Make-up to stand out — but not way out

Sixty-five percent of the total messages sent in a face-to-face encounter are of the non-verbal kind, so in an interview situation non-verbal cues such as facial structure, and clothes speak for you before you open your mouth.

The first impression created by an individual is highly dependent on physical appearance. The perceived impression results in a reactionary response affecting how an individual is judged and treated. Modern research suggests that people respond positively to attractiveness and associate it with positive character traits. Attractive people are considered more socially competent, potent and intellectually capable than those less attractive. In contrast, abnormal features and unattractiveness produce negative responses and are associated with negative personality traits.

One of the most interesting research findings is that a baby’s preference for attractive people is established within the first three to six months. In the study, the infants look longer at attractive than unattractive faces. At about one year, they take a more active approach in that they show a more positive response to attractive than to unattractive people.

Studies using digitally and mathematically morphed facial images indicate that the "averaged" and symmetric face is viewed as more attractive. The basic aim of make-up artistry is to create symmetry and balance in the face, thus making it more attractive.

For instance, if your eyes are too large it can be corrected cosmetically, to look smaller and thus create balance within your face.

In an interview, you are marketing yourself to the interviewer and demonstrating how you would perform as part of their team. For women, make-up is an important part of their image and grooming. Classic and understated day-time make-up is the most appropriate.

Make-up guidelines for job interviews

- Avoid heavy make-up. Go for a natural daytime look, natural does not mean naked! You can try it out before you go and make sure it is work rather than night out make-up.

- If you are scared to put on your blouse over your make-up for fear of getting foundation and lipstick on it then take a tip from the beauty counter and tuck paper tissues all round your neckline after you put on your top, this way make-up goes on the tissues not you.

- Arrange to have a make-up consultation so that you know what shade of foundation exactly matches your skin tone and what colours work best for you.

- Avoid coloured mascara and eye-liner such as greens or bright blue. Stick with natural colours such as black, black-brown or brown.

- Avoid glittery or high shine make-up. Save that for a night out.

- Always carry a mirror in your purse to make sure that you do not have lipstick on your teeth!

- Cheap trick: Whitening toothpaste, an eyelash curler, black mascara and lip balm will help you look polished without the price.

- One minute make-up touch up: Keep lipstick, sheer powder blush, pressed powder, oil absorbing sheets (oily or combination skin types) and pocket tissues in your purse so you can put your best face forward in a flash!

- A job interview is the not the time to experiment with silver or bright blue eye-shadow.

- If you have dark circles around your eyes, cover with concealer. Dark circles can give you a tired, harassed appearance, which distracts from your goal of projecting a professional, competent image.

- Avoid facial shine. If your skin is prone to shine, use an oil absorbing moisturizer under your make-up to help absorb oil. You want to avoid the greasy, stressed out look.

- Brighten those eyes! If your eyes look red from lack of sleep worrying about the interview, brighten them with eye drops to help moisturize and refresh your eyes. Nothing looks worse than weary eyes with beautiful black bags underneath them!

- Groom your eyebrows. Perfectly groomed eyebrows shape a face, take years off your appearance and finish your look. Bushy or neglected brows can do more damage than you can imagine.

Our model goes from frazzled to job interview ready in a just a few steps:

Step 1: Prepare the skin by cleansing, toning and moisturising.

Step 2: Use eye drops to brighten whites of eyes. Remember! These are for occasional use only.

Step 3: A caramel foundation was used to match our model’s skin tone and even out her complexion.

Step 4: Concealer was used around the eyes to minimise the darkness and to help give her a fresh, rested look.

Step 5: Set foundation with powder to help your look last and stay shine free during the interview.

Step 6: Neutral colours are used on the eyes for a simple, yet sophisticated look.

Step 7: Our model’s eyes are line with dark brown eyeliner.

Step 8: The brows are defined with a basic dark brown eyebrow pencil then the hairs are brushed up and into place.

Step 9: The lashes are curled with an eyelash curler to open up the eyes.

Step 10: Black mascara is used to coat the top and bottom lashes.

Step 11: Lips are lined with a flesh coloured pencil and a confident berry lip colour is brushed on lips using a lip brush.

Step 12: Finally, the finishing touch of a light dusting of soft claret powder blush is used to accent the cheekbones. Now she is ready to take on the world!

Crysande Hoechst is a professional make-up artist. If you have any beauty questions you can send them to Crysande@gmx.de Call 646-0666 or 689-1527 to schedule your makeover consultation.

Win a Free Makeover!

Send a photo and a few lines describing why you need a new look to:

Cosmetic Intelligence Makeover Challenge

C/o Newsday People Magazine

Furness Building

#90 Independence Square

Port-of-Spain