Does Makeup Hurt Self-Esteem? - Room for Debate - NYTimes.com Some would argue that makeup empowers women, others would say it's holding them back from true equality. A recent survey seems to come down on the side of makeup - at least superficially - saying that wearing makeup increases a woman's likability and competence in the workplace. If makeup has indeed become the status quo in the public realm, does it ultimately damage a woman's self-esteem, or elevate it? Read the Discussion