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The
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In This Issue: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If one of your New Year's resolutions is to increase your earnings this year (and whose isn't?), then today's article will be of particular interest to you. It's one of those things people hate to acknowledge yet just can't deny makes a critical difference. Also, I'm just about ready (finally) to convert to my new list server, so be on the lookout for your "please confirm your subscription" email that will be arriving in your inbox soon. If you want to continue your subscription to this ezine, be sure to act when you see that email. Enjoy!
Diana ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ How Wearing Makeup Can Increase Your Earnings A recent report by WGSN, a London-based fashion news service, revealed something that image consultants have known for years: that wearing makeup increases a woman's chance of getting a job more than the usual criteria of a strong resume, obvious intelligence, and a pleasing personality. In fact, the article, based on survey results from 100 UK companies, reported that: "One in four managers admitted they were more likely to hire a woman who wore makeup than one who did not, despite political correctness and the multitude of laws against workplace discrimination and equal job opportunities." Shocked? Don't be. In fact, based on my experience in working with a variety of companies, I'd say those one-in-four numbers are low. That only 25% of those surveyed answered honestly while the others may or may not have. Chat with those same 100 managers informally - say after a few rounds at the pub, for example - and those numbers would be a lot higher, probably two-in-four or even three-in-four. Because what people say and what they think and do are usually two different things. Marketers have known for years that slick packaging can make a huge difference in what people buy, whether it's cars, cosmetics, or candidates for a job. All else being equal, people will pick the shiny apple over the less shiny one every time. Think I'm kidding? Consider your own actions:
They're silly, everyday actions that we all do almost without thinking. We want value for our money and usually equate blemished packaging with inferior quality. So why would it be any different when it comes to big-ticket items like houses, cars, or candidates for a job? All other things being equal, we tend to gravitate toward the one we find the most appealing. Good or bad, right are wrong, you can argue the injustice of it all - or you can use this insight into human behavior to your own advantage and make out like a bandit. It's your choice. Since you subscribe to this ezine, I'll assume that you're looking for ways to increase the effectiveness of your appearance and choose the latter. So how can you use makeup to increase your salary? 1. Make Sure It's Current Like clothes, hair and makeup styles change roughly every six months. If you haven't changed the way you put on makeup in years, it's time to revisit this routine. Why? Because in business, outdated hair and makeup styles often suggest outdated skills as well. Definitely not the message you want to send if you're up for a new job or promotion. 2. Make Sure It's Appropriate If you're in a traditional business like banking, law, or finance, you should opt for subtle and more muted colors than if you work in an "artsy" occupation like advertising or design. Bold strokes of face color might be admired in a design studio, but they'd be regarded with suspicion and alarm in a court of law, for example. 3. Make Sure It's Not Overdone Tammy Faye. Dolly Parton. Dame Edna - er, I think you get the point. Dramatic is okay for television, but definitely not for everyday business. If you make up your face like you'd spackle a wall, then set down those brushes, back away from them slowly, and find someone to give you makeup lessons. Once you lose the mask, you'll be surprised at how your prospects increase. What? You're just not a makeup kind of gal? Don't despair. There are some very simple tricks you can use to increase your effectiveness without buying a lot of products. For example: 1. Use A Tinted Moisturizer There are several moisturizers on the market that tint your skin a bit and even out your skin tone, like a base makeup, without the additional layer. In fact, in warm climates and during warm weather, many women opt for tinted moisturizers instead of base makeup to give them the evenness without the heaviness. 2. Use A Touch of Mascara Mascara is a fast, easy way to open up the eyes and brighten the face. Many women I know use only mascara before they head out the door every morning. 3. Dust On Some Loose Powder If your skin is clear but tends to get a bit shiny, dust on some loose powder to absorb the oil and diminish the shine. 4. Wear Lipstick The only makeup my mother wore at her wedding was lipstick, a dark red matte that made her look very glamorous. If you have nice lips and want high impact, try a dark color that works nicely with your skin tone. People will watch your mouth when you speak. If you're looking for an easy "edge" in your work this year, take a good look at your makeup routine. A current, appropriate style makes you look polished and puts you in a favorable light that others can't help but respond to. It could even increase your earnings. Need some help finding a makeup routine that's right for you? Then download a copy of THE MAKEUP COURSE by LA makeup artist-to-the-stars, Elke Von Freudenberg: http://www.dianaprefers.com/makeup.htm Covering everything from bone structure and coloring to tools and special occasion makeup, Elke tells you exactly what you need to know to put your best face forward every day. GREAT read! http://www.dianaprefers.com/makeup.htm ************** Until next time,
Diana Pemberton-Sikes
http://www.FashionForRealWomen.com ------------------------ Published by:
Top Drawer
Publications, LLC Copyright © 2004 by Diana Pemberton-Sikes All rights reserved. |
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