IT'S mascara instead of MBAs, and lipstick over labour for women wanting to get ahead, according to a French scientist.

While first impressions are important, Dr Arnaud Aubert believes women can change people's perceptions just by wearing make-up.

Aubert told Sunday Times Style magazine that imperfections can distract the brain, causing people with less than flawless skin to be ranked lower on the social scale than they otherwise might be.

He said correctly applied make-up can women appear more competent and trustworthy, even boosting their chances in love.

The scientist says the "social triangle" - the area from the eyes down to the mouth - is key to success.

"All the social information is in the centre of the face," Aubert said. 'If the brain is distracted by imperfections [such as spots], it processes less and so has a weaker social assessment of the person it is looking at.'

He claims, while women wearing thick make-up considered less trustworthy, they're still more attractive and competent than those wearing nothing at all.

Unsurprisingly, Aubert's argument is backed by a 2011 study by Proctor & Gamble, one of the largest producers of beauty products in the world.

The beauty giant's study looked at how people reacted to women of all ages and ethnicities in and out of make-up.

According to Nancy Etcoff, the lead scientist, those who wore make-up were seen as more likeable, trustworthy, attractive and competent.

Read more at the Sunday Times Style magazine.



