24-06-2025
Pretty privilege is real as women embrace make-up strategy to earn more money
'Pretty privilege' isn't just a myth, especially in the workforce, according to statistics and insiders.
According to a March 2025 report from virtual résumé building hub Standout-CV about pretty privilege in the workplace, attractive employees earn up to $20,000 more than their colleagues.
The researchers, who surveyed 1,050 employed male and female Americans over 18, explained: 'We asked respondents to rate how conventionally attractive they are and compared this to how successful they are, to find out how far looks (or body confidence) really does impact your career.'
'Those who rated themselves as extremely attractive earn on average $19,945 more than those who rated themselves as unattractive ($63,954 compared to $44,009),' added the pros.
But it's not just about being more attractive. They also have to spend money to make money, with 83 percent believing that 'staffers who invest in their workplace appearance are more highly favored than those who fail to dress to impress.'
That includes spending money on products including clothes and makeup.
A viral TikTok confirmed that earning more isn't just about being perceived as better looking by your peers, it's also about how you present yourself in the workplace, including the amount of makeup you wear.
Codie Sanchez, who worked on Wall Street for two decades, went viral when she told her 1.8 million TikTok followers about a study where workers were ranked on attractiveness.
According to a report from résumé building hub Standout-CV about pretty privilege in the workplace, attractive employees earn up to $20,000 more than their colleagues
Codie explained it wasn't about getting plastic surgery to guarantee perfectly symmetrical features, but there were other ways to improve 'attractiveness.'
The former Goldman Sachs employee said the study found that women made 25 percent more on average when they were deemed better looking.
Codie explained it wasn't about job experience or skills, and while it wasn't fair, it was true.
'It actually makes sense to be a little vain - pretty privilege is a real thing, and more of us should have it,' Codie explained.
According to a 2016 study by sociologists Jaclyn S. Wong and Andrew M. Penner, 'physically attractive individuals have higher income than average individuals.'
'The level of attractiveness can change if people lose weight or put on makeup. It also found that beauty care in general helped, including manicures, pedicures, wearing contact lenses, shaving hair styling, and wearing perfume and deodorant.'
HR consulting and recruiting firm owner Angela Tait told Daily Mail 'the perception that being more put together or attractive translates to being more competent, trustworthy, or having leadership potential.'
'Therefore, that person will be looked at for career advancements, leading to a bigger salary,' Tait explained.
Tait, based in Plano, Texas, said that 'hiring managers will mention how people look during interviews, so people consciously or unconsciously notice how someone looks when hiring for a position at their company.'
Tait believes that women don't need full glam to get hired or a raise.
She suggests tinted moisturizer to look instantly polished, well-groomed eyebrows, and mascara.
'Even subtle lip color can anchor you in a meeting so that others engage and listen when you speak up,' Tait advised.
