I read an article in the New York Times which I found very interesting. Up the Career Ladder, Lipstick in Hand basically claims that makeup makes women appear more competent. As I was reading it, I thought to myself, this is sure going to rile some feathers.

Wearing makeup…increases people’s perceptions of a woman’s likability, her competence and (provided she does not overdo it) her trustworthiness, according to a new study, which also confirmed what is obvious: that cosmetics boost a woman’s attractiveness.

The comments section contained pretty much the kind of reactions you would expect: a huge outcry against Procter & Gamble (which sponsored the study), shock that women are still subject to these kind of judgments, and cries of support for the wonders of makeup.

I am going to refrain from voicing an opinion (don’t want to alienate any of my readers quite yet!), but I will say this: I wear make-up because it makes me feel more confident. I wear it to work, I wear it to go out partying, and I wear it to do my grocery shopping. To be honest, I can’t imagine my life without makeup!

But that’s just me. I’m more interested in finding out what you think about the article and its findings. Tell me via the (anonymous) poll below: