For years, society has held a specific standard for beauty – whether it be through magazines, billboards, or social media. However, recent research has revealed some unexpected truths about beauty.

Here are ten astonishing discoveries from this research.

Beauty is Defined by Symmetry

One of the most interesting findings of this research is that beauty is largely defined by symmetry.

When humans look at faces, they tend to prefer faces that have more symmetry – meaning that the left half of the face matches the right half of the face. This preference for symmetry can be attributed to the belief that symmetry is a sign of good genes and, therefore, health.

Beauty is Cultural

While there is a certain amount of universality when it comes to what humans find beautiful (symmetry being one example), a lot of beauty is actually cultural. Different cultures hold different standards of beauty.

For example, in some African cultures, having a fuller figure is considered beautiful while in Western cultures, slimness is often preferred.

Beauty is Perceived Differently by Different Genders

Research has found that men and women perceive beauty differently. Women tend to find a wider range of body types and facial features attractive than men do.

Men tend to prioritize youthfulness and physical appearance when considering beauty while women are more likely to consider personality traits.

Attractiveness Affects Perception of Talent and Intelligence

Research has shown that attractive people are often perceived as more talented and intelligent than less attractive people.

This perception can be attributed to the halo effect – the tendency to assume that if a person is good-looking, they must be good at everything else too.

Beauty is Linked to Happiness

Multiple studies have shown that there is a correlation between beauty and happiness. People who perceive themselves as beautiful or who are viewed as beautiful by others often experience higher levels of happiness and confidence.

It is important to note, however, that this correlation does not imply causation – beauty does not automatically equal happiness, but there is a correlation between the two.

Facial Symmetry can Indicate Health

As previously mentioned, facial symmetry can indicate good genes and overall health.

In fact, research has found that facial symmetry can predict a variety of health outcomes – from how quickly a person heals from wounds to how susceptible they are to diseases.

Beauty Matters in the Workplace

While it may not be fair, research has found that physical appearance can have an impact on a person’s success in the workplace. Attractive people are more likely to be hired for jobs, get promoted, and earn a higher salary.

It is important to note that this bias towards “better-looking” individuals is often unconscious and unintentional.

Beauty is a Matter of Perception

Another fascinating finding from this research is that beauty is largely a matter of perception.

One study found that when two individuals had relatively similar levels of physical attractiveness, but one was in a positive emotional state and the other was in a negative emotional state, people were more likely to perceive the happy person as being more attractive. This suggests that a person’s overall demeanor can affect how attractive they appear to others.

Beauty is Linked to Longevity

Studies have shown that people who are perceived as more attractive tend to live longer than those who are not.

While the exact reason for this correlation is not yet known, it could be attributed to the fact that more attractive individuals are often healthier and have higher self-esteem, which can lead to a longer lifespan.

Beauty Standards are Changing

Finally, research has shown that beauty standards are not set in stone – they are constantly evolving. Over time, what society considers to be beautiful has changed.

For example, in the past, having fuller figures was considered attractive, whereas today, slimness is more often preferred. This is likely due to changes in cultural and societal values.

Conclusion

The research surrounding beauty is broad and complex, but these ten findings shed some light on how beauty is perceived and defined.

From the way that facial symmetry indicates health to the fact that beauty standards are constantly changing, these discoveries reveal that beauty is more than just skin deep.