Permanently Beautiful

It turns out there’s more than a smattering of truth to the perception that beautiful people get more than their fair share of the good things in life. Beauty pays, particularly at the office. Called the “Beauty Premium” by economists, pretty women and handsome men do, in fact, have an easier time getting a job, earn more money and rise higher and faster up the corporate ladder than their less attractive coworkers. 

Beauty may be only skin deep, but it confers measurable advantages that affect every aspect of a person’s life. Studies have shown that beautiful people receive more attention than those who are less attractive. The bias begins early in life. Scientists have found that babies stare longer at people with attractive faces and that pretty children receive more attention from parents, teachers and friends. The beauty bias extends throughout life to bosses, mentors and potential mates. In the workplace, handsome men earn 5% more and beautiful women, 4% more than their average-looking coworkers. Hard work and merit have their benefits, but in the business world pretty people are more apt to reel in that big account, get that plum assignment or be awarded that kick-ass promotion.

Savvy businessmen and women are turning to permanent cosmetics to enhance their natural beauty, correct facial flaws and improve their competitive edge at work.

More about the beauty bias on Thursday