Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say. We humans have a tendency to judge one another based on our physical features, but why? It turns out, there is a science behind our preferences in physical beauty. In this article, we will take a closer look at the research behind what people find attractive. So, let’s dive into the fascinating study of beauty to understand what we find attractive.

1. The Power of Attraction: Examining What We Find Alluring

People have often wondered why others seem to be more attractive than they are. Is there some kind of power that draws certain people together? It turns out, there is, and it’s called the power of attraction.

Little do most of us realize, attraction is actually a powerful force that can shape our thoughts, decisions and actions. What we find alluring can be influenced by our experiences, beliefs and values. To some, a person’s physical attractiveness is what appeals most. To another, inner beauty and kindness may be equally important.

• Physical attraction
• Inner qualities
• Personality traits
• Sense of humour
• Intelligence
• Factory of wealth or success

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to what we find alluring, but some of the most common factors include:

These are just some of the attributes that can draw us in, however, with every unique individual, these attractions vary. What matters most is that we take the time to explore our understanding of why someone may be more attractive to us than another, in order to get a better insight into ourselves and the world around us.

2. Defining Beauty: What Makes Something Attractive?

When it comes to beauty and attractiveness, there is no one-size-fits-all definition. To some, beauty may be found in the delicate curves of a person’s face, while others may appreciate the strength of an athlete’s body. Even within a given culture, different individuals will have their own ideas on what is aesthetically pleasing.

For example, some people may find a particular feature attractive while others may not. Additionally, the idea of beauty can vary across different ages, cultures, and backgrounds. For instance, what is considered attractive in one culture may not be attractive in another. Ultimately, everyone will have a different opinion on what they find attractive and this is often based on our own experiences, values, and cultural heritage.

• Symmetry – symmetrical facial features, such as eyes and ears that are perfectly centered and balanced, can be seen as attractive
• Healthy Appearance – features including flawless skin, thick hair, and good muscle tone are often associated with good health, which is attractive
• Confidence – exhibiting confidence and a positive attitude may also play a part in perceived attractiveness
• Personality – some may find a person’s charisma and personality to be the biggest factor in determining their physical beauty

3. The Role of Physical Appearance in Attraction

When it comes to attraction, physical appearance plays a very important role. It’s no surprise that many people make connections based on physical characteristics. Our brain is hardwired to make evaluations quickly, and physical appearance plays an important role in that.

When it comes to attraction, first impressions count. Our brains are designed to respond to aesthetically pleasing cues, like a toned body, symmetrical face, or enviable hair. This can lead us to form relationships with people who have similar physical characteristics to ourselves. Additionally, we tend to be drawn to those people who stand out – the ones with a rare beauty, precisely defined features, or an eye-catching fashion sense.

• Physical features can influence a person’s attractiveness
• Physical appearance can have a significant impact on our first impressions
• We tend to be attracted to people who share similar physical characteristics or those who stand out

4. Exploring the Psychology Behind What We Find Beautiful

What is beauty? Studies in psychology have explored this timeless debate, often to identify characteristics objectively attractive to the human brain.

• Symmetry and proportions have shown to be closely linked with ‘beauty’, with the areas of face and body composition forefront of focus.
• Cuteness, perceived through shapes such as circular eyes, small noses and chubby cheeks, is another concept.

Our brains seem to be hard-wired to respond to certain earthly visuals, particularly colors and shapes, which can be seen in things like flowers, untouched sceneries, and animals. Many retail brands design their logos and products to exploit the natural appeal of symmetry, colors, and shapes in a bid to entice people to buy their goods. It appears that there is an intrinsic force in the subconscious guiding people to ‘beauty’, with its influence far more pervasive than first believed.

Undeniably, the definition of beauty changes from one person to the next, but we think that every interpretation of beauty – no matter how diverse – should be celebrated and encouraged. Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but we can all agree that understanding what it means to us is key. A deeper understanding of beauty and attractiveness can help us to become more accepting of ourselves and each other and to recognize the innate beauty that exists in all of us. Now that we’ve explored the topic together, perhaps it’s time to embrace beauty in all its forms, so we can all enjoy the beauty that lies within.