The Role of Cosmetics in Impression Formation

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of cosmetics use on impression formation. The study was a single factor experiment with three levels of cosmetics (heavy, moderate, none). Eighty-five undergraduate females viewed one of three colored photographs of a professional model wearing either heavy, moderate, or no cosmetics and indicated impressions of her attractiveness, femininity, personal temperament, personality, and morality by checking 7-point Likert-type scales. Analysis of variance revealed no significant difference on impressions of personal temperament or personality traits based on cosmetics use. Cosmetics use did significantly affect impressions of attractiveness, femininity, and morality. © 1991, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.