... and it isn't the good kind of attention. The problem here seems a self esteem one, and the US is filled with FOMO basket cases

Anonymous · Answer

Because it's eye catching. Just as the same way a very tall person is eye catching

Bluntz · Answer

Definitely find woman with make up on more attractive. Shows that they give a shit even if they don't know how to do it right

7771999 · Answer

Because a lot of girls don't look better than 6/10 without some sort of makeup. But when you have the women who alter their face completely, with makeup, it's a problem.

ManOnFire · Answer

Most of us don't mind makeup. What we do mind is if she wears too much of it, or wears it when she is naturally pretty and doesn't even need it.

AaronKrieger · Answer

Either because they don't have too much or it's not their makeup that's getting guy's attention, but instead her facial features, body shape, etc.

Slim57 · Answer

I don't know where the guys not liking makeup came from, I know that most guys don't like TOO much makeup but like makeup, I like when girls change up their look, like hair and makeup or no makeup personally

ovixs90 · Answer

I like make up but that you can't see to much she is wearing make up. If she just shines with lots of make up mostly it say she is ugly and try to hide her real looks or just something is wrong with her

OpenWine · Answer

"why do girls get more attention with makeup on?" have you seen a clown on the streets? I bet it would grasp your attention if you seen one

razzmatazz110 · Answer

Good question. I think it has to do with mainstream culture. Basically they tried to tell us who and what we are supposed to be attracted to

tartaarsaus · Answer

I don't think most guys can distinguish (light) makeup and no makeup, me included

taleswapper · Answer

Because it gives them confidence, and THAT is sexy.

MysteriesStranger · Answer

I think they get more attention from other girl's compliments

If guys don’t like makeup, why do girls get more attention with makeup on?

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Why do guys say they don't like makeup?

If guys don’t like makeup, why do girls get more attention with makeup on?

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Why do guys say they don't like makeup?

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