Makeup makes women appear more competent!

Slept in and thinking of skipping your morning makeup routine?

Think again!!  

A study by Etcoff et all (2011), participants were asked to rate female faces with and without makeup.  The makeup was varied in application from "minimal", "moderate" and "dramatic." 

Participants were required to rate the female faces in terms of attractiveness, trustworthiness, likeability and competence.  

Participants rated the "made up" female faces as more competent than bare faces as well as more attractive.  Ectoff (2011) discuses the implications of the study - “For the first time, we have found that applying makeup has an effect beyond increasing attractiveness—it impacts first impressions and overall judgments of perceived likeability, trustworthiness and competence.”

Makeup that provided contrast to the skin, in the lips and eyes, created a perception of increased competence.

An interesting finding was that whilst the "dramatic" makeup group were rated as competent and attractive, they were rated as less trustworthy.  With this in mind, moderate, professional makeup in the workplace, creating contrast between your skin and lips/eyes is likely to be best.

Here are some of my favourite pics for a low key and polished glow!!

From left to right:
Benefit Posie Tint
Benefit Instant Brow Pencil
Clinique Fresh Bloom Allover Colour
Clinique Even Better Foundation
Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara