Beauty Tips

I Imposed a 15-Minute Mirror Rule on Myself for One Week. Here's What I Learned

Trust me, this story is not going where you think it's going

by Katie McCarthy | COMMENT

PHOTO 6/8

Day 6: The Whole Argument Is BS, Anyway You know what helps when you have 15 minutes to get ready? Beanies. This gave me a few extra minutes to stew about Zadie Smith, because duh, of course other people give a shit about how much time women spend in the mirror.

Studies have shown that women who don't take time for specific grooming habits have decreased financial status and aren't as well-liked. This study showed that women who wear makeup, nail polish, et cetera, earn about 20 percent more than those who don't. Another study concluded that women who wear makeup are perceived as more competent, likeable and trustworthy by others.

So is beauty a waste of time for women? Not if those women care about how much money you make, or what social and career opportunities you're afforded in life. Not if any of those women are interested in being the first female president of the United States. And not if those women enjoy putting on makeup or fixing their hair, unless you believe that women's pleasure has no value.

Image courtesy of Katie McCarthy

SEE NEXT PAGE: Day 7: Screw the Patriarchy. Forget Zadie Smith. Do What You Want

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