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aware of, so don’t judge makeup wearers too harshly. Scientifically speaking, it seems to work. Studies have shown that cosmetic use can change the perceptions of others about the user. If you look at the use of beauty products over time and in all cultures, you’ll find that cosmetics are universally used to do a few different things. The first is to make a face symmetrical since symmetry is subconsciously connected to beauty (we will learn more about this during the math section). The other reasons for cosmetic use are eclectic but generally involve making skin tone even, eyes darker, cheeks pinker, and lips redder. According to the Association for Psychological Science, having darker skin around the lips and the eyes is a sign of femininity and fertility and naturally seen as attractive. Because makeup hides

Red is universally regarded as the most attractive lipstick color due to the contrast it creates.

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SCIENCE IN COSMETICS