A QUARTER of UK bosses admit they are more likely to employ a woman who wears make-up than one who dares to go bare, according to a survey of UK company directors carried out by a Hampshire company.

Furthermore, 35 per cent of company directors say a woman without make-up looks like she "can't be bothered to make an effort''.

Indeed, the majority (56 per cent) believe women who wear make-up look more professional than those who do not. Surprisingly, more female directors (63 per cent) than male (52 per cent) had a prejudice against businesswomen who go easy on the cosmetics.

Khalid Aziz, chairman of The Aziz Corporation, a firm near Winchester that commissioned the survey, said: "Even in this age of political correctness it seems appearance remains vital in creating a successful first impression.

"This is because effective business communication works on both a spoken and unspoken level. Wearing make-up does not make someone better at their job than someone who does not, but looking well groomed always conveys professionalism.

"Paying attention to the details of appearance portrays a confident business image.''

The survey also shows that a touch of blusher makes more of an impression with directors in the north than those in the Midlands or south of England.