One of the things etiquette experts tend to disagree on is whether one should apply make-up in public. Maura Graber, the director of The R.S.V.P. Institute of Etiquette, offers this advice: "Other than touching up lipstick at the table, absolutely not. Many etiquette experts disagree regarding this matter but I do believe it is acceptable." She goes on to say, "You may be better off excusing yourself from the table and touch up your makeup in the powder room or restroom. If you are going to take the risk to do this in public, then the proper way to touch up one's lipstick is to turn slightly in your seat, with one hand hold a compact or mirror, then look down toward the mirror and touch up the lipstick with the other hand. The incorrect way to do this in public would be to hold the mirror in the air at face level while blocking the flow of space between yourself and others that you are dining with." Doing this could give you the air of being a very vain person, not to mention that it is just not an aesthetically pleasing thing to watch.

One thing all etiquette experts, including Maura, agree on is, "If you notice something big and green stuck between your front teeth you are not allowed to remove it!" Restaurants sometimes offer toothpicks at the table as well as the front counter, but that does not automatically mean that they are meant to be used there. Let's be honest, no matter how beautiful you may be, no one really wants to see what the inside of your mouth looks like, except maybe your dentist. A woman or a man, for that matter, picking their teeth in public is just not an attractive sight.

Also, you should never perform hair maintenance in public. The smell of hairspray does not agree with some, no matter how small the "touch-up" is. (This goes for perfume as well.) Several people are actually allergic to certain scents. Even if you just need a quick brush, excuse yourself to the restroom to do it. Everyone sheds and no one wants pieces of your hair as a souvenir on their clothes, or worse, in their food.

Some beauty magazines say that it is becoming more acceptable to use your face powder compact in public. When it comes to proper etiquette, if there is somewhere else you can go to apply or touch-up any of your make-up, you should excuse yourself and take advantage of it. Especially since performing these tasks is usually easier, with the increased lighting and the larger mirrors found in the ladies room. Why risk the possibility of someone else feeling that what you are doing is rude? Etiquette is based on consideration for others. Don't chance being viewed as offensive when it only means a few moments of your time to avoid it.