[Han Researcher Magazine vol.37] Can Lipstick Color Change Your Job Application Success Rate? — The Psychology of Color

 

"Can't I just go with a natural look?"

Have you ever thought about your lipstick color on the day of your ID photo shoot? Many people just wear their usual color, or

don't wear any at all.

But in reality, interviewers take only 3 seconds to judge a first impression from a pile of documents.

In those 3 seconds, lipstick color plays a bigger role than you think.

I've been running a studio and makeup shop for 10 years and have taken many job application photos, so I'll break it down for you based on my experience.

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#### 💄 Color Psychology — The Impression Interviewers Get Varies

Colors have psychological effects. Even with the same face, the impression you give to the other person changes depending on the color of lipstick you wear.

| Lipstick Color | Impression Given | Recommended Industries | | ------ | ----- | ----- | | Coral·Orange | Energetic, friendly, full of energy | Service, Sales, Education | | Rose Pink | Soft, trustworthy, feminine | Healthcare, Finance, Office Work | | Red | Confident, strong presence, leadership | Media, Fashion, Marketing | | Beige·Nude | Neat and tidy, calm | Public Service, Legal, Research | | Deep Burgundy | Mature, professional | Experienced, Management |

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#### ❌ Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Wearing Lipstick At All Your lips will look pale, and your face will look dull.

Be sure to wear at least a natural coral or rose shade.

2. Using Your Everyday Dark Colors As Is

If you usually wear dark burgundy or dark red, choose a shade one tone lighter for your ID photo. It will come out darker in the camera and under the lights. And don't forget that job application photos should make you look like a young professional! Avoid a mature look.

3. Choosing a Color That Stands Out Too Much From Your Lip Color If your lipstick is too strong, the focus will be only on your lips, not your entire face.

Overall balance is important.

4. Avoiding Glossy Lips These days, it's trendy to make your lips look plump,

and glossy, thick lips are in fashion, but it's not suitable for job application photos or ID photos.

5. Lip Products for Men I don't recommend colored lipsticks,

but I do recommend tinted lip balms. Especially for those with pale lips,

I recommend men also use a color with a very slight tint.

Especially if you have a fair complexion, you may look weak under the lights, so I recommend adding a little color to your lips,

and you can find many daily lip balms that you can wear every day at drugstores.

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#### ✅ Color Selection Guide

First, think about the industry you are applying to. Then, choose a shade that suits your skin tone.

• Warm Tone (Yellowish Skin): Coral, Orange, Warm Red
• Cool Tone (Reddish/Pinkish Skin): Rose Pink, Burgundy, Cool Red
• If You're Not Sure: Rose pink is a safe bet


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📸 Lastly

Lipstick color alone won't make or break your application.

But it's definitely one of the factors that determine your first impression.

Choosing a color that matches the atmosphere of the industry you're applying to,

will make you look like someone who is more prepared.

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