While beauty is often considered subjective, scientific research indicates that specific facial features are widely perceived as attractive. A study utilizing 3D scans and independent raters has identified common characteristics associated with higher attractiveness ratings in both men and women.
Researchers captured 3D scans of over 600 young adults' faces, analyzing facial geometry using digital landmarks. Six independent raters then scored these faces for attractiveness. The analysis revealed that highly rated female faces tended to be slightly narrower with less fullness in the cheek area. They also featured a narrower nose with a more protruding tip and fuller lips. This combination of sharper contours, with the exception of a fuller upper lip, was linked to increased attractiveness.
For men, the link between facial shape and attractiveness was less definitive, but attractive male faces generally exhibited an angular and well-defined structure, along with a stronger chin. Prominent brow areas and defined jawlines were also noted.
These findings suggest that certain facial shapes significantly influence perceived attractiveness, a factor that plays a role in various aspects of human interaction, from first impressions to professional and romantic relationships.
Celebrities such as Margot Robbie and Elsa Hosk are cited as examples of women whose features align with the study's findings for female attractiveness, while David Gandy and Henry Cavill are noted for embodying the traits found to be attractive in men.
The study's authors, Georgios Kanavakis and colleagues from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, noted that attractiveness is rarely defined by a single perfect feature but rather a subtle combination of complementary traits. The research, published in Progress in Orthodontics, could inform professionals in cosmetic facial procedures.
Previous research has also indicated that women are generally perceived as more attractive than men, a perception that is stronger among female raters. One analysis suggested that this may be because masculine faces can sometimes signify aggression and dishonesty. This earlier study, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, found that the average female face scored higher than approximately 64 percent of male faces across different ages and cultures.