The Blushing Hostess

We have MANY etiquette questions asked to us each day.  For writing issues, we consult Crane's Blue Book or Crane's Wedding Blue Book.  However, here is a blog post from the "Blushing Hostess" on thelovelist.net that I am going to share with my own two girls.  Of course right now that just includes lip balm!

Dear Blushing,
I notice women putting on lipstick in public more often. Is this acceptable now for modern girls? What if I am just out with girlfriends?

Thank you,
Anne

Dear Anne,

Nothing has changed with regard to applying makeup in public. Make up, like all personal grooming tasks, should occur in private. It is simply in poor taste to apply make-up in public. It is best to excuse yourself and check your makeup, entirely, in the ladies room. It takes only a moment and chances are, there is more that could be repaired than simply lipstick (running mascara, faded blush).

I was present recently when a KKG chapter gathered at the Tea Room in Savannah for lunch and directly after their lunch was cleared, they excused themselves in groups of two or three to freshen up. It was beautifully, though not at all intentionally, choreographed. The ladies who trained them had been masterful. As a diner who does not wish to wish to see one put on makeup at a table, I appreciated the care they took in excusing themselves gracefully and returning with perfect light-touches of freshened make-up. It may have been only a nuance in their appearance, but the gesture on the whole spoke volumes on their impeccable manners.

A lady, even a young modern one, never preens in public.

Warmly,
The Blushing Hostess

Please check back regularly for The Blushing Hostess' continuing advice. Please feel free to contact her with questions of your own at TheBlushingHostess@thelovelist.net. Visit Catherine at her own blog, The Blushing Hostess Entertains.