Women with higher levels of the hormone estrogen tend to have more attractive faces. This explains why men are often subconsciously attracted to women who exhibit the best reproductive potential.
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The woman on the left has a higher estrogen level |
During puberty, estrogen levels can influence a girl’s appearance by affecting bone and skin development. However, makeup can mask these effects, allowing less attractive women to compensate for their natural shortcomings.
A team of psychologists at the Perception Lab, University of St. Andrews, photographed 59 women aged 18 to 25 and analyzed their hormone levels. They then asked 30 volunteers—15 men and 15 women—to rate the attractiveness of each face.
Both men and women rated women with the highest hormone levels as more attractive. These faces typically exhibit classic feminine features, such as larger eyes and lips, and smaller noses and jaws.
However, when these women wore makeup, no correlation was found between attractiveness and estrogen levels. The researchers believe that while cosmetics can enhance appearance, they may also conceal certain cues revealed on the face.
Lead researcher Miriam Law Smith stated: “Women effectively advertise their fertility through their faces. Makeup can improve overall appearance, but it clearly helps less attractive individuals become more appealing.”
For example, eye makeup can make the eyes appear larger, and foundation can create smoother skin.
“Our findings may explain why men globally prefer feminine faces. From an evolutionary perspective, they are drawn to women who exhibit higher fertility to bear more offspring.”
Another study indicates that women’s attractiveness also fluctuates with their menstrual cycle, peaking during the most fertile phase.
M.T. (according to BBC)
