Emma Myers

What makes a shorter chin more attractive than a longer one?

A study at School of Psychology, University of St Andrews, UK by Perrett found that “very attractive female faces have more feminine features (a smaller chin and higher cheekbones)”.

The scientific paper by Thayer et al showed that males typically have “larger and more projecting lateral tubercles at the base of the chin” and this longer and broader chin phenotype is used to help us discern males from females.It should come as no surprise then, that females with longer chins are typically rated as less attractive, as this is more fitting with the attractive male face shape.

When men were asked to rate the attractiveness of women in a study (Cunningham et al 1986), an interesting observation developed: they preferred baby - like features.A small chin, a small nose and big eyes were not only preferred, but dictated the men’s likelihood to date, help and be sexually attracted to these women.The study quotes “Smaller chins were found to be desirable for women”.

Valenzano et al(2006) show that, Sexual differences in the female during their foetal development usually result in “horizontal reduction of the chin, [and] forward movement of the gonion(jaw angle)”. This aesthetic change in the developing female’s chin, helps create an ‘attractive shape’.

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Why is a larger Bi-temporal width in comparison with Bi-Zygomatic width attractive?

Bitemporal width is measured from the most lateral points on each side of the forehead, while bi-zygomatic width is defined as the distance between the most laterally positioned points on the zygomatic arches. A larger bi-temporal width in comparison to bi-zygomatic width is considered attractive among females. According to a study, an unattractive face often features a round lower face, stretched chin region, and compressed eye and eyebrow regions. It was also found that a high amount of facial fat is often associated with a high body fat proportion, making the average masculine body shape with greater muscle mass more attractive to women, while a high body fat proportion is deemed least attractive. Attractive facial shapes are longer and more dolichocephalic, featuring a narrower lower jaw and a wider, fuller lower lip. Additionally, another study found that faces with shorter width are perceived as more trustworthy. Thus, a larger bi-temporal width compared to bi-zygomatic width contributes to attractiveness, trustworthiness, and the perception of a healthier body shape among females.

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Why a larger upper height is more attractive than a smaller one?

Fuller lips are considered attractive in women, playing a vital role in facial symmetry and aesthetics. A study found that a larger upper lip height relative to the lower lip’s height (with a 1:1.6 ratio) is particularly appealing, especially among young Caucasians. Full lips are associated with youth, femininity, and strong mating potential. Another study from the University of Michigan’s School of Dentistry discovered that the thickness of the upper lip is an essential factor in creating a pleasant smile. Additionally, the thickness of the upper lip is significantly related to the position of the maxillary central incisor. Some suggested that as people age, collagen production declines leading to thinner and flatter lips. These findings suggest that a more prominent upper lip height contributes to overall facial attractiveness and appeal.

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Why is a larger ratio of Mouth Width to Nose Width attractive?

Studies suggest that the ratio between mouth width and nose width plays a significant role in determining a person's perceived attractiveness. Specifically, research such as the study titled 'Differences in horizontal, neoclassical facial canons in Chinese(Han) and North American Caucasian populations' has shed light on the ideal mouth-to-nose ratio.According to this study, it is generally considered more attractive for the mouth width to be approximately 1.5 times larger than the nose width.In other words, if the mouth is of a similar size or smaller than the nose, it may not be perceived as attractive.These findings provide valuable insights into the importance of the mouth-to - nose ratio when evaluating facial attractiveness.

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Why a high set eyebrow is more attractive than a low set?

A high eyebrow type is considered more attractive than a low eyebrow type among females. In a study, subjects from various age groups ranked high eyebrows as the most attractive, with low eyebrows receiving the least preference. According to a study, highly set eyebrows are associated with female features.

Two studies confirm that high - set eyebrows are a sexually dimorphic feature. Some found interbrow height to be significantly greater in females than males.Likewise, a study discovered eyebrow height to be significantly larger in women compared to men.

Furthermore, a research study explains that the attractiveness of eye - to - eyebrow distance is influenced by overall face shape.Shorter, rounder faces are considered most attractive with high-set, curved eyebrows, while square or longer faces are perceived as more attractive with lower - set, flatter eyebrows. This relationship suggests that ideal eyebrow placement varies with individual facial aesthetics.

Read the detailed study with exact scientific references