Can your makeup look influence people’s perception of you?

Turns out, whether you’re vying for that big promotion at work or just want your colleagues to start taking you more seriously, the way you do your makeup actually matters. We asked top beauty experts to break down what certain looks communicate to the world.

Trendy makeup

"Remember: Unless you work in a very creative field or in fashion/beauty, anything overly trendy or young — glitter, sparkle, of-the-moment shades, false eyelashes, super shiny lip gloss, etc. — can be distracting and perceived as too junior."– Melissa Silver, Maybelline New York makeup artist

"If you wear trendy, wild makeup colors you won’t be taken seriously. As we age — especially — sparkles, shine and shimmer settle into our wrinkles more. You are smart and beautiful — let that show inside and out."– Lucy Segal, health, beauty and lifestyle expert

Bad brows

"Your eyebrows are one of the most expressive features on your face and can speak volumes about you. For example, well-groomed, full eyebrows give off a more polished, confident look, while a slightly angular brow shape makes you appear more commanding and in charge. A rounder brow signifies a soft, approachable nature." – Pamela Jeschonek, licensed esthetician, makeup artist and founder of EyebrowMBA

Facial scars

A 2011 study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that people with facial lesions, including scars and birthmarks, fared worse in job interviews. “Candidates’ facial disfigurements were distracting to interviewers, who subsequently could not recall as much information on the candidate and gave them poorer ratings. Thus, wearing makeup to cover imperfections could significantly impact evaluation of your performance in the workplace,” states Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in the department of dermatology at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City.

What your color choices say about you

Seasoned hair and makeup artist Sherri Jessee shares her thoughts on three popular hues.

In color psychology, red means energy, passion, action, strength and excitement. Choose red lips when you want to show power and passion for your position. A great trick is to blot several times on a tissue to remove excess color. This will diffuse the brightness of the shade and prevent the dreaded lipstick on the teeth situation.

Blue is the most universally favored color. It relates to trust, honesty and dependability, therefore helping to build customer loyalty. Blue can be a terrific accent shade for all colors of eyes. Use a flat brush, and smudge in close to your lash line on the top and bottom for a flash of color. Don’t do a frosty, blue shadow all over, though.

Pink is feminine and youthful in its softer shades, with more passion and energy in its deeper shades. This is one color to avoid, as the impression of youth and innocence may take away from your power. It is important to not look ghostly, so opt for more neutral shades when choosing your blush color so as to not over-do the pink.

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