According to two recent studies published in
PLoS ONE, women who pile on the face paint are seen as more powerful and confident, but they are not to be trusted.
For the study, researchers asked adult men and women to rate the faces of 25 women ages 20–50 who were identified as "Hispanic, Caucasian, or African American". The pictures featured them with and without color cosmetics; as well as a varied style of makeup ranging from minimal (natural), to moderate (professional), to dramatic (glamorous). These faces were then rated for attractiveness, competence, likability, and trustworthiness.
While all the makeup looks significantly increased attractiveness and competence, the ratings of likability and trust varied depending on the style of makeup. Softer looks were seen as more trustworthy, while glamorous looks was seen as powerful and confident.
Hmm, maybe this could explain why the
Kardashian sisters are so successful despite being hated on all the time.