You might think makeup only helps waitresses earn bigger tips, but even office women make 20% more when they put on a little makeup.
The Power of Appearance
As a college student, I urgently needed a job and was hired as a bartender at a bar. As an introverted literature major, I knew nothing about draft beer, but after a breakup, I lost 15 kg (33 lbs) and looked great in the uniform—a tight pair of jeans and an even tighter white T-shirt.
My coworkers quickly taught me that the stronger my makeup, the better the tips from male customers. And if I tied my hair in a cute ponytail, the tips were even bigger. That was my first real lesson about working life.
Promoted
All my life, I was average-looking—the classic wallflower. I wasn’t the party type, so it didn’t bother me much, but it did hurt to see all my coworkers promoted while I stayed stuck in the same position for three years.
I was complaining about this to my hairdresser, who told me to trust her and let her bleach my hair just this once. I agreed but hated the result—the light color washed out my face, so I had to wear makeup to avoid looking invisible.
The change was immediate: not only did men on the street start noticing me, but even coworkers greeted me first in the hallway—people who hadn’t noticed me before. And who got the next juicy promotion? That’s right, me, the blonde whirlwind.
Tough Facts
Since then, I’ve worn makeup after reading a 2023 study focused on MBA women. It showed that “conventionally attractive” women earned on average $5,528 more per year after 15 years in the workforce and were 52.4% more likely to hold higher positions than their average-looking peers.
Well-groomed nails, styled hair, and makeup measurably boosted women’s salaries by 20%. I hate putting on makeup every morning, but I do it for my career.
Being Seen
I changed jobs right when the Covid pandemic hit and everything went online. I rarely showed up on Zoom, so I only met my coworkers in person much later.
That was the end of the golden days of working in pajamas with messy hair and a face full of skincare. Now, I have to iron blouses, style my hair, and wear makeup.
I wouldn’t do it on my own because I feel good without all the products, but I know that in the corporate world, appearance—unfortunately—matters almost as much as skills.
An Investment
I don’t like waking up earlier or spending money on makeup, but I see it as an investment in my career. I’ve often noticed the most polished colleague was also the most successful, and I learned early that looking good is just as linked to advancement as education or experience.
And before anyone gets too upset, I’ll add that men who are taller, more muscular, better-looking, or better-dressed also get promoted more often. We’re human and imperfect—appearance counts. So, ladies, no matter your field, I recommend adding a little makeup boost.
