Blogpost 5: Material World

We live in a material world where looks matter. Whatever industry we work in, and however high up we are in the ladder, it always helps build a good impression. Some people think that women wear makeup to seek attention and recognition, but this is not true. There is a huge ratio of working women that wears makeup and there are also some working women that doesn't wear makeup at all. 

According to the article "Up the Career Ladder, Lipstick In Hand" by Catherine Saint Louis, there are some evidence that women feel more confident when wearing makeup, a kind of placebo effect, but it doesn't mean that this should affect on there performance in work. Cosmetics should not be utilized by a woman so she passes a male-dictated standard, but rather, so she can dictate the impression she effects, and feel empowered about it.

Saint Louis said, "The wrong color on a subject may have caused to conclude that women with high-contrasting makeup were more "untrustworthy". People will have a bad reaction if it's not the right color, not the right texture, or if the makeup is not enhancing your natural beauty." high-contrasting makeup means being overdone, this may distract colleagues and think that your not taking work seriously. Women should wear makeup that is appropriate in the work place so it looks like they are serious about working. In beauty, less is often more. Too much makeup can appear as a shield, something you're trying to either hide behind or use to change who you are.

According to another article that I've read entitled "Study: Makeup makes women look competent, trustworthy" by Rina Raphael, positive perception declines as makeup gets heavier. There has been a study funded by Procter and Gamble in which they have carried out some scientist from various organizations. The study was about participants that were given just 250 milliseconds to look at several photos of women in various degrees of makeup- no makeup, natural, professional and glamorous- with the ratings increasing with the amount of beauty product used.  When  those same participants were given time to study the images for a lengthier amount of time, the ratings changed. Instead, for the dramatic makeup looks, people saw them as equally likable and much more attractive and competent, but less trustworthy.

Raphael said, "Makeup can help empower and express a sense of self-worth, but it's not the guiding factor in a woman's image. It comes down to a fine line between confidence and fear or insecurity." this statement is true, some women uses makeup as a mask to hide under their insecurities.  

This is actually one of my many reasons on why I have started to wear makeup. I feel very insecure especially when I'm breaking out and there is a much needed concealing to do. Makeup has really helped me a lot during those unappealing moments. 
                                            
Another article entitled "Mineral Makeup Can Help Boost Confidence"  by Jason Ladock, stated that mineral makeups are made of all natural ingredients that can increase the beauty and freshness of the skin. Many people like using mineral makeup because it is made up of ingredients that are not harmful to the skin, and it can suit any skin type. 

Ladock said, "Other cosmetics products may say that they are natural but some of them still contain chemical. You have to look for products that are trusted and has been in the industry for years to ensure the quality of makeup."  this is actually true, some makeup claims that they are all natural but the truth is there not. Best way to know if your mineral makeup is legit is to ask experts or read reviews about mineral makeups, whether online or by print. If you have very sensitive skin, it is required to the makeup by putting small amount of it on your hand, then wait for a few minutes to see if your skin will produce rashes. Mineral makeup is very useful to a lot of women, because its not only natural but it also helps prevent skin from getting rashes especially for people with sensitive skin. 

During interviews, it is very important to look pleasing because this is one way to show the management that you are capable of being trustworthy. It may also be a way to stand out in the crowd, thus being a step ahead from the competition. I believe that wearing makeup in work helps a lot to boost a woman's confidence in order for her to do well in work but it doesn't mean that the quality of work should depend on whether or not one wears makeup. It is all about how the work is being done. Many women feel very confident if they are wearing makeup because they feel brave enough to face the challenges while in the office. First impression lasts.