Corporate Beauty
So whoever said that looking good does not matter is most definitely ill-informed. Cinderella’s whole life changed when she got a new pair of shoes!
‘If you are not that clever…. Just shine baby….’ This is usually my opening at public speaking engagements. This hilarious motto has gotten me out of trouble more times than I can remember!
I have the “gift” of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, but have realised that if you dress up, and show up looking groomed, you need not say much to have a certain amount of favour and presence in the business world. However, twisted this may sound, it does work. It is a well-known fact that within moments of meeting you, people decide all sorts of things about you, from status to intelligence to conscientiousness. Career experts say it takes just three seconds for someone to determine whether they like you and want to do business with you. Much of this is based on how you present yourself from your grooming, attire and posture and when writing this article about the impact beauty has in the corporate world, I investigated the benefits of looking good. And low and behold, I found a few reputable websites that have conducted in depth research on this topic.
Ladies, basic foundation or BB cream are great options for a natural, smooth appearance. Face powder can be applied to achieve a matte finish. Importantly – too much make-up could have the opposite effect, by making you look cheap and less intelligent.
Studies have shown that women who wear make-up and are groomed are presumed as more intelligent and successful. Further studies have shown that companies with attractive staff achieve greater sales and success compared to other companies in similar industries. It’s not to say that you have to be a beauty queen or, for the males, a swimsuit model, but looking groomed with a classic but smart wardrobe will immediately create the impression of success, intelligence and trustworthiness.
The key is to enhance only your natural features, thereby creating a groomed neat overall appearance. Eye make-up may be slightly more challenging. Search YouTube and Pinterest for great ideas on applying your eye makeup correctly. (i.e. natural corporate day make-up tips.) Once your eyebrows and eyes are enhanced, a light blush and lipstick will finish off your glamorous new look. The key to success is practice. The more ideas you get, the more you practice, the faster you will effortlessly appear well-groomed and present as more intelligent. Regular hair and facial treatments at your local salon or at home ensures healthier, improved hair, skin, and nails. Leaving you looking and feeling like a million bucks!
To your wardrobe. Concentrate on classic timeless styles that can be enhanced with fashion items like a handbag, neckless, shoes or other accessories. This saves you money because classic styles don’t date and affordable fashion accessories are a lot cheaper than replacing an entire outfit. This wardrobe saves time when getting dressed and your closet will be more spacious. When buying new clothes, always consider whether you can match more than two existing items with the new garment. This ensures the ability to “mix and match”, resulting in a sensible purchase.
So whoever said that looking good does not matter is most definitely ill-informed. Cinderella’s whole life changed when she got a new pair of shoes!
By Lorna Greyling