The way you look really does affect the assumptions people make about your intelligence, competence, and likability in both expected and surprising ways. A recent study conducted by Nancy Etcoff of Harvard Medical School and funded by Procter & Gamble found that wearing makeup not only heightens women’s attractiveness, it also enhances people’s opinions of their capability, warmth, and trustworthiness. The researchers applied the makeup in three levels of intensity: what they called natural, professional, and glamorous. I would’ve expected the so-called natural and professional looks to improve the women’s perceived ability. But even the most dramatic makeup—darkened eyebrows, lashes, eyelids and lips plus foundation and blush—made the subjects seem more competent than they did with little or no makeup.

As the editor of a beauty magazine, this is my kind of news. That said, I’ve worked with some of the most stylish editors and writers whose maquillage would never be called professional, much less glamorous. Conversely, I know executives in the fashion business who don’t hire anyone who’s overweight, who insist that each employee, right down to the unpaid intern, wear high heels to work. Their staffs are stunning, and good for them. But it always makes me wonder whom they overlooked along the way.