It may be none of my business, but something has been disturbing me in recent years. Virtually everywhere I go these days, I see so many women, from salary earners to high school students, wearing make-up. However, I believe more than half of them have no need to cover their faces with cosmetics.
But don't get me wrong. I'm not against make-up. There have been countless surveys and studies that explain why women (and some men, too) feel they "have to" wear it. The reasons range from the desire to look good and to boost self-confidence to addiction to the practice, among others.
In a nutshell, it's all about the belief in make-up's ability to make someone look better. That, I must admit, is not untrue _ many people's looks are improved through the power of powder.
Without wandering off to other aspects of human value such as ethics or professional capabilities, let's just focus on aesthetics. The question is: does every woman know how to properly apply those powders and creams and eyeshadows on their faces? From my observation, the answer is a resounding no.
On the streets, on the mass transit systems or at shopping malls, six or seven out of every 10 women would look way, way better without the make-up they wear. Really.
Let's put it this way. If their faces were canvases and the BTS SkyTrain was a moving art gallery, many of the make-up artworks on display resemble paintings done by children from primary school. I won't be so cruel as to call them Picassoesque, but some even look ridiculous. And looking funny, unlike being funny, is not a good way to enhance your charisma.
Imagine the amount of money and time spent on the effort. What a waste!
I'm in no position, other than being a male observer, to give women advice on this perhaps sensitive issue. But honestly, I think Thai women should be more serious about learning the art of wearing cosmetics. Either that or they should be aware that bare, well cared for skin, no matter what shade it comes in, naturally possesses attractive qualities no make-up could ever match. Did you notice the word "bare"?
It might sound like an overstatement, but I actually feel that lousy make-up covering the faces of young women is as much an eyesore as an oil spill on a clear blue sea. Personal hygiene, healthy lifestyle and basic skincare products should not be forgotten if you are on a quest for physical beauty.
But all the lip gloss, eyeshadow and eyeliner in the world can never surpass one simple thing. And with that magical thing, even if you're all covered in mud or have bird droppings on your forehead, people will still find you charming.
Have you ever seen that 1982 musical film Annie? In case you haven't, just search for it on YouTube. Of the songs, one has a message I think make-up loving young women of today should learn well. It's called You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile.
I bet you can now figure out what that magical thing is.
Pongpet is the Bangkok Post's travel editor.