What makes a face pretty?
What Defines a Beautiful Face? The Science and Cultural Insights
Introduction
Facial beauty has fascinated scientists, artists, and philosophers for thousands of years. While beauty is relative and dynamic between cultures and centuries, scientific research has identified several elements that underlie our experience of facial beauty. This article presents these factors in a way that honors the worldwide range of beauty standards.
Facial Symmetry: The Key to Attractiveness
Facial symmetry is consistently discovered to be a significant predictor of perceived beauty in all cultures. According to a 2016 Journal of Experimental Psychology study, individuals with more symmetrical faces are rated as more attractive than individuals who possess asymmetrical faces.
Evolutionary biologists propose that this preference could have evolved because symmetry indicates genetic well-being and developmental stability. When developing, environmental influences and genetic mutations can interrupt symmetrical development, so symmetry could be a sign of being in good health and having high-quality genes.
But true ideal symmetry is rare and can appear unnatural. Most gorgeous celebrities do not have perfect symmetries. In fact, slight imperfection will make them unique. Yes, small asymmetry may give character and uniqueness to a face.
The Golden Ratio and Facial Proportions
Perfect facial proportion dates back as far as the ancient Greeks and the mathematical proof known as the Golden Ratio (approximately 1:1.618). This ratio was used by the Renaissance artists, e.g., Leonardo da Vinci, for facial features in their attempts to achieve absolute beauty.
Current research conducted at the University of Toronto found that faces whose features are closer to the Golden Ratio are rated as more beautiful. According to this rule:
The face can be broken down into thirds: from hairline to eyebrows, eyebrows to bottom of the nose, and nose to chin
The face width at the temples must be approximately 1.618 times face width at the jawline
The eyes should be one eye's width apart
While these proportions can influence ideas of beauty, they are patterns, not absolute rules. Different cultures have created unique standards of facial proportions that fit their art heritage.
Facial Features and Their Impacts
Research in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science indicates that some facial features greatly influence attractiveness ratings:
Eyes
Larger eyes in relation to face size are perceived as more attractive, particularly in women. This may be due to the fact that pupils dilate when interested or attracted, and therefore larger eyes may subconsciously express interest and attention.
Lips
Thicker lips, especially in women, are typically associated with youth and fertility. A study at the University of Louisville found that lip fullness was associated with higher attractiveness ratings, though optimal lip ratios vary across cultures.
Nose
The nose should ideally be proportionate to other facial structures. While smaller, straight noses have been the standard in Western beauty for centuries, other nasal forms are idealized in cultures worldwide.
Cheekbones and Jawline
A chiseled jaw and cheekbones are associated with good looks in both males and females but in various ways. Males' more dominant jaw is mostly preferred in comparison to a more feminine one. Women's attractiveness is most often associated with smooth jawlines and more distinct cheekbones.
Facial beauty is determined by the overall skin health, and not by skin color. Smooth, clear, even-textured, blemish-free skin that suggests good health and youthfulness is likely to be regarded as more beautiful across cultures.
According to a study published in the Journal of Comparative Psychology, luminosity (reflectance of light) and homogeneity of skin (homogeneity of color of skin) are critical variables in judgments of beauty. That is why the majority of cosmetics try to create the appearance of smooth, radiant skin.
While some skin colors have been favored over others in some cultures throughout history, these are more a product of social, historical, and economic conditions than any superior aesthetic. Beauty standards accepting diverse skin colors continue to evolve around the world.
Expressiveness and Animation
Beyond static features, facial animation has a significant impact on perceived attractiveness. In accordance with a 2018 Journal of Nonverbal Behavior study, active facial movements, particularly natural smiles, maximize attractiveness ratings by up to 50%.
Features that comprise an expressive face are:
- A natural, symmetrical smile capacity
- Active, emotional eyes
- Mobile brows that help express feeling
- Facial animation that is spontaneous rather than exaggerated
These changing factors are the reasons a person can be more beautiful in person than in photographs.
Cultural Variation in Beauty Standards
Beauty standards are not fixed but vary extensively between cultures and period. What is lovely in one culture is not valued in another.
For example:
In some parts of East Asia, V-shaped chinlines and small faces are particularly valued
In many societies in Africa, more rounded bodies and specific scarification patterns are traditional markers of beauty
Throughout history, looks like pale or sun-kissed skin have come and gone in popularity based on their alignment with social class
Modern beauty ideals continue to evolve as globalization brings diverse cultural ideals into contact with each other, creating increasingly varied constructions of beauty
The Psychology of Attraction
Psychological factors are significant determinants of facial beauty, too. Research at the University of Aberdeen concluded that we prefer faces more when they:
- Bear a resemblance to people we appreciate and enjoy being around
- Aren't a stranger to our face or unusual
- Display indication of good mood towards us
- Possess those features which determine good character
This explanation for why faces tend to be so unique and for how beauty truly is "in the eye of the beholder" in fact.
Conclusion
While some aspects and proportions are commonly to be found as more attractive throughout populations, beauty is culturally established, multidimensional, and changing. The biology of facial beauty suggests some inherent basis to our preferences, but these are powerfully conditioned by experience, culture, and individual variation.
Understanding the above can help in appreciating diversity in beauty across cultures and understanding that physical beauty is but one aspect of overall appeal, such as expression, animation, and reflection of inner goodness.
References
This article consolidates findings of research articles that have been published in peer-reviewed journals like the Journal of Experimental Psychology, International Journal of Cosmetic Science, Journal of Comparative Psychology, and Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, among others.
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