I have skin problems, so makeup is a no-no for me. The chemicals make my skin flare up in hot, stinging, bright red patches. However I am lucky enough to work in an environment (higher education) where there is no dress code, and you are judged on your ability to do your job rather than how you look. I have never felt that my career was hindered simply because I refuse to look like a corporate clone.

Helen, Bristol, UK

Actually I wear make up to work and it only takes me five minutes in the morning but I doubt it will give me a higher chance of promotion. It's a pretty silly idea. However I have seen some women going to work without a bra with saggy breasts showing underneath truly ugly and not very professional looking tops - I suppose these may be a promotion deterrent...
As for men wearing make-up to work, well the idea is quite comical really. Most men don't know what concealer is let alone how to apply it. I suppose it would give us ladies something to laugh about in the workplace.

Lisa, London,

Women should be able to start work half an hour later than men, to give us time to do our make-up and hair etc. And we also have to spend more time choosing our outfits and accessories (bags, jewellery, shoes etc). All men have to do is have a shower, shave (ok, that's a bit bad), bung on one of 3(?) suits and off they go, in their comfortable flat shoes.

At the moment I do my make up on the train, which is a bit embarrassing, but still not as bad as getting up half an hour earlier.

Katy, Balham, England

I agree with Leslie, we like to think that we are not visual and don't judge people on appearance! If that were they case how come the fashion, makeup etc industries are so successful??? Food for thought!

Lastly take a look at all the CEO's of FTSE100 companies and tell me which of them looks nasty and unpresentable.

Anyone that does not agree is only burying thier heads in the sand, unfortunately I did not write the rules just abide by them. I shall definitely be wearing make up to work and looking good. it does not make me any less intelligent. I am good looking and more intelligent than a lot of my colleagues, and my progress is not because of my makeup, but because the total package of me looks and is good!

joy, Surrey,

I agree that if you dress smartly, and make yourself look presentable you appear more professional and I think that is appropriate in a business environment.

If a woman chooses to wear make-up because she feels more confident, or feels she looks more presentable with it on then that is to right choice for her.

I think it is far less about make-up itself and more about being well-presented and smart. If someone (male or female) looks scruffy or like they haven't made an effort then this will reflect badly on them and their company.

Nic, Sheff,

Make up can be like war paint, it gives you confidence. perhaps it is not directly the makeup that has been seen to cause success but the psycological conotations putting your slap on can have.

Tara, Loughborough,

This is a joke, right?
Any men out there who have slapped on some foundation for a presentation and want to tell us how it went?

Oonagh, Hong Kong,

I think we've got to take into account what incentives made Lesley Everett choose to write this book........

Perhaps Lesley is just writing this nonsense not because it is correct, but because she knows it will appeal to a lot of woman who are looking for an easy, sexy shortcut to success.

As an author, writing this kind of book will make Lesley more money than writing one about 'working hard and being talented'. Such a book wouldn't sell very well as it doesn't appeal to all those woman who watch Ally McBeal and liken themselves to Bridget Jones.

Some of the most talented and respected people i work with wear no makeup..... how do you explain that?

ian, manchester, uk

You have got to be kidding.

Sophie, newport beach, ca, us