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7 Beauty Looks That'll Help You Make an Amazing First Impression

Your makeup tells people a lot about you before you even open your mouth -- make sure it's saying the right thing
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Here's news that'll make even the most confident among us feel a little self-conscious: Most people will judge you within the first few seconds of meeting you -- often before you've even had a chance to greet them hello.

Yes, we humans are very visual creatures and everything from a person's height to their posture can affect the way we perceive 'em. With that in mind, it makes sense that makeup can play a helpful or harmful role in the impact you make on others, depending on the situation. The flirtatious and youthful beauty look you rock on your first date, for instance, might backfire during a job interview for that high-powered position you've had your eye on.

Thankfully, we've rounded up a number of beauty looks befitting the many life occasions when making a good impression is oh-so-crucial.

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First Date
While we love dramatic eye makeup and bold statement lips, your date might not. After all, an intense, highly manicured beauty look is likely to have him wondering what you're hiding under all those layers. Instead, impress your potential love interest with an effortless, I-woke-up-like-this beauty routine that is nevertheless flirty and feminine. That means wearing loose, fuss-free beachy waves or romantic curls. As for makeup, try an eye-opening coat of mascara -- which is sure to have him staring into your your baby blues (or browns or greens) throughout the night -- and a healthy touch of blush (rosy cheeks not only signify youth but fertility!). Top off your date-night look with a shiny lip gloss that'll draw his attention to your mouth -- and will likely have him going in for that goodnight kiss!

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Meeting the Parents
OK, so your awesome first-date makeup landed you a number of follow-up dates and now its time to meet your new boo's parents. While you wanted to impress your now-boyfriend with your irresistible good looks on your first date, when it comes to meeting his mom and dad, you'll want to cultivate a trustworthy, girl-next-door vibe. Hide dark circles with concealer, and perk up your peepers with a simple touch of liner -- just make sure to reach for a smudge-proof, long-lasting formula, because nothing says "train wreck" like I've-been-up-all-night raccoon eyes. Top off your sweet and healthy look with a swipe of pretty pink lipstick and a cheek stain in a similar shade. And since you might be a bit nervous, consider throwing up your hair in a ladylike bun to prevent yourself from absentmindedly twiddling your strands.

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Job Interview
Did you now that many people (including employers) tend to see women who sport makeup as more >competent and trustworthy than those who go bare-faced? The key, however, is to wear a moderate amount of product. Opt for a light dusting of neutral eyeshadow, since most people feel, well, neutral about earth toned shades (and your interviewer might find the neon shadow that's trending on runways a bit garish). Likewise, less is more when it comes to your mascara and liner application; a minimal amount will do. If you need coverage, reach for a light BB cream that'll give you a fresh face. Finish off your chicly understated look with a lipstick in a non-distracting hue that's just a shade lighter or deeper than your natural color to ensure the room's more interested in your bomb interview answers than pout lip color.

And since your beauty look can speak volumes about your attention to detail -- or lack thereof -- make sure not a single hair is out of place. Tweeze stray brow hairs the night prior to your interview and lock 'em into place with a handy coating of brow gel. Similarly, tame pesky flyaways with a quick spritz of hairspray or consider tying back truly unruly hair in a sleek ponytail or bun.

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Networking Event
Let's say you already have the job of your dreams but still need to impress potential clients or business partners with your entrepreneurial prowess at networking events. Since you're a badass boss babe, you're confident enough to be as bold with your beauty choices as you are in the boardroom. For a look that conveys your undeniable assertiveness, hit that conference room with defined brows, which are a visual signal of strength. Swipe a daring plum or burgundy shade on your lips that'll also speak to your strong and decisive character. After all, it takes a certain kind of woman -- read: the kind who plays by her own rules -- to rock such a striking shade.

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BY ROSE CURIEL | AUG 1, 2016 | SHARES
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