Makeup enhances a person's attractiveness primarily by making their face appear more feminine and healthier, according to scientific research. This effect is achieved by skilfully manipulating visual features on the face that are inherently linked to perceptions of gender and overall well-being.
The Core Reasons for Enhanced Attractiveness
As explained by researcher Russell in an interview with PsyPost in November 2022, "Makeup makes faces look more attractive by making them look more feminine and more healthy." This phenomenon is rooted in how makeup subtly alters key visual cues.
The two main pillars of enhanced attractiveness through makeup are:
- Increased Femininity: Makeup can accentuate features typically associated with female faces, such as larger eyes, fuller lips, and smoother skin, which are often perceived as more attractive.
- Signalling Health: It can mimic signs of good health, like a vibrant, even complexion, bright eyes, and a natural flush, all of which are universally seen as desirable traits.
Enhancing Feminine Features
Makeup plays a significant role in highlighting or creating features that are perceived as more feminine. This often involves:
- Accentuated Eyes: Using eyeliner, mascara, and eyeshadow to make eyes appear larger, brighter, and more defined, a key feminine trait.
- Fuller Lips: Lip products can make lips look plumper and more vibrant, which is associated with youth and fertility.
- Defined Facial Structure: Contouring can subtly soften strong angles or enhance desired feminine curves on the face, such as higher cheekbones.
- Smoother Skin: Foundation and concealer create an even, blemish-free canvas, contributing to a softer, more refined and traditionally feminine look.
Signalling Health and Vitality
Beyond femininity, makeup effectively mimics indicators of good health, which are subconsciously linked to attractiveness. These include:
- Radiant Complexion: Foundation and blush can simulate a healthy glow or natural flush, suggesting good blood circulation and vitality.
- Even Skin Tone: Concealing blemishes, redness, or hyperpigmentation creates the impression of clear, unblemished skin, often associated with youth and health.
- Bright Eyes: Mascara and eyeliner can make eyes appear wider and more awake, reflecting alertness and well-being.
- Youthful Appearance: By minimizing the appearance of fine lines, dark circles, or dullness, makeup can convey youthfulness, which is often associated with peak health.
Visual Cues Manipulated by Makeup
Russell further noted that makeup manipulates "visual features that are associated with whether a face is male or female, and whether it is healthy or unhealthy." This suggests that specific facial attributes carry information about gender and health, and makeup works by subtly amplifying or altering these signals.
Consider the following visual cues and how makeup can influence them:
| Visual Cue | Associated Perception | How Makeup Manipulates It |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Clarity & Evenness | Health, Youth | Foundation, concealer to cover imperfections and create a uniform tone |
| Eye Size & Brightness | Youth, Alertness, Femininity | Mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow to enlarge, define, and brighten eyes |
| Lip Fullness & Color | Youth, Fertility, Femininity | Lipstick, lip liner to create the appearance of plumper, vibrant lips |
| Facial Contours | Gender, Youth, Health | Contouring and highlighting to enhance feminine bone structure |
| Skin Tone (Flushed/Glow) | Health, Vitality | Blush, bronzer, luminous foundation to simulate a healthy flush |
By expertly adjusting these visual characteristics, makeup creates an illusion of heightened femininity and robust health, leading to an overall perception of increased attractiveness.
