Women are typically seen as more trustworthy, likable and competent when they’re wearing makeup, but too much makeup can cancel that effect. Women who are wearing too much makeup are seen as more attractive and competent but less trustworthy. This effect is clear in newborns, too, because even babies are demonstrably more attracted to women when they’re wearing makeup.
More facts about makeup and perceptions:
One study found that women who were wearing makeup in bars were approached by about 30 percent more men than those who wore none.
At first glance, people also tend to assume that women who are wearing makeup have a better job or earn a higher income than women who are without makeup.
The makeup that appears to have the greatest effect on how a woman is perceived is eye makeup, and lipstick has the least effect.