Attention Minimal-Makeup Girls--Your Lack Of Mascara Could Be Making People Like You Less

by Maryan Barbara
July 17,2021

That's the implication of recent research that says wearing makeup makes women not only seem more attractive but also more likable, competent and trustworthy.

In the study, researchers at Procter & Gamble, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston University and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute showed people photos of women wearing either no makeup at all or one of three different makeup schemes: natural, professional and all glammed up. When participants were instructed to briefly glance at the photos, they rated all of the made-up looks higher than the makeup-free ones when it came to attractiveness, trustworthiness, likability and perceived competence.

However, when study participants got to stare at photos for longer, they tended to rate the really glammed-up women as less trustworthy (although very attractive, competent and likable).

So. These results would seem to imply we should all be wearing at least a little makeup to work, but not TOO much. Unless we have a job in which being trustworthy is not necessarily an asset, in which case one would go all-out with the makeup? I guess?

__Do you buy into this study's conclusions? Do you think wearing at least some makeup probably helps a woman get ahead in life (work, socially) or do you think this is a load of hooey? __

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