Universal and Timeless Judgements of Attractiveness

Is beauty truly "in the eyes of the beholder?" To some extent, this feel-good cliché is accurate regarding the nurture aspect of aesthetic appreciation. Nature, however, provides us with a universal idea of what is pleasing to look at (afterall, the descriptive word "beautiful" is simply defined by the phrase "nice to look at"). Evolutionary psychologists study traits that support a universal link in human (and animal) preferences in beauty for reproductive purposes.

Referring to faces, both men and women look for signs of sexual maturity in their mate. A woman who is considered attractive is one with clear skin, prominent cheekbones, and full lips; these are all indicators of high estrogen levels and, therefore, reproductive strength. An "attractive" man has an angular, strong jaw-line and an overall chiseled appearance. As with women, these features are signs of reproductive power (high testosterone). One of the most important and interesting traits considered by all cultures is lateral facial symmetry. Facial symmetry leads to a sort-of subliminal admiration. Evidence of this appreciated quality is seen in movie stars. Denzel Washington and Elizabeth Taylor are two stars whose faces have been measured and deemed to be two of the most impeccably symmetrical faces in movie-star history. Individuals with these facial characteristics are often referred to as "classic beauties;" regardless of what may be the trend of an era, they will always be nice to look at.

Body shape is also an important quality looked at by both males and females. The preferred waist-to-hip ratio for women is around .7 and for men, .9. Anything above these ratios is a sign of bad cardiovascular health. This trait is more highly regarded in women than men. Overall body shape does not matter so much as this proportional ratio. For example, Marilyn Monroe and Kate Moss both have the same ideal waist to hip ratio; most people would consider Monroe to be shapely and Moss to be fragile and petite in appearance, but when each is presented, side by side, in a bathing-suit, they are considered by men to be equally attractive. Today's ideal overall body type is quite skewed; this is for reasons other than reproductive processes. Women are starving themselves and men are "pumping up" because of competition within the sexes, rather than for attracting the opposite sex. Throughout each generation's differing ideas of the "perfect body," the waste-to-hip ratio will always remain a constant indicator of reproductive strength and health.

Nature provides us with these templates for deciding what is attractive; nurture, however, is what really counts in finding a permanent mate. Personality traits are what amplify or mute natural beauty: humor, intelligence, determination, power, success, confidence-these are qualities that are judged to be beautiful (or disgusting) in the eyes of the beholder. It is the expression, rather than the structure of the body and face that truly tempt us to approach and pursue that special someone.