Shower or make-up: Are S'pore students skipping one for the other?

Singapore's recent online debate over whether one should shower in the morning has sparked heated discussions about hygiene, habits and personal preferences.

Some argued that a morning rinse was non-negotiable, while others felt a night shower would suffice.

The New Paper spoke to 50 female tertiary students in Singapore about their morning hygiene routines - if they shower before school or slap on make-up regardless of whether they shower or not.

Seven in 10 said they shower before school.

Those who don't shower in the morning cited reasons such as "not enough time in the morning", "I don't feel the need to" and "I already showered at night".

Among the 30 per cent who skip a morning shower, they all still make an effort to freshen up before heading out - rinsing their face or washing with facial cleanser.

When asked about wearing make-up to school, more than three in four (78 per cent of the 50 respondents) said they do, while the rest prefer to go bare-faced.

Those who wear make-up said they do it to "look more presentable" or "feel more confident", while others said it's a matter of "personal preference".

So, does wearing make-up make up for not taking a morning shower?

The majority of respondents (82 per cent) firmly disagreed, with many of them describing it as "nasty and disgusting".

One respondent said: "You may look presentable but you are stanky."

Several respondents stressed the importance of face-washing before putting on make-up, with one saying: "Eww... please shower, it doesn't take that long. At least wash your face if you want to wear make-up."

Another said: "Make-up enhances your looks but it doesn't clean your body!"

One respondent, however, had a more relaxed take on this topic.

"Do whatever makes you happy, just don't smell bad," she said.