Abby Harveson is a makeup lover. But what happens when she brings that passion into the workplace? That’s the question that sparked her research into the impact makeup has in professional settings.
Harveson, a psychology major at Hastings College, began a study in the fall of 2024 examining gender disparities in the workplace. She shared her findings at the No Limits Conference for Women and Gender Studies in the spring of 2025. She also presented her poster, “The impact of cosmetic makeup towards hiring decision bias,” during Academic Showcase Day at Hastings College.
“It means the world to be able to share my work,” said Harveson, who is from Scottsbluff, Nebraska. “I got to experience this opportunity and see others’ steps toward women’s research.”
Harveson chose this study because of her interest in social psychology. After she graduates from Hastings College, she plans to become a psychotherapist working with children.
At first, she looked at gender disparities in the workplace, such as the pay gap and the appearance of the woman. Then, she narrowed it down to a more specific topic: women wearing makeup in the workplace.
The goal of the study was to test the impact of a woman’s physical appearance — specifically cosmetic makeup — on how others perceive them. Harveson wanted to see if wearing more makeup made women appear less professional. Participants were asked if they would hire a specific candidate based on their assumptions of the applicant.
Harveson told participants they were hiring a manager for a company. While the resume contents remained the same, the photo of the applicant showed her wearing either no makeup, light makeup or heavy makeup.
The results indicated there was no significant difference in hiring preference based on the amount of makeup worn. Harveson said the study was a vital experience because it helped her practice research methods and data analysis.
Harveson is also a member of the marching and concert bands, the women’s tennis team, and the Student Association at Hastings College.