We've come a long way since the days when shampooing was unheard of and it was acceptable to wear mouse hide eyebrow wigs in polite company. The world's changed, and good manners have evolved. So we consulted the 18th edition of Emily Post's Etiquette: Manners For A New World to see what the reigning authority on politeness had to say about some of our modern day beauty quandaries.

Makeup at the dinner table: yes or no? According to the book, it depends. "Excuse yourself to a restroom to apply powder, blusher, mascara, or scent; brush or comb hair; floss, tweeze, or clip," says the text. But, "Among friends at a casual occasion, it's fine to do a quick application of lipstick or gloss right after a meal." To public transit primpers: We're going to go ahead and say these same rules apply on the subway, too.

Perfumers call a fragrance's wafting trail sillage, but Post just calls it rude. "If your scent lingers in the room after you leave, you're wearing too much." Yes, even if it's Chanel.

If a friend's lingering scent is more funky than fruity-floral, Post says it's your duty to (gently) bring up the BO. Sending an anonymous note taped to a stick of deodorant is just mean! Instead, pull the olfactory offender aside for a chat. Be discreet, have the conversation in private and frame the intervention as the input of a concerned friend, the book advises.

During sandal season, regular pedicures aren't just a luxury - they're good form. "Open-toed shoes, sandals or flip-flops call for well-trimmed nails and clean feet, whether you're a man or a woman," says Post. No need to sweat the shade; just don't subject society to gnarly nails. "Nicely manicured bare toenails are preferable to polished ones that are outgrown or chipped."

In Post's view, massages and iPhones just don't mix. "Since quiet and relaxation are essential to the experience, spas should remain cell phone- and child-free." So text a sitter before you robe up.

Need a tactful way to tell your hair stylist she's not, well, cutting it? Give her constructive feedback and grant her one last chance to make it right, Post advises. If the two of you still don't see eye-to-eye, tell her, "I was hoping that we could work toward a new style, but honestly, I think I need a new perspective." Or, if it's her pricey rates you can't stomach, admit, "I've loved having you cut my hair, but I'm afraid my budget needs trimming, too."

Dudes: Movember doesn't give you license to be sloppy. "Long or straggly beards or moustaches and extreme styles - Fu Manchus and handlebars - need extra care and panache to be worn successfully," Post says. Break out the moustache wax, stat!

As far as the less fashionable forms of facial hair - nose, brows, ears - Post advises guys to see a barber. "Otherwise, tweeze at home, not in the restroom - or your cubicle - at work." If you know someone who has actually done this (really? really?), we've got just the gift for him.