The allure of classic Hollywood glamour appears to persist, with a new generation of actresses drawing comparisons to iconic stars from previous eras. Contemporary performers are frequently noted for possessing facial features and aesthetic qualities that echo those of established A-listers, creating a sense of familiar beauty.
One such emerging talent, 24-year-old Ella Rubin, who gained prominence for her role in the Amazon Prime series "Sterling Point," has drawn immediate comparisons to Julia Roberts. Rubin's thick chestnut curls and wide smile are seen as reminiscent of Roberts in the 1990s, leading some to dub her a doppelganger of the "Pretty Woman" star. Rubin has also been likened to another 2000s icon, Anne Hathaway.
These comparisons extend to other rising actresses. Zendaya's deep-set eyes and dark, sculpted waves are seen as evoking the 1990s glamour of Catherine Zeta-Jones. Meanwhile, Isla Fisher's auburn hair is reminiscent of 1960s star Ann-Margret.
Further examples include Carey Mulligan, whose delicate features and blonde hair are often compared to 1950s actress Sandra Dee, and Jennifer Lawrence, who shares a resemblance with a young Helen Mirren. Lily Collins is also noted for her striking similarity to Audrey Hepburn, an resemblance that will be further highlighted in an upcoming biopic where Collins is set to portray the legendary actress.
According to Sana Khan, an aesthetics and skin specialist, these recurring similarities are not coincidental. Khan explains that the human brain is naturally inclined to recognize familiar facial patterns. "We do not always study the entire face. We may recognise a particular smile, the placement of the eyebrows, expressive eyes or the way the cheekbones or structured jawlines frame the face," she told the Daily Mail.
This psychological tendency means that audiences often seek out and identify resemblances, connecting new faces with those they already know. Familiarity, Khan notes, allows for an instant connection even as trends in hair, makeup, and styling evolve. "Familiarity allows us to instantly connect a new face with someone we already know, even if hair, brows and makeup application trends change over time," Khan stated.
Khan further elaborated that factors such as hairstyles that accentuate features like eyebrows and cheekbones, as well as makeup, lighting, and expression, can strengthen these perceived resemblances. Conversely, different hairstyles or makeup choices can alter the perception of similarity.
Ultimately, Khan suggests that while specific trends may shift, timeless beauty in Hollywood is characterized by balance, facial harmony, and distinctiveness. "There is no single Hollywood beauty blueprint. What remains timeless is balance, facial harmony and individuality. It’s not about one particular perfect feature but the symmetry between the eyes, nose and lips that can raise familiarity," she concluded. "We remember these women not because their faces are perfect, but because they are distinctive."