Influence of make-up on facial recognition

Perception. 2010;39(2):260-4. doi: 10.1068/p6634.

Abstract

Make-up may enhance or disguise facial characteristics. The influence of wearing make-up on facial recognition could be of two kinds: (i) when women do not wear make-up and then are seen with make-up, and (ii) when women wear make-up and then are seen without make-up. A study is reported which shows that light make-up makes it easier to recognise a face, and heavy make-up makes it more difficult. Seeing initially a made-up face makes any subsequent facial recognition more difficult than initially seeing that face without make-up.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cosmetics*
  • Face*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Recognition, Psychology / physiology*

Substances

  • Cosmetics