Dr. Frank Bernieri, a social psychologist from Oregon State, says people "make an assumption about someone within 10 seconds of being introduced" and that this impression is "largely based on his or her looks".

Job seekers must keep this in mind especially since most job interviews last only about 15 minutes. To increase your chances of landing a job, you have to ensure that every second of your interview counts by making the right impression the moment you walk into the interview room.

Makeup experts at Elianto, the Malaysian brand of makeup and skincare products made especially for the tropics, say that it can help you achieve a more professional and confident appearance. A clean, natural and simple look, they say, can make young job seekers look like competent professionals.
Following are some tips to get that assured young executive look:

•Beauty specialists suggest getting a facial at least three days before the big day (this allows the skin to "calm down"). Going to job interviews can be stressful and nerve-racking. Facials will help you detoxify and project a clean look.

•Pluck stray facial hair for a cleaner look.

•Since the goal is to achieve a natural look, pick foundation that is closest to your skin tone (too light and you’ll look dull, too dark and you’ll end up looking like you’re wearing a mask) and use just a small amount. If your skin tone is a little on the dark side, use cream foundations in lavender, pink or caramel colors. Make sure you apply the foundation slowly and blend carefully.

•Use more natural tones for the cheeks. Be careful of over application; the goal is to enhance your cheekbones and give you a light blush, not make it look like a clown did your makeup for you.

•Dr. Bernieri says prominent brows make one look more "adult and suggests self-assurance". So to help underplay your youth, use eyebrow pencils to enhance your brows more. Choose a color that matches your hair then fill your brows up using an eyebrow pencil because it provides a smoother and more natural looking definition.

•Use eye shadow with natural pinkish or brownish tones. Shimmer Shadow looks the most flattering under the glare of fluorescent lights and go for a matte finish. Do not use glittery and overly shiny eye products as this does not necessarily spell out professional.

•Avoid using eyeliner as this will over-dramatize the eyes. Opt instead for black or brown mascara (just make sure you "brush off any clumps after application").

•Before applying lipstick, exfoliate your lips using scrubs like Elianto’s Lip Refiner. This would get rid of unsightly (and distracting) dead skin flakes and make your lips smoother and softer.

•Choose colors that closely match your natural lip color. Elianto’s Renewing Lipstick has shades perfect for the Filipina skin tone.

•Avoid using lip gloss as a matte finish looks more clean and professional.