
The Science of Beauty
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What is Beauty?
We all know it when we see someone regarded as ‘beautiful’. But what is it that makes them so attractive?
The Science of Facial Attractiveness
Studies across different cultures confirm that women are seen as beautiful if they have smooth skin, big eyes, and plump lips – features which are at their best in your early twenties when fertility is at its highest. Scientists believe that this combination of characteristics has evolved over time to ensure the continuation of our species.
The Central Facial Triangle
Aesthetics experts speak of the eyes and lips as making up the ‘central facial triangle’, where we focus our attention when looking at someone’s face. From before the time of Cleopatra, women have instinctively known about this and used makeup to accentuate their best features.
Creating Facial Balance and Beauty
To create facial balance, it is important to establish harmony between the nose, the chin, and the cheek eminences. Beauty is associated with a regularity of the facial features where:
- High cheekbones are universally desirable.
- Emphasis on the eyes and cheekbones directs attention towards the eyes.
- Accentuation of the midface decreases the significance of the nose and the chin.
- Enhancement of the mandible and midface lessens the magnitude of the nose.
In conclusion, the science of beauty reveals that while certain patterns and features may be universally appreciated, true beauty is deeply individualised. Influenced by genetics, culture, personal experiences, and psychological perception, what one person finds beautiful may differ entirely from another. Modern research continues to uncover just how subjective and multifaceted beauty really is—highlighting that it's not a fixed standard but a complex interplay of biology, emotion, and identity. Embracing this individuality not only deepens our understanding of beauty but also empowers us to appreciate the uniqueness in ourselves and others