KEY POINTS:
Our down-to-earth Prime Minister should not underestimate the pulling power (that's vote pulling) of makeup.
Auckland appearance adviser and reality TV star Jackie O'Fee said Helen Clark and John Key scrubbed up well with professional help.
In last week's leaders' debate, under TV lights, Clark looked like her billboard self with professionally applied war paint and a white suit that "softened" her look in an endearing way.
While preening in front of the mirror was perhaps not a favourite activity of the practical Prime Minister, O'Fee said she had to realise appearance was important when it came to the critical eye of voters.
"We are so visual... she can look a bit of a wreck sometimes. "If you present yourself really well, people listen to what you are actually saying."
Key could do with a "more powerful" or darker suit, with stronger contrast between jacket, suit and tie. "He looks a bit like a grown-up schoolboy," O'Fee said.
Unfortunately for Clark, her suggestion that Key might shout at his family undermined much of the hard work around her softer look. Dr Claire Robinson, a Massey University PR specialist, said the attack had looked petty.
By accusing Key of losing his temper, Clark looked like she was throwing a tantrum all of her own.
