Wearing makeup increases our perceptions of a woman’s competence, trustworthiness, and likeability, according to an interesting new study. Previous studies have shown that we tend to assume that attractive women with symmetrical faces are both intelligent and “ good”. However, this is the first study that shows that makeup may contribute to whether or not a woman is perceived as capable or reliable.

In the study designed by researchers from Harvard, Boston University, and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 149 adults judged 25 female subjects. The women were ranged in ages from 20 to 50 and were either Caucasian, African-American or Hispanic. The women were all photographed without makeup and also in “natural, professional and glamorous” looks. This group was able to see the pictures for a split second and then forced to make a snap judgment. Next, a different group of 119 different adults were allowed to look at the same faces for an unlimited amount of time.

The results: Women wearing makeup, whether natural, professional or glamorous, were perceived as more competent than barefaced women by both groups.

Carla Snuggs is a freelance writer from Southern California.