I've always been told there is no such thing as a stupid question, so.......
Has anyone ever noticed Italian women putting on make-up in public? American women will put on mascara at a red light, lip gloss at a stop sign, and check their compact mirror after a meal. My friends and I were having that discussion and it crossed my mind that Italians might think it rude to do that (and I would be guilty of it). Any observations?
What a stupid question ;-)
[[I suppose you're asking about that 'Vaseline on the teeth' trick LOL!]]
I think, in general, it's considered rude. Now, having said that, that doesn't mean no one is doing it...I have very quickly put on some powder, maybe a little eye shadow touch-up, and applied lip gloss or balm on a train - 3 mins maximum...The restrooms were NOT the place to attempt this (!) (plus, I wouldn't want someone taking up time in the restroom doing this while I sway to and fro in the aisle, waiting for my turn). I tried to be as discreet as possible. And I certainly didn't perform my entire toiletry routine. We've all seen THAT, I bet! Toenail-clipping, flossing, etc. Eew.
I have never noticed Italian women putting on makeup in public. They just sort of always look perfect.
I would never do it in public - at home or in Italy!
I retouch my lipstick after a meal (as discreetly as possible), but only in a fairly casual place.
Monique,
Not a stupid question. Based upon my humble opinion and modest travel experience in Italy, Italian women are far from self-conscious when it comes to hygeine in public. I got an excellent make-up "lesson" by sitting across from and passively observing a young woman on a train from Firenze to Milano. It seems that her "soup to nuts" make-up application also endeared her to our seat mates and by the end of our trip all appeared to be old friends.
I think the only thing Italians would consider rude is being self-conscious in their presence.
Buon viaggio!
Stephanie
Thanks all! I love the different opinions. I dnt think it's rude to briefly "fix" yourself in public. I mean clipping toenails, hahaha of course yes. And during meal time or other inappropriate places. But if you're on a train or bus or sitting at a fountain or something casual, I dont see the harm in a brief glance in a mirror or throwing on some lipgloss. I wouldnt break out the eyelash curler or tweezers or perhaps not even the blush brush, but something discreet and brief isnt bad in my opinion.A European woman may apprear "perfect" because unbeknownst to us she touched-up her make-up on the bus right before we saw her haha. Who knows?
Ahh, the advantages of not wearing makeup.
Interesting question. And I have to say I've never noticed Italian women putting on makeup in public/on the go. In fact, public transport is generally considered to be only for one thing -- getting someplace! You won't see people chowing down on food whilst on the metro or bus like you do in the States, either.
Amanda - I never thought about eating on public transportation. I don't do it unless the bus is coming and I'm going into hypoglycemic shock, but I don't think twice about if I CAN nibble on something. I know I can. In America, we are pretty much free to have our "McDonald's McCafe" moment on the subway or bus (within reason, obviously. No foot long hoagies or whole pizzas of course) without much resistance. It never even occurred to me that such an act would be frowned upon in other areas. Thanks for the insight. Now the wheels are turning and I'm wondering what other public displays are no-no's...
But don't freak out, Monique! There's lots of 'such-and-such is simply never done', but there's always exceptions or it's how something is done in a certain region. I'm always amazed at the things that 'American women/Republicans/Southerners/bowlers/Wal-Mart shoppers' do or don't do. Huh?!? Really?!? 'They' usually don't speak for me, or tell it like it really is. Not everyone in Paris is walzing home after work with a baguette under their arm, but many do.
I don't live in Italy, and I've seen lots of (obvious) locals adjusting their make-up, eating, nearly having sexual relations on Italian public transportation. So it's obviously happening LOL! Frowned upon, that's different. When I use public transportation in California I don't really see this kind of behavior; it's just local habits, etc. Rush-hour vs other times probably makes a difference. More make-up and breakfast-eating going on.
I think if you were to try to apply make-up or eat anything on public tranportation in Rome, it would be a rather difficult affair considering how crowded the buses can be. Romans can't drive a car much less eat or apply make-up while driving. The concept of a cupholder or eating while driving is lost on Europeans, I think.
I wouldn't worry too much about checking your make-up in public as long as you are not inconveniencing or bothering anyone else in the process.
I promise not to stress myself out hahaha - but I will be a thoughtful observer for the first few days, just to get a feel for how things are.
With regard to make-up application or ANYTHING, I just don't want to OFFEND. It's one thing if someone isn't use to something I do and I get a "what...???" look (which doesn't bother me much), but it's another thing when they are actually offended by it. You can think I'm crazy, but I don't want you thinking I'm crazy AND insulting :-)
And Scott, the buses might be crowded in Rome, but don't underestimate the power of a woman when her lips are dry and she needs some gloss :-)
