Make Up – how just a bit of mascara can get you a pay rise!!

Let’s use wearing make up as an example. Apparently women who wear make up to work on average earn 25% more than women who don't. Why? It's all to do with how you are subconsciously perceived. A boss's inner thought process will see a woman who has taken time to make an effort with her appearance in the morning, suggesting she is organized and healthy. Not wearing any make up or the wrong colours, which can drain the colour from your face, can make you look tired there fore suggesting you could be stressed or have poor health.

Same goes with hair, if it’s glossy, smooth and styled it just suggests you have taken care with your appearance so are taking what you are doing seriously to want to give off the right impression. Imagine if you came into work after just getting out of bed with out brushing it, it was hay wire, also with no make up on what the various assumptions about you could be?

Research across a large number of organisations has revealed there are three factors in determining whether someone gets promoted or not;

60% is work place exposure and visibility, i.e. your achievements, your contacts and your reputation.

30% is your image and personal style, how you come across etc.

Surprisingly, finally how you actually do the job is a mere 10%! Crazy but sadly true.

The 30 Second Rule

Another concept to consider is The 30 Second Rule, especially if you do a lot of networking. The idea of this rule is that when you meet someone for the first time you have their full attention for 30 seconds to see if you have something of interest for them or not, the next 30 seconds the level of attention dips and then by a minute they will have decided if you have their interest or not. So consider the amount you can actually say in 30 seconds and how much of that will be visual perception as well.

So how do I make sure I look my best?

An image consultation will ensure you are wearing the most flattering colours, dressing to enhance your best features and wearing the correct cuts, finishes and fabrics for your body shape.