Institute of Art Design + Technology
Dún Laoghaire

Lynda Brady 

BSc [Hons] Applied Psychology

I just completed the BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology, practice stream, in IADT. In the future I hope to be a clinical psychologist and hopefully create a mental health programme to be introduced into secondary schools or open up a makeup salon that welcomes the discussion of mental health. My main areas of interest consist of mental and behavioural health. My undergraduate research project titled ‘The influence of Cosmetics & Gender on the Perception of Leadership’, is summarised below.

Project Description

This study aimed to investigate the influence of two common makeup styles, natural and dramatic, and gender on the perception of leadership. Using a quantitative 2x2 factorial between-within groups design. An online survey was promoted to participants through social media.


Project Objectives

This study aimed to examine the effects of both cosmetics and gender on the perception of leadership. This was done by using a model depicting natural and dramatic makeup and asking participants to rate, using a Likert scale, if the individual in the pictures possessed leadership abilities.


Project Outcomes

The findings from this study contrasted previous studies and highlighted the potential value of bringing individuality to makeup style. These findings may also influence both men and women that use cosmetics in the workforce to take pride in their makeup.


The Influence of Cosmetics and Gender on Perceived Leadership

This research project looked at the influence of the gender of the participants and makeup style on perceived leadership. It’s important to look at the influence of cosmetics as it is used everyday, in both social and work environments.