Research shows that women who put on make-up before taking a test achieved ten to 20 percent higher marks than those who did not wear any.

 

研究发现，考试前化妆的女性比不化妆的女性成绩高出10%到20%。

 

Psychologists say the result could be down to the 'lipstick¹ effect', whereby using make-up boosts self-esteem and has a knock-on effect on memory, confidence and mental ability.

 

The study in journal Cogent² Psychology³ involved 200 female undergraduates, all studying the same subject with similar self-esteem, make-up habits and IQs.

 

The women were randomly⁴ split into three groups and asked to put on make-up, listen to music, or draw. All then took an exam based on a chapter of a textbook they had just read. Results showed the women who used cosmetics⁵ scored an average of 24.2 out of 30, compared to 19.9 and 22 in the other groups.

 

The researchers, from Harvard Medical School and Chieti University in Italy, said: 'Women may use make-up to increase self-esteem by boosting their attractiveness; this makes them feel better during stress. Positive emotions increase information accessible in memory.'

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