At Work, Does Makeup Matter?

I'm reposting an answer I posted in March. It's still a valid point of view:

My wife weare NO makeup at all and is taken more seriously by both men and women alike. Why? Because she's the senior paramedic, and at the scene of a major accident or medical emergency, everyone cares about her knowledge, skill and experience and NO ONE CARES if she's wearing makeup or not.

If someone is going to save your life, is wearing makeup going to make you take them more seriously? I didn't think so. And if you're unconcious, how do you know if they're wearing makeup?

I'm in my 50s and my career has been in a general IT/publishing/management spiral, with these three components having a differing emphasis at different times. I've always disliked makeup and haven't even made a halfhearted effort to use it since I was in my 20s. I can't say it's made much difference -- though of course tend to people keep their opinions to themselves on this kind of thing, so how would I know? However, I know that I personally feel much more confident, and more likely to be taken seriously, without makeup, and I'm sure that translated noticeably into my behavior. I felt silly and clownish when using it, and I'm sure I was more hesitant and self-conscious at those times. So, bottom line: Whatever makes you feel most yourself is probably the most career-advancing approach, when it comes to looks -- Unless someone you respect pulls you aside and says you're really shooting yourself in the foot through your bad taste. :)

I wonder about the biases that might be present in this 'survey'.

For example, there is the possibility of confirmation bias. Meaning that people only remember things that confirm their bias. They are more likely to remember someone who is disheveled, with unkempt hair, AND doesn't wear makup, because it confirms their bias that women without makeup look less professional. If you are well groomed and don't wear makup, they don't remember that fact when they take the survey.

Remember to read news stories with a skeptical eye.

I think it depends a lot of the culture where you work. When I worked at an oil refinery, >90% of the people there were men. Almost none of the women wore makeup. The few who did were admins. Now I work in an office that is predominantly female. In my current department, very few wear makeup. But in my previous dept. in the same company, almost eveyone wore it.

I just thought of something else: Alway refer back to the original material to get the real story.

Lilit refers to a "recent British study'. It wasn't a study, it was a survey. I know, that might be splitting hairs, but 'study' sounds more scientific than 'survey'.

And the survey wasn't recent. The web page was simply printing an excerpt from the book "Drop Dead Brilliant" that was published in 2007 .... 2 years ago. Since it takes time to write and publish a book, we can expect the survey to be even older.

Using Amazon.com to search the book, I found that information was pulled from the "5th annual Aziz Management Communication Index". Some more searching on the web shows that this survey was done in ... 2001 (as referenced in this article http://business.scotsman.com/6983/Political-incorrectness-back-in-fashio...).

So the quote in the original blog post is based on a survey almost a decade old.

What if opinions have changed since then?

I understand what the author is saying in the article. Statistics show that people perceive women who wear makeup as being more professional. The author was not saying "everyone should wear makeup", but rather "here's some easy tips to help you". And the author was referring to people who mostly work in an office environment, not people that work in field jobs.

I do wear makeup - everyday in fact. But I never overdo it. I may wear mascara everyday, but eyeliner or eyeshadow only when I have client meetings. And I like the long lasting quality of lipstick versus regular chapstick for moisture.

Wearing makeup can go a long way to help you look more healthy and radiant. I start work very early and some mornings my skin can be quite pale. A touch of bronzer (note: a "touch" not a fake orange tan) can go a long way.

And who wants to meet with someone with a great big zit on their chin, or a thick unabrow? It's very distracting!

I'm sure this will sound bad.
The show What Not to Wear points out why makeup is important. It gives people an opportunity to see the positive sides of your physical attributes. First impressions work! Even a light amount of foundation to balance the hues on your face, or a little eye liner/mascara goes a long way.

Also, women who want to take the time for makeup, eyebrows, lotion, whatever primping they do feel better about themselves. They like and accept their body more and are more confident.
In some professions, makeup (or getting dressed) is not necessary, and thats ok. But makeup isn't bad, it isn't a negative attribute to being a female.

I can cover up my pimples on a daily basis, but my boyfriend can't. I bet he wishes he could!

I always wear makeup at work because I am just used to it. I remember in college, I would always put on makeup before big midterms and finals because it would put me in work mode. I also like to use makeup to convey the mood I am in. I think if used right, makeup can be very powerful.

I do not think that women should feel forced to use makeup, but women should definitely be open to it.

I agree with Katie.

Also, if you want to learn how to put on makeup, YouTube videos are great for that.

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