As a makeup expert and consultant, I’ve seen firsthand the power cosmetics can have in professional settings. Gone are the days of makeup being seen as frivolous; research now shows it’s a strategic tool for boosting confidence, credibility, and even income.
Here’s why makeup matters in your career:
1. Confidence Catalyst
Studies published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology reveal that makeup enhances self-perceived attractiveness. This lead to increased confidence and assertiveness. This translates to stronger communication, better negotiation skills, and a more commanding presence in meetings.
“Attractive people enjoy many social and economic advantages. Most studies find effects of attractiveness on happiness or life satisfaction, but based on traditional cross-sectional approaches. We use a large longitudinal survey consisting of a sample of male and female high school graduates from Wisconsin followed from their late teens to their mid-1960s.
The panel construction of the data and the fact that interviews of the siblings of the respondents are available allow us to analyze the effects of physical appearance on psychological well-being (human flourishing) and ill-being (distress and depression) conditioning on unobserved individual heterogeneity via random effects. We find a significant positive relationship between measures of physical attractiveness (greater facial attractiveness at high school, and lower BMI and greater height in middle age) and a measure of psychological well-being, and a significant negative relationship between measures of physical attractiveness and distress/depression.
These effects are slightly smaller when we adjust for demographics and mental ability but, with the exception of height, remain significant. Our results suggest that attractiveness impacts psychological well-being and depression directly as well as through its effects on other life outcomes”.
2. Credibility Booster
Research from Harvard Business Review suggests that makeup can be perceived as a sign of professionalism and competence, particularly in industries with traditional dress codes. A polished appearance communicates attention to detail and respect for the workplace.
“Sarah A. Vickery, co-researcher for the study and principal scientist at Procter & Gamble Beauty and Grooming, summarized these findings in an interview with CBS News.”
“This means that makeup really can be seen as a tool in a woman’s arsenal that allows her to actually control the way the world sees her,” she said in the interview”
Study: Cosmetics Significantly Influence Perceptions | News | The Harvard Crimson (thecrimson.com)
3. Income Enhancer
A 2023 study published in PLOS One found a positive correlation between makeup use and higher perceived earning potential. This may be due to the aforementioned confidence and credibility boosts, but also because makeup can accentuate features associated with success, like competence and trustworthiness.
However, “important” doesn’t equate to “pressure.” The key is to find a makeup style that makes you feel comfortable and authentic.
Tips to use today:
- Focus on enhancing your natural features. Don’t chase trends that don’t suit you.
- Invest in quality products that flatter your skin tone and type.
- Practice, experiment, and find what makes you feel your best.
Remember, makeup is a tool, not a requirement. But by understanding its potential impact and using it strategically, you can unlock a powerful advantage in your career journey.
Ready to unlock your full potential? Connect with me for a personalized makeup consultation tailored to your career goals!
