Physical imperfections make people more distinct, and often more attractive

r/

Yes, I know there’s an entire body of science about how commonly people find symmetrical features attractive, etc.

But this isn’t about what is “most attractive” or “most appealing” to the majority of people, the entire purpose of this forum is to share a subjective, personal opinion that we think is probably unpopular. So, here it is.

I find someone who is distinctive to be more attractive than someone who is not. And it is very often the imperfections that make someone distinctive. I have repeatedly seen Bella Hadid mentioned as one of the most beautiful women in the world, and I have read several descriptions of her that emphasize “her symmetrical face” as one of the reasons. But, to me – especially in the face – she just looks bland.

The same is true of most of the celebrity women who get trotted out as examples of beauty, or beauty standards, or whatever. ESPECIALLY the ones who have gotten a lot of work done to eliminate “imperfections”. They just look so… generic. It also goes true for a lot of pictures people post on social media; especially with lots of makeup and/or filters.

The idea that “symmetrical, no blemishes” = “beauty” is weird to me. Because that just sounds like genericizing people to eliminate any personal physical distinctiveness. I fully acknowledge that there are broad trends, and commonly agreed upon beauty standards and ideals. I just think that those minor “imperfections” that are commonly hidden behind makeup, filters, or cosmetic surgery more often make someone stand out, make them more distinctive, more memorable, and more beautiful.

Comments

  1. AutoModerator Avatar

    Please remember what subreddit you are in, this is unpopular opinion. We want civil and unpopular takes and discussion. Any uncivil and ToS violating comments will be removed and subject to a ban. Have a nice day!

    I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

  2. EaseBig1241 Avatar

    Imperfections add character. Imperfect looking people don’t have people telling them they are amazing all the time, so develop more of a personality.

  3. DaddysFriend Avatar

    Depends on the imperfection

  4. superjoe8293 Avatar

    I agree OP, symmetry is boring

  5. notmenotwhenitsyou Avatar

    have an upvote, my imperfections just make me ugly OP 🤣

  6. Pristine_Trash306 Avatar

    I only disagree in the fact that this only works for people who look moderately attractive from the start.

    If you’re ugly with a ton of imperfections, I have bad news for you.

  7. wildOldcheesecake Avatar

    This isn’t really unpopular.

  8. Mundane-Apricot6981 Avatar

    Really??? such a discovery you made.

    This is default prompt for normal good looking humans:

    (perfect eyes, detailed eyes, detailed face, detailed hair)

    [body hair], <– surprise!

    (detailed skin, skin texture, skin pores, goosebumps:0.7), <– and this too

    (skin blemishes, skin imperfections:0.7) <—– yes it is

  9. TangledUpPuppeteer Avatar

    I think the key is not one OR the other, but a uniqueness from the blending of imperfections and symmetry
    To create a unique individual

  10. Chylomicronpen Avatar

    Some physical imperfections + sex appeal make a person attractive but still attainable. The competition and insecurity we associate with pursuing someone perfect is too strong of a turn-off.

  11. ewing666 Avatar

    when i like someone, the little imperfections are so dear to me and only make them so much cuter

    could be a variety of things

    i want to know their real face, i want to watch it change…falling in love is taking all that in and liking it more