---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The thing that bugs me is the average…"
description: "\"The thing that bugs me is the average woman's complete ignorance of the functional purpose of cosmetics, which is to supplement, not conceal.\" — Montgo..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6e1/montgomery-clift-30539_average_the-thing-that-bugs-me-is-the-average-wo_276537.jpg"
---

#  The thing that bugs me is the average woman's complete…

![“The thing that bugs me is the average woman's complete ignorance of the functional purpose of cosmetics, which is to supplement, not conceal.” quote by Montgomery Clift](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6e1/montgomery-clift-30539_average_the-thing-that-bugs-me-is-the-average-wo_276537.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6e1/montgomery-clift-30539_average_the-thing-that-bugs-me-is-the-average-wo_276537.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6e1/montgomery-clift-30539_average_the-thing-that-bugs-me-is-the-average-wo_276537.jpg)

> “The thing that bugs me is the average woman's complete ignorance of the functional purpose of cosmetics, which is to supplement, not conceal.”

[Montgomery Clift](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/montgomery-clift/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Cosmetics are meant to enhance natural features, not hide flaws.

**In simple terms:** Makeups should add, not hide.

Key Takeaway

Use makeup to highlight, not mask.

Themes

beauty self‑image culture gender

Mood

critical analytical

Type

cultural sociological

When to use this quote

- daily routine
- stage performance
- photo shoots
- self‑esteem workshops

Key Concepts

Aesthetic enhancement social expectations media influence

Questions to Reflect On

- Do you see makeup as empowerment or concealment?
- How does cultural context shape this view?

A Different Perspective

Some view makeup as a mask for insecurity.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Bugs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bugs/) [Ignorance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ignorance/) [Purpose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/purpose/) [Supplements](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/supplements/)

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## More by Montgomery Clift

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