The week’s hot topic of conversation at Birchbox HQ? Our morning beauty routines, and if it’s okay to apply our make-up on the bus or the tube! While some of us wouldn’t dream of doing it in public, others enjoy a few extra minutes of shut-eye and leave their make-up until they’re on their commute. Find out what Birchbox UK staffers do…
My journey into work is so packed with commuters I barely have room to breathe, let alone apply make-up – which is why I was surprised to see two different women making their beauty routines public this week, with varying degrees of success. One of them was so well-practiced that she managed to put on a full face of make-up within the time it took to drive through four stations, while the other was clearly not so used to all the stops and starts, and smeared mascara all around her eyes, before rubbing at it furiously with a tissue. Ouch – not recommended.
I went to some of the Birchbox UK team to find out if they ever take their make-up routine public, and when I heard their answers I knew I had to share them with you. So read on, and get to know the team a little better!
Adrienne: “Multi-tasking products are the way forward for us commuting ladies! Applying make-up on the train is my beauty routine and I have got it down to a fine art. You will rarely catch me without my Stila Convertible Colour cheek and lip stain and Chantecaille Real Skin foundation on the morning train! Having endured many transport related mascara injuries, I always stick to a strong lippy!!”
Maria: “I am secretly in awe of women who put make-up on in the tube. They seem to be oblivious to what people might think and just go about their business doing what they want to do. I think it’s a healthy attitude to life in general.”
Amandine: “Well, I just do make-up touch ups on public transport (especially lipstick), and I’m totally fascinated by people doing it! When I see a girl in front of me applying make-up, I can’t help but need to see what she does, and I especially want to see the before/after! I also look at the brand she uses if I like the lipstick or the mascara, for example!”
Grace: “I would love to wake up 20 minutes before my ‘final’ alarm to give myself some time to properly get ready. But alas, I love my bed too much and the thought of getting out of it earlier than I have to is just too painful (or lazy) to bear. On the days I win a seat on the tube, I happily bring out my oversized make-up bag and apply a good tinted moisturiser, I love Laura Mercier’s classic – with a good concealer where I need it. Mascara, cream blusher (currently loving Penny Lane by NARS) and my new Fresh Lip Treatment in Rose and I’m done. I have now become a skilled expert with my Shu Uemura eyelash curlers and Benefit They’re Real Mascara – much to many a man’s surprise as they look on in shock, dismay and possibly admiration!”
Vicky: “Applying eyeliner and mascara on a moving carriage or bus is a definite skill, and entertaining when it goes wrong! I don’t do it other than topping up bronzer, concealer or lippy when I’m heading for a night out. Some things are bit too intimate, ie. plucking eyebrows – why do we need to see anybody do that? Way too much sharing for me. I feel sorry for men who have to watch it – some things they just don’t need to know. It’s good to be a little mysterious especially when it comes to our beauty routine, let them think we wake up like this!”
Ally: “I wake up 15 mins earlier than my other half just to have the mirror to myself in the morning. Moisturise, make-up, hair-straighten, brush teeth, complete. I could not imagine doing it pressed up against strangers on the tube or in the teeny toilet at the office. I really like that time – like a shot of espresso, my beauty regime kick-starts my day. I can’t say I don’t admire those girls on the Piccadilly who manage to get it done. “
Join our discussion – do you apply make-up on public transport? Does it annoy you when other people do it? Let us know in the comments below…
- Beth