We have all heard the term “don’t judge a book by its cover.” While this is a great model to live by, we live in the real world. Before you can get close enough to see a person’s eye color, we are already being judged.
Researchers at Procter & Gamble, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston University and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute showed study participants photos of women either wearing no makeup or wearing one of three different makeup looks — natural, professional or glamorous.
The study showed that makeup and cosmetic enhancements have a big influence on how attractive, likable and trustworthy a face is perceived. When images were flashed quickly, the images with women wearing makeup were categorized as likable, competent and trustworthy. The results were the same when people could look at the faces for as long as they wanted.
This study says a lot about how we possibly perceive beauty and is another debate for another time.
If you’re a makeup novice and want to get and edge on the competition you’ve come to the right place! The simplicity of sheer clean makeup can take your look from the overlooked bottom of the pile to the likable top of the heap.
Begin with clean skin. Apply a slight amount of cream moisturizer. Give skin 5-10 seconds to absorb the moisturizer. Use a sheer liquid foundation for coverage. Blend concealer over dark blotches or blemished areas of the skin. Add a swash of coral toned blush to the apples of the cheek to enhance your skin’s natural glow. Apply a minimal amount of loose, translucent, powder to the forehead, chin and high plains of the cheek for a natural and long-wearing application.
This look is simple clean and effective and even women who don’t like to wear too much makeup can wear this neutral look that will instantly brighten up your face.
A woman should be in control of her look, wearing as much or as little makeup as she desires. Remember, you are the book but your appearance is the cover being judged.
— Lauren Napier
[…] motioned for her to come over to my desk and look at the blog post I was reading about makeup, or lack thereof, and its reflection on a woman’s competence. A reader had used the […]