I've always been fascinated by women who apply makeup in public. Not that I'm judging. Applying makeup on in cars ,buses,taxis and especially subways is such a feat of dexterity. I stand in awe. When I put on eyeliner it takes about five Qtips per eye to get that line straight. Angled Qtips at that and the myriad of makeup removing products I may need. In other words I need my own bathroom mirror. The comforts of home.
The MTA had recently started a campaign. It isn't called subway etiquette but it could very well be.Some very funny sound bites had made the nightly news regarding 'Man Spreading' The real campaign covers all sorts of subway behavior. Small illustrations on most cars above the seats guide you through what one should and should not do. "Let's all help keep train cars and ridng the subway nice for everyone" is the message behind the cute drawings.
Stepping into a crowded morning car the other day I was crushed into a position hanging periously over two separate women applying makeup.For one it was eyeliner. Sitting next to a boyfriend, husband, partner she happily applied while keeping up a lively conversation. Instantly intrigued I was mesmerized. Not only do I need the comforts of home I'm pretty sure I can't talk while I apply. Complete devotion to the cause is my motto. The other women I was standing over and she was applying concealer. All over.She yawned as she her fingers nimbly worked their magic under and over her eyes.
In true subway fashion like a dancer on a stage I was balletically twirled and whirled landing in a seat directly across from them. Finally settling into my prized seat -any seat on a subway is a prize- I was luxuriating in the thought of a long but comfortable ride. Looking up I suddenly realized the advertisement right above the makeup applying ladies was the MTA cartoon stating "No Primping" a drawing depicting a woman squeezed between two other passengers, mirror out, applying her makeup.
Only in New York I thought. Only in New York. I would think those ads were the MTA's way of laying down the "Law" in a cute and fun way for weary and wary New Yorkers who are a people, like pioneers in old westerns don't take lightly to rules and regulations. But I came to realize as the ladies exited at their stops, day face on and looking very pretty, that the only law in beauty is beauty. Looking good is the last defense. At any cost. I'm just hoping that the "Pole Hoggers" "Man Spreaders" and "Food Eaters" don't feel the same way.