When it comes to meeting new people, first impressions are everything. From job interviews to first dates, the initial moments when you encounter someone set the tone for the kind of relationship you’ll have. Yes, your appearance, body language, and demeanour all play a role in shaping how others perceive you. In fact, the Association for Psychological Science revealed that it only takes 100 milliseconds for someone to make a snap judgment about you.
So, preparation is key. Make a conscious effort to showcase your winsome personality and highlight your best assets. Pull out all the stops! Take cues from a Frontiers in Psychology study that revealed how applying makeup can make you appear more successful.
But before you pile on layers of foundation or blush, keep in mind that it’s a cleaner, more polished look that’s sure to last. Go ahead, swipe on your favourite lipstick shade, and curl your lashes. In such nerve-racking instances, makeup can be your best friend.
Makeup Tips to Help Make a Good First Impression
The goal is to achieve a seamless look that won’t distract the person you’re meeting for the first time. Here are tips to utilise makeup – from blush shades to eyeliner techniques – to help you make every initial encounter unforgettable.
1. Go easy on the foundation.
You can also try mixing a few drops of skin oil or hydrating serum into your foundation for a healthy glow. For a lighter, more fluid base, consider a BB cream instead. Creating a good base will allow your blush to glide on smoother for a more seamless look that onlookers will remember.
2. Apply blush strategically.
To keep your face from looking washed out, go for some colour. Start by choosing a blush that matches your skin tone. For instance, those with deeper skin tones will benefit from shades of coral, red, and berry. If your undertone is on the fair side, opt for lighter shades of pink or peach.
It isn’t just the shade of blush that will boost your look. To transform your face from forgettable to fabulous, determine your face shape and apply blush to highlight your best features.
For round faces, angle the blush brush slightly below the cheekbones for a more angular, sculpted look. Meanwhile, longer faces provide more room to blush. If you’re looking to shorten your face, position your brush under the eyes and blend to the middle of your cheeks. Doing this will add symmetry and give you a look that’s stunning enough to sear memories upon first encounter.
3. Curl and define lashes.
Straight lashes can cast a shadow on your eye area. So, perk up your look by giving your lashes a good curl. Add definition with a swipe (or two) of mascara on the upper lashes. Pro tip: Add a couple of drops of saline solution to your mascara bottle to boost moisture and extend its shelf life.
4. Add a hint of shimmer to the inner corner of the eyes.
For a look that will captivate even before your first hello, let your eyes do the talking. Add a hint of shimmer to the brow bone and inner corners to reflect light to your eyes.
5. Exaggerate the wing of your cat eye.
Be careful not to apply eyeliner too thickly. Racoon-looking eyes won’t do you any favours if your objective is to look approachable. Instead, extend the wing of your cat eye outwards a tad bit more. For smaller or hooded eyes, draw a thin line and create your flick with your eyes open while looking downwards.
6. Define your eyebrows.
When making a striking first introduction, a bit of definition can go a long way. Brush and shape your eyebrows for a neater and more polished appearance. Hit that job interview on a high note with brows that portray a vision of strength and competence.
7. Choose a bold lip colour.
Cover all your beauty bases to come across as charismatic. When choosing lipstick, as with blush, select one that will complement your skin tone. If you’re on the fair side, wear a bold shade to stand out from the crowd and gain the confidence to strike up a conversation. For medium to dark skin tones, a matte pink or nude will give a subtle pop of colour appropriate for more professional occasions. From a potential new client or future flame, there’s no telling whose head you’ll turn.
8. Mind your personal hygiene.
Go beyond makeup and stay on top of your hygiene. Body odour and dirty nails can encourage someone to cut a first conversation short. When meeting new people, even the best makeup tip in the universe would count for nothing if you don’t bathe.
A crucial part of hygiene is paying attention to your teeth. Offer a smile impossible to forget by brushing and flossing twice a day and seeing your dentist regularly. You can even consult your doctor about ClearCorrect aligners that offer a subtle and comfortable solution to achieving a perfectly straight set of pearly whites.
Whether you’re meeting a new crowd or a big client, first impressions are a big deal. You never know how much time you’ll have to make a great one, so do what you can to leave an impression they’ll never forget. Be yourself, flash a smile, and level up your getting-ready game with the help of these tips. Go and make your mark!
References:
Aguinaldo, E. R., & Peissig, J. J. (2021). Who’s Behind the Makeup? The Effects of Varying Levels of Cosmetics Application on Perceptions of Facial Attractiveness, Competence, and Sociosexuality. Frontiers in Psychology, 12.
Sullivan, J. (2018). The primacy effect in impression formation: some replications and extensions. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 10(4), 432–439.
