Etiquette for Reapplying Lipstick

 

If one’s lipstick is on the cup, it isn’t on the lips any longer. Reapplying a bit of lipstick at the table is fine with Etiquipedia, as long as one does it without show and it is a one step process only. Lip liner, a base coat or top coat are not allowable without excusing oneself to go to the powder room or elsewhere to apply. We are torn over the 1983 advice for powdering one’s nose. We feel that anything that requires the opening of a compact and mirror at the table, is best left for another setting.

To Makeup or Not

Is it proper to touch up your shiny nose and your lipstick at the table when you're dining out?

Most etiquette experts say a discreet dab of powder and lipstick is fine and might even be a trace alluring, but a major repair job belongs in the ladies' room.

A subtle touch up of powder to take away face shine and freshening of lipstick does not mean adding lipliner, lip gloss and eye makeup, though. Remember, makeup should remain a mystery to the observer. – Desert Sun, 1983

🍽️Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia