REMEMBERING to add a dash of lipstick has never been more important to a woman's credibility, according to a new study.

Research carried out by scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston University and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found women who wear make-up are seen as more competent and trustworthy than their bare-faced peers.

Participants in the study were given just 250 milliseconds to look at several photos of women in various degrees of makeup, with the ratings increasing with the amount of beauty product used.

The study also found that women who wear makeup or present themselves well are expected to do better on the job, in school and in life.

According to Silk Beauty and Lifestyle manger Bella Cousins, makeup has the power to heighten a women's self-esteem and therefore makes her feel stronger and more in control.

"We have makeup days where women come in and have their makeup done and they walk out looking so confident because they feel beautiful," Ms Cousins said.

"Wearing makeup makes you look like you've gone the extra mile and put some time into yourself."

Ms Cousins said women can sometimes be self-conscious when applying makeup but a little can still go a long way.

"My advice for women who don't usually wear makeup is to try a light powder to give your face a nice glow," she said.

"It can be difficult and sometimes women don't feel like they can wear a bright lipstick or do a smoky eye.

"But it's just makeup and it washes straight off so it's worth trying out different things to see what suits."

While the study showed that make-up may be the key to a trustworthy appearance the results were also quick to show too much make-up does not always make the wearer appear more in control.

Faces which were made up too heavily tended to attract a negative score.

A hint of blush, a sweep of mascara and dab of lipstick are all it takes to make a women appear the epitome of trustworthiness.

DID YOU KNOW?

Makeup first made an appearance during early Egyptian times, when women painted their eyes, applying dark colour under the eyelid and blackening their eyelashes

The origin of the word cosmetics comes from the Latin word Cosmetae, which was used to describe the slaves during Roman times whose function was to bathe affluent Romans in perfume