Wake Up to Makeup

Putting on makeup in the morning is a ritual millions of women perform every morning. It’s important to be presentable at work, and though men have to shave, at least they are spared the whole makeup routine. But makeup is important for professional women, and how they use makeup says much about who they are as an office professional.

This article explains, “Last year a study came out that said makeup has the power to make you seem more competent, likeable, and trustworthy, and attractive, too – just as long as you’re not wearing too much of it. Researchers organized their study in two parts, showing participants 100 photos of 25 women’s faces without makeup, and then with three different makeup styles, classified as ‘natural,’ ‘professional’ and ‘glamorous.’ When participants viewed the photos for just a split second, all the made-up faces scored higher on scales of attractiveness, competence, likability and trust.”

There must be something deep down in our DNA that gives makeup value, just as other species exploit colors and flares to communicate a myriad of emotions and desires. But only human beings overdo it. We’ve all seen those women who don’t have control over their makeup and slop it on their faces as if their spackling sheetrock or decorating a sheet cake. Don’t be one of these people. If in doubt, ask.

Even if you can apply your makeup blindfolded, give yourself enough time so you aren’t rushed. We’ve all seen those women in traffic putting on makeup in their rearview mirror or sitting on the subway with a mirror in their hands, putting on lipstick as the train rocks. By giving yourself sufficient makeup time in the morning, your commute won’t be a frantic foundation-applying dash to the workplace. Use your commute time to relax and ease into the right frame of mind, knowing your face is ready to go.

Photo courtesy of Retrograde Works.