Makeup is often seen as a tool of self-expression, confidence, and beauty. However, recent studies have revealed that it may offer deeper insights into a woman’s personality traits. Specifically, research suggests a surprising link between makeup usage and traits like narcissism, extraversion, and even being a psychopath. Could a woman’s choice to wear—or not wear—makeup provide hidden clues about her psychological makeup?
Makeup and Personality
A study conducted by the University of São Paulo analyzed the makeup habits of 1,410 Brazilian women across various social contexts, such as at home, during dates, in business meetings, and at the gym. The researchers then assessed the women’s personality traits, focusing on the “Dark Triad”—narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy—along with the Big Five personality traits.
The study found a significant correlation between makeup usage and certain personality traits. Women who scored high in narcissism frequently wore makeup, particularly in situations where they wanted to make a strong impression, such as on dates or at important meetings. This aligns with the narcissistic need for admiration and attention, often manifesting through physical appearance.
On the other hand, women psychopaths tended to wear less makeup, regardless of the social context. This could be due to their disregard for societal norms and a reduced need for external validation. The study suggests that women with psychopathic traits often rely more on their charm and manipulation to navigate social dynamics, making makeup less important as a tool for them.
Psychopathy and Minimal Makeup Use
One of the most intriguing findings from the research is the link between psychopathy and minimal makeup use. Unlike narcissists, who use makeup to attract attention, women with psychopathic tendencies are often indifferent to how others perceive them. This disinterest in conforming to beauty standards could explain why they tend to wear less makeup.
According to the study, psychopathic traits such as assertiveness, fearlessness, and a lack of concern for social approval contribute to this phenomenon. Women who score high on psychopathy often manipulate social situations without relying on physical appearance, instead using their personality to influence others. Dr. Clive Boddy, a researcher at Anglia Ruskin University, notes that female psychopaths might be more prevalent than previously thought, and their subtle methods of manipulation make them difficult to detect.
Narcissism and Makeup: A Tool for Attention
While a psychopath may avoid makeup, narcissistic women embrace it. The connection between narcissism and makeup usage is well-documented. Women with high narcissistic traits are more likely to use makeup as a tool to garner attention and admiration. Narcissists often enhance their appearance strategically, particularly in situations where they seek validation, such as dates or professional settings.
This desire for admiration leads narcissistic women to invest time and effort into their makeup routine, seeing it as a key part of their social toolkit. Extraverted women, too, are more likely to wear makeup consistently, using it to feel confident in social settings. However, unlike narcissists, extraverts maintain steady levels of makeup usage across different contexts, reflecting their consistent need for social engagement.
Makeup as a Reflection of Personality
Makeup usage is not just a matter of aesthetics—it can reveal deeper psychological motivations. Women with narcissistic tendencies adjust their makeup habits based on social settings, treating it as a tool for success. In contrast, women with psychopathic traits maintain a consistent, minimal makeup routine, reflecting their indifference to societal expectations.
This suggests that makeup can serve as a subtle indicator of a person’s personality. For instance, a woman who frequently alters her appearance depending on the social context may be seeking admiration, hinting at narcissistic tendencies. Meanwhile, a woman who consistently wears little to no makeup, regardless of the situation, might possess assertiveness and manipulation traits – much like a psychopath.
The Underestimated Prevalence of Female Psychopathy
Female psychopathy has often been underestimated, partly due to societal biases that associate psychopathy with males. Traditional assessments of psychopathy, which focus on overtly antisocial or aggressive behaviors more common in men, might overlook how psychopathy manifests in women. Women with psychopathic traits are more likely to use verbal manipulation and emotional deceit rather than physical aggression, making their tendencies harder to detect.
Dr. Clive Boddy highlights that female psychopaths can pose a greater societal challenge than previously thought, particularly in professional or leadership roles. Their charm, assertiveness, and lack of empathy allow them to manipulate situations without drawing attention to themselves. This underestimation can lead to significant consequences, especially in contexts like the workplace or personal relationships.
What Makeup Can Reveal About Personality
The relationship between makeup habits and personality traits, particularly psychopathy and narcissism, offers a fascinating glimpse into human behavior. While makeup has traditionally been seen as a form of self-expression, it may also serve as a reflection of deeper psychological traits. Narcissists use makeup to attract attention, while psychopaths often shun it, relying instead on their charm and assertiveness to navigate social interactions.
Understanding these connections provides valuable insights into how personality can manifest in everyday habits. It challenges assumptions about beauty and behavior, offering a new perspective on how seemingly superficial choices might reveal more about our inner selves.
