Beautiful Facts About Human Attraction

September 29, 2017 | Anthony Rodriguez

Beautiful Facts About Human Attraction


As the old saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What one person finds attractive, another finds the opposite. While some attractive features are nearly universal such as facial symmetry and healthy appearances, others vary by culture such as skin tone and body shape. However, the one truly unifying component of human attraction is the underlying biology that directly dictates why we find certain traits attractive and others a turn off.

Human attraction is influenced by the subconscious biological desire to reproduce. And since reproduction is such a difficult and lengthy process, we often look for the highest quality mate. Nearly every feature that we find attractive is a subtle indicator of the quality of a potential mate, especially their health and fertility. Below are 47 facts about human attraction.


Human Attraction Facts

47. Symmetry

Scientific studies have shown that one of the most attractive features to humans is symmetry, especially in facial features. Most celebrities that are widely considered extremely attractive have nearly perfectly symmetrical faces.

Human Attraction factsShutterstock

46. Oxytocin

During intimate times such as kissing or making love, the body releases a chemical called Oxytocin, which is also known as the love drug. The chemical helps people to feel closeness with each other and aids in bonding.

Real Life Experiences Didn’t Live Up to Disney Movies factsPixabay

45. Darwin is so beautiful right now!

Charles Darwin stated that there is universal drive to become as beautiful and attractive as possible. He said that animals will strive to be attractive even when experiencing “wonderfully great suffering”.

Human Attraction factsPixabay

44. Beauty bias

Studies show that many high-paying and high-level positions are held by attractive people. Hiring managers often have a preference for the more attractive employee when giving promotions to their employees.

Human Attraction factsPixabay

43. But politics are so ugly though!

Research shows that the more attractive politician often receives a greater amount of media coverage than their less attractive counterpart does.

Human Attraction factsShutterstock

42. The media and self esteem

Research shows that the media greatly influences a person’s self-esteem when it comes to their own bodies and appearances. When shown people with ideal body types of the same gender, people often report lower satisfaction with their own self-image.

Human Attraction factsPixabay

41. Nice genes, where did you get them?

Physical attraction is linked to good genes. The more attractive a person is, the better their genes are perceived to be. The reasoning is deeply rooted in our biology. Males often prefer the most attractive female as it signals good health and fertility. However, since the task of reproduction falls almost entirely on the female, women generally are pickier when it comes to choosing a mate. Females often prefer a mate with the most attractive features as it signals that he will provide the best genes to their offspring. Interestingly, scientists have not found a direct correlation between physical attractiveness and the quality of genes.

Human Attraction quizPixabay

40. Wait, what is that called?

The theory as to why a woman desires an attractive mate is rooted in the belief that an attractive mate will yield and attractive son that will then be able to better find a mate to pass on the mother’s genes to his children. This theory is called the Sexy Son Theory. Yeah, you read that right.

Human Attraction factsGetty Images

39. Oedipus Syndrome

Studies show that people are more likely to be attracted to people resembling their parents, especially when it comes to age. The older their parents were at the time of their birth, the more likely they find older faces to be attractive.

Human Attraction factsShutterstock

38. Overlooked, not unseen

Limbal rings, or the dark outlines around a person’s iris, are a feature that often goes unnoticed but are subconsciously perceived to be attractive. Limbal rings fade with age, therefore the darker the rings the more youthful the person. Since youth is associated with health and vigor, limbal rings are a sign that a person is a better mate.

Human Attraction quizPixabay

37. Risky

The more attractive someone finds a sexual partner, the more likely they will be to be okay with forgoing contraceptives or taking precautionary steps to have safe sex. Yikes!

Human Attraction factsPixabay

36. Hormones

Our hormones greatly influence whom we are attracted to and so anything that alters the body’s hormones, can change someone’s attraction. Since birth control pills and injections literally changes a woman’s hormones, it can also change whom the woman finds to be attractive.

Human Attraction quizShutterstock

35. Maybe AXE was onto something...

Remember back in middle school when AXE body spray claimed it contained pheromones that would make women attracted to you? Well, as it turns out, fresh male sweat contains a chemical called Androstenol, a type of pheromone that truly attracts women to men. Just in case you were wondering, pheromones are chemicals that a person unconsciously emits that can cause a change in behavior in other people around them. Turns out, AXE body spray actually does contain pheromones. Good to know!

Human Attraction factsPixabay

34. Mood killer

Studies show that the scent of tears can cause a decrease in sexual arousal in men.

Human Attraction quizShutterstock

33. The sexiest color goes to...

Studies have shown that the color red is the most attractive color for both men and women. The color red is often unconsciously associated higher status. Since people often want to choose a higher-status mate, a person wearing the color red can artificially give the impression of superior status, and thus appear more attractive to potential mates.

Human Attraction factsPixabay

32. Mirror image?

Research suggests that people are often attracted to other people that resemble themselves, be it similar facial features, hair color, fashion style etc. This is due to the unconscious belief that the more the other person resemble our self, the more trustworthy we find that person. What about my evil twin though?

Human Attraction factsPixabay

31. Smile or not to smile, that is the question!

Studies have shown that women are perceived by men to be more attractive when they smile. Conversely, men who smile less often are perceived by women to be more attractive than men who smile more often.

Human Attraction factsPixabay

30. Minnie mouse!

Women often speak in higher-pitched tones when speaking with a person they find to be attractive.

Human Attraction factsPixabay

29. On your left!

According to an MIT study, emotional words and phrases such as “I love you”, have a significantly stronger response when whispered into the left ear as opposed to the right.

Human Attraction factsPixabay

28. Superficial

Online polls have shown that when looking for potential dates, men are often most concerned about the weight of woman while women are most concerned about the height of a man. The poll revealed that women 20 lbs. overweight and men that were over an inch under the average, experienced a difficult time finding dates.

Human Attraction quizPixabay

27.  Ideal Body Types

Studies have shown that both heterosexual men and women prefer particular body types of the opposite gender. Women often prefer men with a hunter’s physique; broad shoulders, a wide chest and a narrow waist. While men often prefer women with an hourglass figure; large breasts, narrow waist, wide hips and a large bottom which they subconsciously perceive to correlate with an increased reproductive ability.

Human Attraction quizPixabay

26. Breasts

Humans are the only mammals that have permanently swollen breasts outside of lactation. Why you ask? One of the reasons is that breasts are sexually appealing, obviously, but the reason they are appealing is not so apparent. Swollen breasts subconsciously indicate to males the female’s ability to produce an ample milk supply for potential offspring. Wanting the best nutrition for their eventual children, males are often more attracted to females with larger breasts. However, studies have shown no correlation between breast sizes and the quantity or quality of milk that they may produce. Scientists have concluded that the purpose human female’s permanently swollen breasts are for sexual attraction.

Human Attraction factsPixabay

25. The Advantages Of Being Average

According to evolutionary biologists, being an average-looking person may actually be beneficial. The reason is that average- looking people often have a much more diverse set of genes, and therefore have better reproductive health.

Metallica factsGetty Images

I guess he's not very diverse

24. Setting the mood

Studies show that “chill-inducing” music can arouse a person more than the touch of their partner. The reason being that music that causes the listener to have chills, releases small amounts of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that is released during times of happiness and fulfillment (i.e. while eating or having sex).The amount of dopamine released while listening to “chill inducing” music has been measured at higher concentrations than when being touched by a partner.

Human Attraction quizPixabay

23. Beards are sexy!

Studies have shown women perceive bearded men as more attractive, more responsible, and potentially better parents. Time to throw away those razors!

Human Attraction factsPixabay

22. What a beautiful world!

Research suggests that beauty standards and attractive qualities are often regional and dependent on cultural norms. However, some beauty standards are cross-cultural and international. Generally, beauty standards shift over time and change as cultures mix across geographic boundaries. Beauty standards range from every skin tone, eye color, hair color, size of body, and facial features. Odds are you are one of the most attractive people in the world to someone!

Human Attraction factsShutterstock

21. Beauty fades over time

Our faces change as we get older. That’s obvious. However, that also means that a person’s attractiveness also changes over time. This is due to skin aging and wrinkling, the continued growth of our noses and ears, and the loss of bone density in our skulls as we age. This results in continual changes in appearance that can dramatically impact a person’s appeal to others, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse.

Real Life Experiences Didn’t Live Up to Disney Movies factsShutterstock

20. Age is nothing but a number. Or is it?

In heterosexual couples, studies have shown that men often prefer younger-looking women, while women often prefer older looking men. Scientist suggests that the reasoning due to men perceiving younger women as being more fertile, while women view older men as being more responsible and more capable of providing care for them and their potential offspring.

Human Attraction factsPixabay

19. Mixed priorities

Every year, Americans spend more on beauty care products than they do on education… Wow.

Human Attraction factsShutterstock

18. Competition

People often perceive others to be more attractive when they see other people looking and or smiling at them.

Human Attraction factsPixabay

17. Unfair

Research has shown that mothers tend to devote more attention and give disproportionate affection to their most attractive child.

Human Attraction quizPixabay

16. Oh baby!

Studies show that nurses tend to spend more time with attractive and healthy babies than they do with unattractive or ill ones.

Human Attraction factsShutterstock

15. The ugly truth

Research has shown that while in court, attractive defendants are found to be innocent more often than unattractive defendants are. Additionally, when attractive people are convicted of crimes, they often receive less harsh punishment than unattractive people do.

Favorite Childhood Christmas Movies factsPxHere

14. Pot-belly, more like not-belly!

Studies have shown that heterosexual women are generally less attracted to men with a large belly. Research suggests that men with ample belly fat typically have decreased testosterone levels, which signals a lowered sex drive and decreased fertility.

Human Attraction factsShutterstock

13. Who would’ve thought!

Studies found that heterosexual men find the mixture of lavender and pumpkin as an attractive scent on females. While heterosexual women find a mixture of cucumbers and licorice to be attractive scent on males.

Human Attraction factsPixabay

12. Mirroring behavior

Studies have found that when people are attracted to each other, they will often mirror each other’s movements and body positioning when speaking or being in close proximity to each other.

Human Attraction factsPixabay

11. Inequalities in education

Teachers have been shown to favor students that are more attractive over their less attractive pupils, often giving them preferential treatment, which in turn allows them to perform better in school.

Infuriating Parents factsPixabay

10. Makeup

Why do people wear makeup? Well, obviously it makes them look better and appear more attractive. However, there are underlying reasons that are not that obvious. Many of the most classic makeup styles mimic natural indicators of health and arousal. For example, red lipstick mimics and enhances the natural red hue of a healthy person’s lips. Blush indicates youthfulness and simulates the natural blushing that occurs during arousal. Foundation covers up any imperfection such as blemishes, dark eye bags and a acne scars that may indicate poor health. Lastly, eyeliner and mascara enhance the whiteness of eyes to make them appear healthier and more youthful.

Human Attraction factsPixabay

9. Money and resources

Studies show that women often find a person’s wealth more important than their physical appearances, while men generally care more about their partner’s appearance than their income. The reasoning is likely based in biology. Men are generally attracted to more youthful looking women as it signals health and fertility, meaning more potential offspring. While women are often more attracted to a person that will be able to provide for them and their offspring. Since wealth is an indicator for the ability obtain resources, women often prefer a wealthier partner than an attractive one.

Human Attraction quizShutterstock

8. Labiaplasty

Recently, many women have chosen to go under the knife to enhance the appearance of their vaginas by cosmetically altering their labia’s (the fleshy outer layer covering the vaginal opening). Many feel that the elective surgery improves the overall attractiveness of their genitals.

Angriest ever factsShutterstock

7. Looks can be deceiving

Studies show that attractive women often have a difficult time obtaining jobs associated with masculine qualities, such a hard labor. Research shows that less attractive women, and women with masculine features, are preferred for those positions instead.

Human Attraction factsShutterstock

6. Make the first move.

People that make the first move often appear more attractive to a potential partner and often feel more attracted to their prospective partner.

Human Attraction factsPixabay

5. Adrenaline!

Research shows that people often find others more attractive when experiencing an adrenaline rush. Guess I’m off the Six Flags!

Human Attraction factsPixabay

4. Beer goggles

People under the influence of alcohol often find others more attractive, as drunk people often do not notice small details about people that they may normally find to be unattractive.

Human Attraction factsPixabay

3. Hunk or nice guy?

Studies show that women are often attracted to more masculine-looking men during ovulation. However, at other times of the month they may find less-masculine men to be more attractive. This is largely due to the subconscious association with masculine-looking men having higher testosterone levels and therefore being more fertile.

Ryan Gosling factsGetty Images

2. So mysterious…

It is scientifically proven that a woman will find a man sexier if he wears a pair of sunglasses. This is because sunglasses make your face appear more symmetrical and can make you appear mysterious. Both of which can increased your perceived attractiveness.

Human Attraction factsShutterstock

1. How can you tell if a person is attracted to you?

Although there are no 100% accurate telltale signs that someone is attracted to you, there are many subtle behaviours that have been linked to someone showing attraction including:

Raising their eyebrows when they first look at you.

Parting their lips while you make eye contact.

Smoothing or fidgeting with their clothing while talking to you.

Grooming one’s hair, either fixing it or messing it up.

Letting you see them “check out” your body.

Standing with their hands on their hips (more common with men) as it makes them appear larger.

Flexing, or standing in a position that shows off the best features of one’s body.

While sitting opposite from you, the person (especially true for men) will spread their legs open.

While standing, leaning in when talking with you or sitting on the edge of their seat to lean in closer.

Soft touches to your elbows, forearms, and occasionally the small of the back.

If drinking, taking frequent sips of their beverage, or if smoking taking more frequent puffs from their cigarette.

Touching their face frequently during conversation.

Stupidest Things to Impress Crush factsPixabay

 

Sources:  1  2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  11 12 13  14 15  16  17


More from Factinate

Featured Article

My mom never told me how her best friend died. Years later, I was using her phone when I made an utterly chilling discovery.

Dark Family Secrets

Dark Family Secrets Exposed

Nothing stays hidden forever—and these dark family secrets are proof that when the truth comes out, it can range from devastating to utterly chilling.
April 8, 2020 Samantha Henman

Featured Article

Madame de Pompadour was the alluring chief mistress of King Louis XV, but few people know her dark history—or the chilling secret shared by her and Louis.

Madame de Pompadour Facts

Entrancing Facts About Madame de Pompadour, France's Most Powerful Mistress

Madame de Pompadour was the alluring chief mistress of King Louis XV, but few people know her dark history—or the chilling secret shared by her and Louis.
December 7, 2018 Kyle Climans

More from Factinate

Featured Article

I tried to get my ex-wife served with divorce papers. I knew that she was going to take it badly, but I had no idea about the insane lengths she would go to just to get revenge and mess with my life.

These People Got Genius Revenges

When someone really pushes our buttons, we'd like to think that we'd hold our head high and turn the other cheek, but revenge is so, so sweet.
April 22, 2020 Scott Mazza

Featured Article

Catherine of Aragon is now infamous as King Henry VIII’s rejected queen—but few people know her even darker history.

Catherine of Aragon Facts

Tragic Facts About Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s First Wife

Catherine of Aragon is now infamous as King Henry VIII’s rejected queen—but very few people know her even darker history.
June 7, 2018 Christine Tran



Dear reader,


Want to tell us to write facts on a topic? We’re always looking for your input! Please reach out to us to let us know what you’re interested in reading. Your suggestions can be as general or specific as you like, from “Life” to “Compact Cars and Trucks” to “A Subspecies of Capybara Called Hydrochoerus Isthmius.” We’ll get our writers on it because we want to create articles on the topics you’re interested in. Please submit feedback to contribute@factinate.com. Thanks for your time!


Do you question the accuracy of a fact you just read? At Factinate, we’re dedicated to getting things right. Our credibility is the turbo-charged engine of our success. We want our readers to trust us. Our editors are instructed to fact check thoroughly, including finding at least three references for each fact. However, despite our best efforts, we sometimes miss the mark. When we do, we depend on our loyal, helpful readers to point out how we can do better. Please let us know if a fact we’ve published is inaccurate (or even if you just suspect it’s inaccurate) by reaching out to us at contribute@factinate.com. Thanks for your help!


Warmest regards,



The Factinate team




Want to learn something new every day?

Join thousands of others and start your morning with our Fact Of The Day newsletter.

Thank you!

Error, please try again.