Ladies, let’s face it—makeup has always been a hot topic, whether it’s a quick swipe of lipstick before a Zoom call or a full glam session for that big presentation. But did you know there’s an actual scientific study that breaks down how different makeup looks affect how people perceive you at work? 

Back in 2011, researchers (funded by Procter & Gamble, because of course) decided to dig deep into how makeup influences snap judgments. They worked with 25 women aged 20 to 50, from different racial backgrounds, and photographed them barefaced and with three makeup styles: natural, professional, and glamorous.

These women couldn’t even sneak a peek in the mirror to see how fabulous (or not) they looked. This was all about raw impressions—no self-doubt or vanity allowed.

Then, 149 adults (yes, including 61 men) were shown the photos for a lightning-fast 250 milliseconds, just enough time to say “Yup, she looks competent!” or “Nah, I don’t trust her.” Another group of 119 adults got unlimited time to stare and judge.

The verdict? Makeup mattered. 

Women with makeup—regardless of the style—were seen as more competent than those who went barefaced. Yep, even the glam look, which we’ll get into later.

The matter of fact is first impressions are still everything in the workplace, whether it’s IRL or over a blurry webcam. And while the conversation around beauty standards has evolved, the power of a well-placed swipe of mascara or the perfect shade of lipstick remains undeniable.

In a world where LinkedIn profiles and Instagram stories collide, how you present yourself matters more than ever. Makeup isn’t about hiding flaws; it’s about owning your narrative. 

The Looks and When to Rock Them

Let’s break it down, 2025-style:

1. The Natural Look

Think of this as the “I woke up like this (but didn’t)” vibe. Light luminance contrast—just a touch of mascara, maybe a tinted lip balm—makes you look approachable and collaborative. Perfect for:

• Team huddles where you’re brainstorming your next big idea.
• Networking events where you want to come off as friendly and down-to-earth.

2. The Professional Look

This is the corporate queen’s go-to. Defined eyes, a polished complexion, and a medium-intensity lip shade that says, “I’m the boss, but I’m also relatable.”

Ideal for:

• Leading a presentation that’s going to blow everyone away.
• Job interviews where you want to exude both competence and confidence.

Pro tip: Matte or satin finishes are your BFFs here. Skip the glitter unless your office is really cool.

3. The Glamorous Look

Cue the bold red lips and dramatic smoky eyes! This look screams power and presence. But, like your 5-inch stilettos, it’s not for every situation.

Great for:

• Big events where you want to own the room.
• High-profile client meetings where leaving an impression is key.

Caution: Research showed that while the glam look makes you seem attractive and confident, it can also chip away at trust over time. Use it wisely—like a secret weapon, not your daily uniform.

What the Experts Said

Richard Russell, a psychology professor, admitted he was surprised that even the glam look worked in professional settings. “If I call to mind a heavily competent woman like, say, Hillary Clinton, I don’t think of a lot of makeup,” he said. “Then again, for all I know, she is wearing a lot!” (Spoiler alert: she probably is.)

Sarah Vickery, one of the study’s authors, emphasized that makeup should be strategic. Need to look authoritative? Go for a deep, polished lip. Want to seem approachable? Stick to lighter tones. It’s basically like dressing for the boardroom—except with eyeshadow.

Not Everyone’s Buying It

Of course, not everyone thinks makeup should matter at work. Deborah Rhode, a Stanford law professor, pointed out the obvious: “The quality of my teaching shouldn’t depend on the color of my lipstick.” And honestly, she has a point. Should competence really be judged by how well you blend your foundation? No. But the reality is, first impressions are a thing, and they’re often visual.

Why Makeup Is Empowering (If You Want It to Be)

Here’s the fun part: the study also highlighted how makeup isn’t just about how others see you—it’s about how you see yourself. Bobbi Brown, the iconic makeup mogul, said it best: “We are able to transform ourselves, not only how we are perceived, but how we feel.”

That’s the magic of makeup in 2025. It’s not about conforming to outdated beauty standards; it’s about owning your power. Whether you’re rocking a bold lip because it makes you feel fierce or skipping makeup entirely because you’re confident without it, the choice is yours.

So, what’s the takeaway?

Makeup isn’t a must. It’s a tool. Use it when you want, how you want, and only if it feels right for you. Because whether you’re barefaced or fully glam, success is about more than just your lipstick. It’s about showing up, owning your space, and slaying the game—however you choose to do it.

Now go conquer that boardroom!