Different people have different definitions of what they consider to be attractive. Men have different opinions of what they deem attractive in a woman, and women have different opinions of what they deem attractive in themselves.
Some people really focus on the face, others focus on the curves, some think the hair is the most important, while others may have a foot fetish. Personality will also matter a great deal, but in this attractive women survey, we will only focus on the physical attributes of women.
Here are five key factors that affect physical attractiveness in women.
Also check out our Attractive Men Survey!
Attractive Women Feature 1 – Face
Eyes – The eyes are windows into our soul.
Eyes come in many different shapes, colors, and sizes.
Larger, rounder, eyes tend to give women a more vulnerable, submissive look.
Sharper eyes or cat-eyes, give the appearance of a more powerful, assertive woman.
Eye color also matters. Blue or green colored eyes are traditionally more popular because they are more rare compared to black and brown eyes.
Lips – Lips can be full or thin.
Currently, there is a greater preference for fuller lips in our society. Fuller lips may appear more attractive in women because they are more sensual and indicate greater passion in bed.
Many of our female media symbols of today, including Angelina Jolie,Jessica Simpson, and Jessica Alba, sport fuller lips – either natural or acquired through plastic surgery.
Face shape
Finally, the shape of a woman’s face is also a key feature in determining attractiveness. The heart-shaped face is usually considered to be most attractive. Audrey Hepburn is a good example of a very attractive woman sporting a seemingly perfect heart-shaped face.
Women with squarer faces are generally deemed less attractive because a squarer facial structure is associated with a more masculine face. Oval-shaped female faces lie somewhere in-between the two.
Attractive Women Feature 2 – Breasts
A woman’s breasts are definitely one of the key features of attractiveness.
Breasts are a good indication of fertility, therefore evolutionary wise, larger breasts are preferred .over smaller ones.
Even for men who may not prefer larger breasts, larger breasts will still naturally catch their attention. Women’s breasts occupy a prominent position in their bodies, and men are hard-wired by their DNA to notice a woman’s breasts.
Given advances in plastic surgery, it is now possible for women to get whatever sized breasts they desire. This practice results in the unrealistic feminine ideal of today which is larger sized breasts combined with a narrow waist and a very slim build.
Attractive Women Feature 3 – Hair
Some people find long hair to be very attractive. Longer hair requires more upkeep, but it is also very flexible when it comes to styling.
Women with long hair can create a variety of different looks just by styling their hair differently. Wearing long hair down will better frame the face and also hide imperfections in facial symmetry.
The shorter the hair, the less flexibility a woman has to create a different look for herself. However, shorter hair is easier to maintain, and some people prefer the younger, more pixie look afforded by shorter hair.
Shorter hair will not hide facial-shape imperfections though, so it should only be attempted by those who have a more symmetrical face.
Hair can also be straight or curly. Curly hair will have more body, but is difficult to style. Curly hair can often appear unkempt if not properly handled. Straight hair is easier to style and keep neat, however, it can also look flat and limp. Clever blow-drying and use of hair products will help to provide straight hair with more body.
Attractive Women Feature 4 – Build
A woman’s build also affects her attractiveness.
Smaller, petite women are usually in high demand because societal norms dictate for a man to be larger or taller than his mate. Petite women, therefore, have a greater number of possible men to choose from, including shorter and taller men. However, petite women have a much harder time keeping a slim look because of their lesser height.
Taller women may have fewer men to choose from but they have a greater advantage in achieving a slim, willowy, and more refined elven look.
Our current society places great importance on slim or even thin women. Larger women are considered less attractive due of many years of negative media depictions.
Attractive Women Feature 5 – Dress
Finally, how a woman dresses and wears her make-up can also have a significant effect on her attractiveness.
Some women prefer to go for the understated, less is more look. Very light make-up with cooler clothing colors (greens, blues, grays).
Other women prefer to stand out, and will go for the more striking look with heavier/darker makeup, hotter clothing colors (reds, yellows), and more flamboyant clothing styles.
Accessories can also significantly alter a woman’s look. Larger earrings, for example. will catch someone’s attention and draw his eyes to her face. Belts can be used to break up the torso, and create a more segmented, shorter appearance. High heels can provide petite women with greater height and so on.
Accessorize carefully to complement your weaknesses, and enhance your strengths.
Wow…..I loved this hub and although I did not read all of the comments, I did find the ones I did read to be interesting, as well. Before I forget, imacurlygirl….first, there is nothing wrong with curly hair. It’s so funny how many women with straight hair, like myself, absolutely love love love curly hair and vice versa. We are never completely happy with ourselves, for one reason or another.
Clearly, there are many different aspects that play a role when it comes to what attracts us to others. Don’t forget about chemistry. I, being a lesbian, find many different things about women attractive. Smart, funny, independent, strong, strong-willed, assertive, fun, spontaneous….and yes, beauty, all play a role. BUT, I have been with women that wouldn’t necessarily get a 10 according to a poll, yet, I found them beautiful. i guess what I’m trying to say is that when it’s real, all things considered are what makes someone truly beautiful.
Thank you for writing this hub
Hmm. You mentioned Audrey Hepburn in this, and I approve.
Gotta say though… Audrey had small breasts, was tall (ish: 5’7″), and had an extremely square jaw (I know you say she had a heart-shaped face, but have you seen her profile?). She also had dark eyes and, in a lot of her films, short hair. According to a lot of these poll results (and some of the stuff you’ve said), those kinds of attributes are less attractive.
But there’s no doubt that she was beautiful. In my opinion the most beautiful movie star in history.
I guess I just don’t think these things can be generalized.
I know you didn’t mean this too seriously though, and good job.
What is wrong with curly hair??? I hate seeing how people think curly hair must be a disease. The people with curly hair that I’ve met where their hair looks unkempt are usually older women 40 and over, where they don’t care anyway. Most curly haired women I know straighten their hair, or they care for their hair well.
What’s wrong with the hair that Keri Russell has, or Julia Roberts, Monica Belluci, Halle Berry, Rachelle Lefevre or Melina Kanakaredes?
Ummm, I LOVE curly hair! I love the way it looks/bounces, very feminine. I REALLY LOVE to run my fingers through it, gently of course ; )
I just wrote something above about hips, just like I said there too. Curly hair isn’t as common so to me it’s “an anomaly” it stands out its different it’s more rare. Very feminine, I HATE when I see women that had curly hair go and straighten it. What a let down. They lose something unique and attractive about themselves.
Idk who did the voting, but I’ve had a ton of compliment on my hair since I stopped straightening it. It’s med length on one side short on the other, fairly curly, and brown with blue tips on the long side 😉 It looks kind of like a modern pin-up + blue lol.
It’s okay. My hair’s curly too. A very light curl thougt. I totally know how you feel! But I feel worse about my body than my hair. I have small boobs, am slim and a medium but. My figure is kinda a slight hour glass….I really hate it because all guys don’t like that shape. Like, at all. All the guys like curves. And tall girls. I’m 5’3″ too. And have only some curve.
My first boyhood TV crush was Nichelle Nicholes from Star Trek AKA Lt. Uruhra. WOW! Those eyes were sooo hypnotic and her vioce is senually soothing. that little red outfit and her ” body for sin” was the closer!
I finally met her at a Star Trek Convention years ago.
This explains why I am attracted to the busty petite exotic women. Beam me up!
fun hub, but you just describe the matter of size and pshyically, what about the character of the women, is she sweet, easy to get along, smart,funny? I think the attractive women is a women just the way she is. She doesn’t cover her self with a mask, the women who respect herself and who has self confidence, strong personality, good listener, good learner and has sense of humor.
This was a fun post, thanks.
Beauty is for sure in the eyes of the beholder. An inner beauty wins my heart.
Blue eyes might get women somewhere, but they go more for the women with blue eyes and body with curves and voluption, and style is a huge factor in how men look at women. You nailed right on the head!! Great hub!!!!
Liked the hub. Just think should do one on men. Women have to do enough, than dress up and be beautiful for men. Now if we were back in the 40s when women didnt have to work and had time for all that bull, then maybe it would fly, but now we have to have a full time job, keep the house clean and watch after the children, while the men just work and come home and sit on their asses. I dont have time to look gorgeous or even have the time to worry about it.
I think there are many things about our appearance that we are in control of. For example we control our hair and how it is styled, and we can also highlight difference aspects of ourselves depending on how we dress and apply makeup.
We are all born with certain more attractive features (internal or external), so we just need to accentuate our good points.
Thanks Anamika. I am of the same opinion 🙂
I like the pics! For me the internal beauty is much more important in a person than external beauty.
After reading this…I think I should just give up hope. I’m tall, large, have an oval face, thin lips, small, brownish black eyes, and completely un-epic boobs. I guess I’m just not attractive on any level….life sucks.
Semper medusa your comment cracked me up. Don’t you know that there are men in this world that like big girls? My oldest son has a thing for big women and eventually married the girl of his dreams and believe me she’s no super model. My second daughter has weight issues she’s had them her whole life but she’s married to a man that simply adores her.
There are different tastes for different men. When I was young and skinny I dated just fine. Married my first husband and we were together til his death at a young age. Then I was a youing widow with a curvier more womanly body and had no trouble dating then either. Married an man a few years younger than me. I’ve since left him and still I don’t lack for male attention.
I’m 51 years old and still get car honks and “the look.” I know I’m no goddess, but I know I look good for my age and I know I can live just fine with out a man to cling to.
Maybe there’s an idea for a hub “Why are men attracted to women who aren’t looking for a relationship?”
You keep changing your avatars Aya. While they all are nice, I am just dying to see your real face 🙂
lol Misha. But then there will be no mystery left, and you will quickly lose interest 😉
I doubt it really. 🙂 Of course feel free to tease me as long as you like, but I bet you don’t have any real reasons – except for just teasing me 🙂
veri good
Commendable ! You’ve put in so much work here. I guess this hub says it all. This hub should be recommended to all those who are indecisive about the choice of their partner (speaking of the physical attributes only). Thumbs up.
Thank you anjalichugh. I enjoyed every minute of making this hub 🙂
What an interesting hub.. because it seems I am always trying to figure out what men are thinking. But I’m sure women are confusing to men as well. Lots of insight from all your commenters too 🙂 Was wondering if anyone ever heard of or read Naomi Wolfe’s “Beauty Myth”? A very good read that is somewhat controversial but with very real and valid points.
Hello EnrapturedFlame,
I have not read the Beauty Myth but I do know the general premise of the book. I think it is probably true that women tend to be more self-destructive than men, in the sense that when there are problems or stresses in life, they turn those negatives inward whereas men are more likely to turn them outwards. As a result I think more women suffer from self-confidence and other similar issues.
While beauty may be a contributing factor to life stresses, it is only one factor, and truly the root of the issue lies with not directing so much negativity towards ourselves, but rather letting some of it go.
I am definitely going to check out that book – I just get distracted too easily 🙂
Hi, Aya. I think that personality is also very important. Lots of people thnk that when you concede that someone has a good personality that you’re trying to somehow compensate that they’re homely. Definitely not true. Sure, attractiveness will only last so long. For me, a girl that can make ME laugh will charm the hell out of me. I’m usually the one that makes THEM laugh!
Hello dohn121 – That is definitely very true. Humor and charm can also be very attractive. I guess I view it as follows –
There are a variety of attributes that matter, one is personality, another is money, another is power, and physical attractiveness is in there as well (not an exhaustive list). Different people will prioritize different attributes in their choice of partner.
Realistically, your own total attributes will determine the type of attributes you can find in a partner. 🙂
SweetiePie is very much in denial. Sorry, but most people are going to want someone who is pleasing to the eye. There are exceptions of course (like sweetie). But for most people, you at minimum have to be average in physical appearance.
I got here way late, as always, but I’m glad I did. This was fun. Your hubs are always so interactive and enjoyable not just to “read” but to go through and have an experience of sorts. Nice job, thanks for providing genuine entertainment. 🙂
Hey Shades – I am always very glad to see you – late, early, just in time, or anything else. Glad you had a good experience – wouldn’t want you to send Vlad after me. I usually leave my windows open in the summer 😉
Thank you No1beautytips and Pramod K. I think this is a fun topic that both men and women can enjoy and talk about 🙂
Aya, great article! No wonder male attention is more here. You will get a lot of comments also, particularly from men.
Better late than never. 6 years ? Lol but im here. I’m a man. I actually got here through the one about what women like about MEN, so i was curious about this one too. I took the polls. I confirmed what i already knew. I like hourglass/pear shaped women.