How a Little Lipstick Could Add Thousands to Your Paycheck
Studies have shown that attractive people earn more money. This is known as "pretty privilege." While it's hard to say exactly who makes the cut for "pretty," let's assume that most of us are average-looking. Can we still boost our earnings by simply doing a little hair and makeup? The answer is yes.
A new study by sociologists Jaclyn Wong and Andrew Penner suggests that the answer is yes. The study, which was published in the journal Social Science Quarterly, found that well-groomed women of average attractiveness make about $6,000 more annually than average-looking, averagely-groomed women. They also make about $4,000 more than their better-looking, but less put-together coworkers.
The study looked at data from a long-running national survey of more than 14,000 people. The interviewers rated each person on their physical attractiveness and grooming, which included factors like hairstyle, clothing, and makeup.
The researchers found that grooming was more important for women than men when it came to earnings. This is likely because women are more likely to be judged on their appearance than men.
So, if you’re someone who wants to boost your earnings with minimal effort, don’t despair. A little makeup can go a long way over the course of your lifetime.
Here are a few tips for using makeup to improve your appearance and earnings:
Choose makeup that flatters your natural features.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different looks.
Keep your makeup simple and understated.
Apply makeup evenly and consistently.
With a little diligence, you can use makeup to look your best and make more money. (Whoo!)
Did you enjoy this article? If so, subscribe to get more natural beauty tips and tricks, or follow on Instagram at @makeupbyremi.