New Study Reveals That Female Psychopaths Are Less Likely To Wear Makeup—Find Out The Reason Behind This Behavior

The surprising link between female psychopaths and makeup.

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• September 26, 2024

In a world obsessed with appearances, makeup has become a social tool for many women. Whether it's a swipe of lipstick before a date or a touch of mascara for that important work meeting, makeup is often used to enhance one’s looks or boost confidence. 

But here’s where things get a little wild—a new study suggests that women with higher psychopathic traits may actually skip the makeup altogether. Wait, what? 

That’s right, according to researchers from the University of São Paulo, Brazil, female “psychopaths” are less likely to reach for that eyeliner or blush. And the reason behind it is pretty fascinating.

The study, which involved over 1,400 Brazilian women, looked at makeup habits in various social settings, from the gym to the boardroom. Women were asked to report how often they used cosmetics and then took a survey to assess their "Dark Triad" traits—Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy. 

The results were surprising but clear: women who scored higher in psychopathic traits were less likely to wear makeup, while those scoring higher in narcissism were the queens of cosmetics.

So what’s going on here? Dr. Anthonieta Looman Mafra, one of the study’s lead researchers, suggests that psychopathy’s hallmark traits—charm, assertiveness, and fearlessness—mean these women don’t feel the need to enhance their appearance. 

Scroll down for more details...

Could it be that skipping the mascara and blush have a much deeper meaning than simply "rushing off to work"?

Psychopathy is a complex and severe mental disorder marked by a chilling absence of empathy, impulsive behavior, and a tendency to flout societal norms.

Those who exhibit psychopathic traits often blend into society with a façade of charm and charisma, while underneath lies an exploitative and manipulative nature.

Confidence level: psychopath

Interestingly, while "psychopathy" often pops up in conversations about certain troubling behaviors, it’s not an official diagnosis. In the clinical world, however, doctors rely on the more formal term "antisocial personality disorder" (ASPD) when making an official diagnosis.

Scientists believe that these women don't bother with makeup since their charm and assertiveness do all the talking for them.

Why bother with foundation when you can capture attention with your natural charm and assertive demeanor?

After all, makeup is often used as a tool to influence others’ perceptions, and according to the study, psychopathic women seem to have no need for that extra boost. They already feel in control.

It's important to note that the findings don’t suggest that all makeup-free women are psychopaths

According to Dr. Anthonieta Looman Mafra, the findings don’t suggest that all makeup-free women are psychopaths—nor do they imply that makeup lovers are narcissists. 

In Dr. Mafra's words, "...while narcissism was linked to higher makeup usage, psychopathy was associated with lower usage. However, this doesn’t imply moral judgments about these traits or makeup habits.”

Interestingly, this study also touches on the broader conversation about how psychopathic traits differ between genders

Dr. Clive Boddy from Anglia Ruskin University revealed that, unlike male psychopaths, their female counterparts often use words rather than violence to achieve their goals.

This could explain why they’re more subtle in their behaviors, including how they present themselves. 

The prevalence of female psychopaths has often flown under the radar, with their numbers underestimated and their presence largely overlooked.

The expert added that while female psychopaths may not exhibit the same extreme or frequent psychopathy as their male counterparts, their presence has been vastly underestimated.

This oversight makes them a more significant threat to business and society than anyone had initially realized.

As usual, the internet found the perfect shade of sarcasm to highlight these study results.

Ummm...well....don't conclude just yet

Who knows?!

Lucky you

Are we just diagnosing ourselves at this point?

It’s official; everyone’s a little off—makeup or not

Might be onto something..

Does she?

Why bother with foundation when you can win people over with your natural wit and charm? After all, makeup is often used as a tool to influence others’ perceptions, and according to the study, psychopathic women seem to have no need for that extra boost. They already feel in control.

You see, psychopathy is a complex and often misunderstood personality trait. It’s not an official diagnosis (doctors prefer the term “antisocial personality disorder”), but it does encompass a range of behaviors, from ruthlessness and fearlessness to charm and assertiveness.

But before you toss out your makeup bag in a fit of existential crisis, let’s break it down. According to Dr. Anthonieta Looman Mafra, the findings don’t suggest that all makeup-free women are psychopaths—nor do they imply that makeup lovers are narcissists. 

Instead, the study explores how these traits can influence behaviors like makeup usage in different social contexts. In other words, makeup might just be one of many tools in a psychological toolbox, and not everyone feels the need to use it.

Interestingly, this study also touches on the broader conversation about how psychopathic traits differ between genders. Dr. Clive Boddy from Anglia Ruskin University adds that female psychopaths often use words rather than violence to achieve their goals.

This could explain why they’re more subtle in their behaviors, including how they present themselves. 

So, what’s the takeaway here? If you’re not a fan of makeup, don’t worry—you’re probably just someone who prefers the natural look.

But if you ever encounter someone whose charm feels a little too effortless, you might want to keep an eye out.

Jesse