Pretty privilege is widely recognized—the advantages that come with fitting conventional beauty standards. But there’s an unspoken counterpart: the expectation that women must downplay their appearance to be taken seriously. A polished face, a perfect red lip, or an effortlessly sculpted cheekbone can sometimes be seen as a distraction, an indulgence that undermines intelligence or authority.
Women in professional, academic, or leadership roles often find themselves navigating an impossible balance—too much attention to beauty, and they risk being dismissed as superficial; too little, and they may be deemed unkempt or unprofessional. Studies have even shown that highly attractive women are sometimes perceived as less competent in male-dominated fields. The message is clear: credibility is often granted at the expense of femininity.
Makeup, then, becomes more than just self-expression—it is a negotiation. Some women scale back, opting for bare faces and understated tones, while others reclaim their beauty as a form of power, challenging the idea that intelligence and polish cannot coexist. The irony is that while beauty is celebrated, it is also policed, creating a paradox where women are scrutinized no matter which path they choose.
The conversation shouldn’t be about whether women should or shouldn’t wear makeup to be taken seriously. It should be about dismantling the biases that force them to choose in the first place. After all, a sharp mind and a bold lip should never be mutually exclusive.
Photos: Brad Rankin Photography