THE LATEST EPISODE of Derry Girls had me thinking about one thing and one thing only – eyeliner.

In a bid to impress their new, cool teacher Miss De Brún the gals and James all attempted to don her signature smoky flick, much to the chagrin of Sister Michael. 

Makeup was a staple part of my morning routine during secondary school. Sure, it might have been in the school journal that makeup wasn’t allowed. But was it enforced? Not a hope.

Five years of poor shade-matching and foundation lips later, there’s not a day goes by that I don’t regret taking that extra 15 – 30 minutes in bed five days a week, as well as destroying many a white shirt colour with orange tinted moisturiser.

Now, with that said, I’d still argue that freedom of expression, especially at that age, is extremely important so I’m not sure what purpose prohibiting makeup serves. When I broached the topic with my coworkers, some told me of a stricter experience; of teachers – and not just Home Economics ones – whipping out nail varnish remover every morning. Others told me of teachers parading the halls, makeup wipes in hand, ready to smear off any remnants of clear mascara and Rimmel Stay Matte powder on students’ faces.

Whatever about smeary makeup, but a makeup wipe? In 2019? Do these so-called facilitators of education not know a thing about skincare?!

Which brings me on to my question – were you allowed wear makeup in school? 

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