Makeup, manicures, pedicures, fancy shmancy clothing.. all for fake superficial people.. right????
No, not really.
Listen, I love to just throw on sweats for the day and run out of the house with no makeup as much as the next grad student. Sometimes comfort really is a priority. I can not, and I will not sit in the library for 12 hours researching and writing like a mad man if my clothes and shoes are uncomfortable.
But here is the thing….
Humans like beauty. Does this seem superficial.. maybe.
In all societies and cultures we have different beliefs on what beauty is. However, one thing remains constant; beauty is related to the perceptions of intelligence, wealth, power, respect, and much more. When we see a well dressed man we believe he has worked hard in his life, he has a good job, and he is smart. Same with a woman. She is put together, intelligent, and has a good life.
This is what we think when we see beautiful people.
Did you know that teachers, instructors, and professors get higher student evaluations when they are perceived as good looking. Multiple studies have been done to show that appearance, more than any other attribution correlates with evaluations. Some studies have even gone as far to say that students listen, and possibly even learn more from good looking instructors.
Now, I know I can teach my students without looking like barbie, because trust me I don’t.
However, when teaching, I try a little harder. I am NOT trying to look sexy.. not sure if I am capable of that. I am trying to look professional.
I like to do this when buying a new car or any large purchase as well. Try it, you will find you are treated much better and often “win” more when you look more put together.
As I am in my 20s, I am just now really figuring out my style. I like layers, and bracelets, flats (even though I am short), earrings, scarfs, necklaces, and occasionally a cute hat. When I did costuming and makeup in my undergrad it was all for theater… and therefore I SUCK at every day makeup.
Then I found Kandee Johnson!!! I love this girl! Watch her, you will be in love as well. She does everyday makeup as well as costume makeup. She shows you how to do high end and drug store brands of makeup (we all know this grad student uses the drug store brands).
Anyways, now that I have found my own style, and understand how to do my makeup, I feel like superwoman. My confidence has boosted, heck, I think I walk a little taller. I have also noticed more respect from others.
Beauty is on the inside. But sometimes your inside shines more when you feel better on the outside.
Luna's Landing 