Absolutely, you possess beauty in every form. It shines through in your attractiveness, charm, intelligence, grace, and charisma (at least when you’re not in the midst of a nose-picking session).

However, there may be times when you don’t feel wonderful. For those trapped in that “ugly duckling” phase, numerous trends and products—from skin-taping to turmeric gargling—might seem to provide a way forward. Regrettably, many of these beauty hacks lack substantial evidence to support them.

So, what actually enhances your allure? And which myths should we ignore? Here’s what scientific research reveals: and spoiler alert—it fundamentally revolves around not being a jerk.

1. Charm is Truly Relative

The science behind charm is a bit complex. It’s become trendy for certain “podcast men” to either misuse or twist “scientific facts” regarding what people consider attractive.

Yet, beneath the chatter, there is an established scientific discipline that investigates appeal—delving into the characteristics that psychologists deem attractive to romantic and sexual partners.

Dr. Ed Morrison, a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Portsmouth, elucidates that many charming traits often mirror a person’s underlying biology. “That’s evolution,” he notes. “When selecting your peers, you assess their biological markers: hormones, health, and genes.”

However, it’s essential to highlight that charm isn’t always that straightforward. As Dr. Veronica Lamart, a senior lecturer in psychology at Essex University, points out, isolating biology from culture can be challenging.

“Attractiveness is a somewhat subjective experience,” she shares. “At any given moment, certain physical traits deemed attractive might simply reflect advantageous characteristics or indicate social desirability.”

Across culture and history, concepts of beauty have varied widely, ranging from traditional Chinese foot binding and Japanese blackened teeth to the elongated skulls appreciated by ancient Mayans, along with practices among certain Tajikistani women emphasizing integration. Although these customs may seem foreign to outsiders, they represent culturally specific ideals of beauty and identity.

To sum up, beauty is not universal, objective, or static. It is profoundly shaped by culture—and some individuals may find themselves attractive while others are left bewildered.

Nonetheless, countless studies, primarily targeting white heterosexual individuals in Europe and North America, have attempted to uncover what traits people generally find appealing. The findings may come as a surprise to many…

2. You’re More Attractive on a Roller Coaster

There’s an abundance of tips for creating the ideal date, but Lamarch argues that incorporating healthy elements of fear and danger can amplify your emotions.

“Classic research was conducted on unstable bridges,” states Lamarche—research from 1974. “On unstable bridges, individuals rated others as more attractive due to the misattribution of fear stemming from their precarious situation.”

This phenomenon is termed the “misattribution of arousal” theory. Thus, LaMarch advises taking your date to an amusement park or watching a horror film (but maybe not both).

3. Attraction Isn’t About Income

The so-called “Manosphere” often perpetuates the idea that women are gold diggers, solely valuing men for their financial assets. However, Lamarche contends that much of the research leading to this conclusion is outdated and mirrors the patriarchal norms of its time.

“Fifty or sixty years ago, seeking someone who could provide financially meant something entirely different,” she explains. “In that era, when physical safety and happiness were at stake, it wasn’t as shallow as it may appear.”

In today’s context, there’s no compelling evidence that wealth is inherently attractive. Your efforts would likely be better invested elsewhere.

4. Vegetables Can Make You Shine

Though it may seem peculiar, consuming orange-hued vegetables can indeed enhance one’s appearance, as studies have demonstrated that specific plant pigments can improve skin quality.

Carotenoids—antioxidants found in yellow, orange, and red fruits and vegetables like butternut squash, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, mangoes, and oranges—are key players here.

A researcher at St. Andrews University has discovered that increasing the intake of these foods can lead to a healthier glow in skin tone.

“When you observe someone’s skin, you’re essentially gauging their underlying health,” Morrison states. The study involved manipulating skin tone in photographs and asking individuals to rate the attractiveness of each image.

“In all instances, softening the skin tone tended to enhance appeal.”

5. Physical Appearance Matters Less Than You Think (Especially for Men)

Regardless of what Jim’s brother might insist, physical appearance isn’t the sole determinant of charm, especially concerning heterosexual men, as noted by Morrison.

Conversely, women tend to prioritize personality traits over mere physical attraction.

Lamarche notes, “People aren’t simply focused on who looks the hottest,” emphasizing that they often pursue those they view as most physically appealing.

6. Be a Good Person

All the most crucial captivating traits that both Lamarch and Morrison identify as universally appealing are interestingly simple.

Cross-culturally, individuals value kindness, dependability, intelligence, and honesty, while traits like aggression are generally viewed as unattractive.

Also, honor those close to you. According to the principle of proximity, “We tend to be more drawn to people who are in close proximity to us,” says LaMarch.

Morrison adds:

“The primary factor you can modify is how you present yourself. If your goal is to become appealing, cultivating an attractive, engaging, and interesting persona is likely the best approach.”

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About Our Experts

Dr. Ed Morrison serves as a senior lecturer and doctoral supervisor at the University of Portsmouth. As a member of the Center for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology, he focuses on evolutionary models of behavior. Morrison’s research interests lie within the realm of human partnership initiation, particularly regarding movement and facial attractiveness.

Dr. Veronica Lamart is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Essex. She completed her PhD in Working Psychology at the University of Buffalo, New York, in 2017. Lamart’s research involves understanding how individuals manage trust and dependence in romantic engagements, as well as how feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability impact relationship stability.