The Impact of Cosmetics on Facial Perception
Author Information
Author(s): Etcoff Nancy L., Stock Shannon, Haley Lauren E., Vickery Sarah A., House David M.
Primary Institution: Massachusetts General Hospital
Hypothesis
Cosmetics will impact face perception at both automatic and reflective levels.
Conclusion
Cosmetics significantly enhance perceptions of attractiveness and competence, but their effects on likability and trustworthiness vary.
Supporting Evidence
- Makeup significantly increased attractiveness ratings at both brief and longer inspection times.
- Competence ratings also increased significantly with makeup.
- Effects on likability and trustworthiness varied with makeup look and inspection time.
Takeaway
Makeup can make faces look prettier and more capable, but how friendly they seem can change depending on how long you look at them.
Methodology
Two studies were conducted where participants rated the attractiveness, competence, likability, and trustworthiness of female faces with and without makeup.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the funding source (P&G Beauty and Grooming).
Limitations
The study included only North American subjects, and the effects may not generalize to other cultures.
Participant Demographics
149 adults in the first study (61 men, 88 women) and 119 adults in the second study (30 males, 89 females) of different ethnicities.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website