Understanding how bold makeup impacts leadership confidence reveals that personal style can be far more than aesthetic—it can be strategic. For many leaders, intentional makeup choices act as psychological anchors, confidence rituals, or symbols of self-ownership in high-pressure environments. This article brings together insights from founders, executives, academics, and creatives who share how bold makeup has influenced their executive presence, emotional steadiness, and ability to lead decisively. Whether through red lipstick as armor or polished routines that signal readiness, these perspectives highlight the unexpected connection between appearance and leadership mindset.
- Owned Identity Ignited Fearless Authority
- Clear Alignment Drove Steady Leadership
- Practice With Feedback Built Executive Poise
- Red Armor Helped Me Stand Taller
- Crimson Ritual Set Focus
- Polished Look Raised My Readiness
- Power Lipstick Fueled Command
- Confident Presentation Lifted Decisiveness Plus Empathy
Owned Identity Ignited Fearless Authority
I don’t wear bold makeup–never have. My confidence in leadership comes from 15 years of being first to understand formats before the market does, like when I helped shape how people understood streaming before it killed cable, or VR storytelling when everyone thought it was just gaming.
What actually shifted my presence was leaning into my Colombian-American identity and my weird background. I’ve DJed, curated galleries, directed radio, rapped on NBA2K9, and spoken at Harvard–that eclectic mix makes me unafraid to walk into rooms where I’m explaining AI-powered sports content to executives or defending why a Tribeca Festival campaign needs more edge. I’m not performing authority; I’m just the person who’s already done the unexpected work.
The real game-changer was founding Big Smile Co. as a woman-founded, BIPOC-led firm and *owning* that we’re “hype machines with heart.” That positioning turned what could be seen as disadvantages in tech and entertainment PR into our competitive advantage. When you’re representing innovators and iconoclasts, being one yourself isn’t a liability–it’s the entire pitch.
Maria Consuelo Gonima, Founder, Big Smile Co.
Clear Alignment Drove Steady Leadership
I almost never wear red lipstick. I’m always convinced it will end up on my teeth or smudged across my face like a toddler with a popsicle. But here is what I will say: being confident in your choices makes you feel more grounded and more in command, no matter what you are wearing.
For me, confidence comes from alignment. If I feel good about how I am showing up, whether that is a bold lip, a bare lip, or anything in between, I lead better. I am clearer. I am steadier. And, I am not wasting energy second-guessing myself.
It is never really about the lipstick. It is about choosing something on purpose and standing in it. That is what actually shifts your presence as a leader.
Dana Zellers, Executive & Leadership Coach | Team Facilitator | Speaker, Dana Zellers
Practice With Feedback Built Executive Poise
When I started wearing red lipstick, everything changed. As someone who rarely wore lipstick or any bold makeup, I decided to add red lipstick as part of my professional look about a year ago. After that decision, if I was leaving the house for work, I would have my lipstick on. I was applying what looked like red paint to my lips every morning, in essence, a tiny art project. The red is so bold that the attention to detail is key. I watched YouTube videos and talked to friends about tips and tricks for applying a liquid red lip. My friends and colleagues took notice. They liked it and wanted to talk about it.
In the first weeks, I felt a bit funny about it, like I was asking the world for more attention. I felt more like a clown than an executive. It also took some adjusting in a practical sense. Having a lunch meeting with my red lips meant choosing food that can be eaten in small bites with a fork. Eating a massive burger is a sure-fire way to get red lipstick all over my face. It also meant choosing beverages with a straw, again to maintain the integrity of the crisp red lines.
My confidence didn’t grow until a few months into the red-lip journey. I noticed people treated me differently when I had my lipstick on. Store attendants were more likely to see if I’m finding what I need; random strangers said “hello” at increasing rates, and frankly, I felt more like a boss. Fellow lipstick-wearing ladies were quick to share their favorites and welcome me to their unofficial club. In the months since this, I’ve added other bold colors to my lipstick inventory, and I love all of them. I feel more confident in my application skills, and feel more like a boss when I’ve got my lips on. If you’re looking to make a change to your look, try adding lipstick to your routine, then pay attention to how the people around you show up.
Kate Vawter, Author, Better Boss Blueprint
Red Armor Helped Me Stand Taller
I started wearing red lipstick on a whim. Then I found myself in meetings where I was the only woman, and it became like armor. It helped me stand a little taller and feel more present in the room. I can’t explain why it worked, but it did. If you’re ever in that situation, it might be worth trying. That small detail made a real difference for me.
Lara Woodham, Director, Rowlen Boiler Services
Crimson Ritual Set Focus
Putting on bright red lipstick is my pre-lecture ritual. It’s not about vanity; it’s about getting my head in the game. I notice the difference right away. People listen more closely, and I feel more grounded. At international conferences, it’s become my armor. It’s a small thing, but it helps me stand taller and be myself, especially when I’m in a room full of important people.
Carmen Jordan Fernandez, Academic Director, The Spanish Council of Singapore
Polished Look Raised My Readiness
Bold makeup, like red lipstick, does the same thing to me as a great outfit. It makes me feel more put together. I’m generally fine most days with tinted chapstick or a little concealer and light eyeshadow. But when I want a little extra confidence, I’ll do a full face. It adds a little polish and a little sense of self, and I feel better going out the door. It makes me feel prepared for the day and whatever comes with it. But I’m also totally okay without it. It’s just one of those things that gives me a little lift when I need it.
Kimberley Tyler-Smith, VP, Strategy and Growth, Coached (previously, Resume Worded)
Power Lipstick Fueled Command
Wearing bold makeup — especially red lipstick — has always been part of my power. It’s not just a look; it’s a mindset. The moment I put it on, I feel more present, more in control, and more ready to lead. It reminds people that I’m here to be seen and heard, and it reminds me to stand in that energy.
As a leader, confidence is contagious. When I show up bold, my team feels that. Red lipstick is my version of stepping into “Diva mode” — focused, fearless, and unapologetic. It’s amazing how something so small can shift how you show up in every room you walk into.
Keldamuzik Diva, Entertainer, Keldamuzik
Confident Presentation Lifted Decisiveness Plus Empathy
I mastered “bold” corporate makeup during my time as a promotional model for corporate events and trade shows. What did I realize? When I felt great about my appearance, I was a much better leader. Not only was I more decisive and confident in myself, but I was also more empathetic. Presenting yourself in a way that makes you feel great is a surefire way to silence the naysayer in your head.
Amanda Kostro Miller, SEO Copywriter, amandacopy.com
Conclusion
What these stories ultimately show is that how bold makeup impacts leadership confidence is deeply personal—but undeniably powerful. For some, confidence comes from color and ritual; for others, it comes from alignment, authenticity, and owning their identity beyond appearance. The common thread is intention. When leaders choose how they show up—visually, emotionally, and mentally—they reduce self-doubt and increase presence. Bold makeup isn’t about performance or conformity; it’s about agency. And in leadership, feeling grounded in who you are often matters more than what you wear.
