Makeup=Success?

12/4/2018

Women these days (men too) tend to get shamed for either wearing or not wearing makeup. “Too much” is apparently slutty while none is overly modest. It is a debate of whether wearing makeup makes you more attractive or not. Sure, everyone deserves to express themselves in their own way, but how does cosmetics transfer to workplace suitability?

At first glance, a woman wearing a professional amount of makeup may seem a better choice for a job. Perhaps they appear more “put together”, but can decisions be made solely on appearance? Studies seem to show that. A choice to not wear makeup should not have to interfere with a woman’s success, but there is a certain amount of crowd appeasement that needs to happen.

A woman cannot expect achievement without giving some extra effort. The difference may be small but has the potential to be significant. For example, in a hiring situation, if all requirements are met, the decision honestly may come down to looks and first impressions. On the other hand, employers should be able to recognize a woman’s preference to not wear makeup. But how do we know they will acknowledge it appropriately?

What do you think? Should women be expected to wear makeup to “boost” chances? If you aren’t sure how an employer will react, how can you ensure your prosperity in a qualified career?

https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/13/fashion/makeup-makes-women-appear-more-competent-study.html

42 Comments

Kelsey

12/9/2018 11:24:31 am

I think it depends on the job. If a women goes for an interview to be hired on a job that deals with natural resources, mechanics, construction, or any physically demanding job, I guarantee their amount of makeup will not matter. However, if a women interviews for a secretary position, possibly a teacher, a news anchor, or any occupation that interacts with the public, appearance will be taken into consideration. This is a classic example of sexism. Females should not have to alter their looks to get the same position as a male. Women still have stricter dress codes, they are still expected to shave and have "presentable hair and makeup" and the list goes on. Why is taking America so long to figure out that gender does not make a difference in how well the job gets done? Why do some employers base their opinions off of appearance and sex versus work experience, education, character, and skill? One way we could go about solving this problem is having interviews where the employer does not see who he/she is interviewing -- so virtual, phone, or maybe one-way glass.

Jesse B.

12/9/2018 12:28:36 pm

The kind of job and the circumstances of the interview really do determine how someone will look, I agree. Also, your ideas for conducting interviews are very interesting, but it would be very difficult to gauge how that person conducts themselves. This is because it is easier to act a certain way virtually than it is to act in a face-to-face setting. How else would you combat the sexism that is present in the workplace culture today?

Brooke

12/9/2018 06:15:42 pm

Yes, having employers not being able to physically see the interviewer is a great plan. Actually, this does happen on some levels today. For example, my dad was one in a board of people looking through resumes of applicants for a specific job. They covered the names and the profile pictures, and and simply judged the context without knowing the gender. Both finalists ended up being women. This method of interviews is fair and effective, and should be adopted nationally.

Conrad

12/9/2018 07:58:37 pm

There is one very significant problem with not seeing an interviewee. The way one presents themselves is vital, remember talking with Mrs. Burgess about her interview experiences? One couldn't see the eye contact, whether one sits straight up or the respect one shows. This is really why interviews are face to face, because character and integrity are better evaluated. Not seeing someone would create a much less fair system then seeing someone and having a makeup or no makeup system.

Jesse B.

12/9/2018 12:13:55 pm

At least in Salmon, I see this problem being more of a female issue than a male one. The only times I have ever worn makeup has been for the musicals, costumes, and for jokes. It would seem odd to have a man walk into a professional interview wearing an assortment of makeup, but I would have to understand that person before I make a final decision. At least from a man’s perspective, when a woman wears heavy makeup it can imply that the woman is trying to hide something and that she lacks confidence. This same impression can also be applied to employers when they are conducting an interview for a high-visibility job. On flip side, if a woman is not wearing any makeup to an interview or big event, it may signal that she does not care about what is going on or that she was unprepared. It all depends on the situation and if it really needs people to wear makeup or not. To answer the question, should women be expected to wear makeup? No, however it can help (in certain circumstances), but there can be a limit. Even though we do not like it, many people will judge others based on gender and appearances, but ultimately, it is the choice of the individual on how they present themselves. As the saying goes, “You do you.”

Rachel

12/9/2018 06:21:52 pm

Do you think that some jobs rely more on physical appearance then others? For example, media related jobs such as a reporter or public relations staff often seem to rely more on how their employees look. What do you think? Will these stereotypes ever change? What would you think seeing a female reporter with versus one without makeup? Is one going to be more successful?

Sariah

12/9/2018 10:16:11 pm

I really like how you brought up the fact that depending on the job they seek out specific women and looks because it is true. I mean in all honesty jobs that involve modeling for certain things the people hiring are going to be looking for qualities that fit what they are trying to sell. For example if they are selling hair product you need good hair.

Saylor

12/9/2018 06:30:43 pm

I agree, it is all circumstantial. It's hard to just look at someone and know everything about them, but if someone puts no effort into their appearance people are going to believe that they don't care. We live in a world where everyone judges each other. For the right and wrong reasons. Nobody deserves to be judged by the way they look, but employers do have the right to judge how much effort you are going to put into the job. Especially if there was no effort put into your first impression for the employer.

Mckinlee

12/9/2018 07:31:04 pm

It may seem odd to some if a man walked in wearing makeup, but what if it was not overly heavy? No mascara or eyeshadow, maybe just a concealer to hide under eyes? There are was to wear makeup that don’t make it stand out. But I do agree that makeup could help in some circumstances, physical appearances are definitely judged in interviews.

Bailey

12/9/2018 08:06:14 pm

Jobs that rely on physical appearance are dumb. If a woman isn't chosen for a job just because she doesn't wear makeup or wears too much makeup, then that job isn't a place that she would want to work anyways. I don't wear makeup because I don't care (well, I don't care how I look but that's irrelevant) I wear it because I just don't like it. No one should be required to wear makeup, and a woman can look perfectly presentable without makeup. If men don't see that, sounds like it's their problem. Everyone is entitled to how they want to dress and look, not how society expects them to dress and look.

Katherine

12/9/2018 05:16:38 pm

I don’t think that wearing makeup or not should impact a woman’s ability to get a job. If she’s confident, with or without it, then why should there be a debate? I can understand with a public involved job, one may seem more out together if they wear makeup. As a barista, I noticed the days I would wear makeup and wore nicer clothes, people were generally nicer and would tip more. I don’t think that people should really judge though, as long as the person is happy and content with themself.

Kelsey

12/9/2018 06:15:21 pm

Usually people judge others because they are insecure with themselves and find focusing negative attention on some else gives them a leg up. I agree, makeup should not be a deciding factor in employment.

Katarina

12/9/2018 06:18:40 pm

I agree if they seem fit for the job then it doesn’t matter. People shouldn’t judge but they do so just look presentable in my opinion.

Mckinlee

12/9/2018 07:33:30 pm

So people should definitely not be judged for wearing makeup but what if it was a certain kind? Like crazy colors or poorly applied? If someone’s hair was poorly unkept it could be seen as a hygiene issue. What do you think?

Jesse B.

12/9/2018 07:50:24 pm

Your personal experience adds much to your opinion and I can see how that could help in that situation. Confidence and qualifications are what matter for a job interview. I also like you say that as long as the person is satisfied with themselves, it is should not be up to others to judge. Since you have seen what looking good can do for a high visibility jobs, are you more likely to dress up to make more money or do not care either way?

Challis

12/9/2018 08:01:03 pm

Yes, this is a problem with society. Only judging people for what they look like. I agree people should not care as long as that person is happy with their self.

Bailey

12/9/2018 08:07:54 pm

Maybe working at a hardware store has spoiled me, but i've noticed that most people don't seem to care what I look like. Usually I look like I just got out of bed (even if I didn't and actually took time) and the same level of respect is given all around.

Brooke

12/9/2018 05:48:47 pm

I wish this subject was not even an issue, especially in the workplace. Maybe, in the future, this will no longer be relevant. It should not be relevant now! Honestly, the societal notion that a woman must look nice in order to have a semblance of respect as opposed to the men is idiotic and sexist. Now, if someone wishes to wear makeup because it is an expression of themselves, it should be encouraged, not shamed. But wearing makeup in the workplace can be a trap. Too much, she must have a certain reputation, something to hide. Too little, she must not care. Times have been improving, though, and 'looking nice' does not always include an excess of makeup, or lack thereof, in job interviews. Depending on the job, and the employers as well, makeup is more or less irrelevant. (Specifically outdoor type jobs) It becomes more about ability and less about looks.

Rachel

12/9/2018 06:18:52 pm

I agree that times have been improving, do you think we will ever be completely equal? I also like how you said that makeup an be an expression of yourself. We should not be judging, but instead encourage males and females to portray their best version of themselves, makeup or not.

Kelsey

12/9/2018 06:19:11 pm

"There's change coming once and for all!" - hopefully, that is. Sexism in the work place has definitely improved, but this improvement is moving at a snail's pace. I wish people would wake up and realize what is truly important out there.

Katarina Whitson

12/9/2018 06:19:59 pm

I think the person should just look presentable. Women or men. Makeup or not. Just look presentable for those that you see.

Saylor

12/9/2018 06:25:48 pm

I understand that this is a hard subject, but specific jobs have specific requirements. If a women, or man, does not like the way that the employer wants them to look, its not hard to find someone who understands what the person wants. If people would like to look a certain way but their job won't allow it, they either need to find another place to work, or wait till after work or on the weekends to express themselves.

Challis

12/9/2018 08:02:50 pm

Honestly, it should not be an issue. People should be able to express themselves how they want and it is possible to look to presentable to an interview with or without makeup.

Rachel

12/9/2018 06:16:09 pm

I think that it is completely unfair for a women to be expected to wear makeup to look "nicer". Are men required to apply mascara or lipstick in order to ensure their success in whatever job they are applying for? This proves the amount of sexism still present in our society today. It is much more equal today, but there are still definite inequalities. I think that it is rude to say that a woman only looks nice when she applies makeup, who are we to judge? If someone does not choose to wear makeup, that does not hinder their ability in any job in any way. Even for media or public relations positions, it should still be up to the individual.

Katherine

12/9/2018 07:25:53 pm

I totally agree with you. The indivudual should be able to choose, and like you said wearing or not wearing makeup does not affect the job done.

Jazz

12/9/2018 08:08:14 pm

I agree that it should be the individual’s decision. I believe it can go the other way, too. Aren’t the people who wear makeup to work that differs from “normal” considered unprofessional as well?

Katarina Whitson

12/9/2018 06:16:47 pm

I don’t personally think it’s the question whether they should or shouldn’t wear makeup. I think it should be based what makes them look the best and most professional. Some women are pretty enough without makeup it can be distracting if they have some one or some people put too much. I think the judgment should be off of who presented themselves the best and looks the most professional. It’s your personal choice, however you see yourself best.

Brooke

12/9/2018 07:03:47 pm

The deciding factor should not be looks, it should be how one presents themselves, however that may be. It does depend on the person, and the employer, whether or not makeup is the 'professional' look, but it should not matter regardless.

Katherine

12/9/2018 07:30:36 pm

I disagree that it should be basked off of looks. I don’t think letting “pretty” people wear makeup is distracting. It should be based on who presents themselves best.

Conrad

12/9/2018 07:53:11 pm

Yes, I agree it should be completely the woman's choice on what they want and what they think suits them the best.

Jazz

12/9/2018 08:14:31 pm

How much makeup is too much makeup though, and who should be able to decide? I believe that confidence and competence are what make a person qualified in the work place, not looks.

Saylor

12/9/2018 06:20:21 pm

Nobody is required to wear makeup nor should be. For a job, women need to put a least a little effort into their appearance. An employer has the right to judge your appearance. If you look as if you just woke up and put no effort into how you looked to impress for a job interview, how is the employer supposed to expect that you're going to put effort into the job. It's not that its not fair that people can or cannot wear makeup. Its whether they look professional enough for the job. It's not hard making someone think you are good at something. Putting minimal effort into your appearance can make you look fit for a job. It's not a fine line between looking like a stripper, or looking like you just woke up. If the person can't live up to the jobs standards, they probably need to look for something that is more lenient with their appearance anyways.

Sariah

12/9/2018 10:19:43 pm

I like the point you brought up about how if people know what the standard is for the job they should live up to it in order to get accepted into the job. Besides employers you want to work for should be able to deter who is the best choice and how well you will work in the job.

Mckinlee

12/9/2018 07:27:59 pm

I don’t think women should be expected to wear makeup in any situation. But first impressions are definitely quite important in an interview. I feel that if makeup could allow a person to look less sleep deprived or cover up a tattoo etc. then they totally should wether they are male or female. But a persons experience should not be overlooked just because they are not wearing makeup.

Kenna

12/9/2018 08:02:15 pm

I agree. Makeup can definitely be used to help make you look less sleep deprived. Good first impressions are always important. A person's experiences should take priority though.

Conrad

12/9/2018 07:43:59 pm

I could care less whether or not a woman is wearing makeup at any job. Facial features do not make a woman "unprofessional" or not. The manner of dress, the way one acts, and the resume that is brought should be the only determining factor. Basing a job on looks alone is not fair to anyone. I do think that appearance and the level of self care does matter (such as well kept hair) but wearing makeup or not should not even be considered in the decision. The real value of an employee is on the inside, not on the outside.

Kenna

12/9/2018 07:59:40 pm

I completely agree. A person should be judged on their qualifications not looks. Wearing acceptable clothes and the like is impartant though. Very good point.

Kenna

12/9/2018 07:56:47 pm

I personally do not wear makeup. I don't like the way it feels on my face, so I only wear it on important events. The pressure to wear it is real though people often judge people only on their looks. Sure looks are important to some people and everyone has there own preference but it shouldn't be the deciding factor for jobs.

Challis

12/9/2018 07:58:16 pm

Wearing makeup is a personal choice and no one should feel that they are required to or that they are required not to. Generally one should look nice to a job interview. It shows a certain level of professionalism. It is however, entirely possible to look professional without wearing makeup and it should not in anyway influence an employer.

Bailey

12/9/2018 08:03:19 pm

As most of you know, I am avidly against wearing makeup. It looks cute on other girls if they know how to use it right, and don't look like a cake, but I look like someone dipped me in a mismatched bucket of paint if I for some reason decide to wear makeup. I just don't like it. It takes too much work and isn't worth it. If a woman can't be accepted because she chooses not to wear makeup, then the job probably isn't worth it. If women are required to wear makeup, men should be required to as well. I won't ever wear makeup to a job interview or anything of the sort, but if other women choose to, all the more power to them. It should be choice, not requirement.

Jazz

12/9/2018 08:04:08 pm

Unless they’re applying to be a model for a makeup company, one should not be required to wear makeup on the job. Unless they’re aiming to be a nun, one should not be banned from wearing cosmetics. Makeup is a form of expression, and no one should banned from wearing it or forced to wear it. Makeup shouldn’t be looked at as unusual in the workplace, but also shouldn’t be necessary to be considered professional. Those who prefer their natural looks are not lazy or unkempt, and those who enjoy a little glam are not slutty or seeking attention. People wear what they feel confident in, and it’s just that simple. If a company wants its employees to be at their best, then the employee should be encouraged to look the way they please. It is unfair that wearing or not wearing makeup is a deciding factor in a job interview, one’s outward appearance should never determine whether or not they are worthy. That is not to say that people should wear their pajamas and bed head to an interview, but assuming that someone is lazy or sleazy because of makeup, or the lack thereof is just stupid.

Sariah

12/9/2018 10:09:38 pm

This can be a complicated and touchy subject I believe because everyone has personal reference on how they presume is presentable for certain situations. Especially when we look back on the history of our country looks proved a lot. And sadly make up was a big part but clothing and items you may own such as cars or your house reflected on your success and “worth”. I believe this to be wrong but I also am not condemning people who want to have a big house, or nice car, or even wear make up because they like it. There is nothing wrong with enjoying those things. But I believe it is wrong how our society has made humans feel like those are necessities in order to show a full and successful life. Anyways pertaining to make up specifically I believe women should have the choice and it should not be the deciding factor on their career. However I do believe you should be groomed and take pride in the body you have. Such as washing/coming your hair, washing your face, moisturizing it etc. This kind of stuff is healthy for your skin and makes a person feel and look better I believe.

Makeup=Success?

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