7 Curious Facts Your Appearance Says About You

Written by Tanya Arora  • 

“Don’t judge a book by its cover” has been ingrained into our heads by centuries of moral policing. Yet, it’s impossible for us not to fall for pretty faces over beautiful hearts!

Well, studies have shown that the fluttery feeling you feel in your chest when you glance at a pretty face for the first time arises because the face of the person concerned gives off vital cues about what they are like (1). And it is these vital cues that attract you! In fact, these cues serve as a window to their soul.

Do you want to know what your appearance can say about you? Here are 7 research-backed facts about what appearances can reveal:

1. The Shape Of Your Face Determines Your Success

During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a researcher from the University of Colorado, Boulder, Keith Walker, discovered that the ratio of the height and width of a footballer’s face could actually help foretell the number of goals that would be scored by them (2). Most of those who scored well had a ratio of 2.

If you want to know your own ratio, you need to calculate the distance from one ear to the other as well as that between the top part of your eyes and the upper portion of your lip. Lower ratios show higher chances of success in life.

2. Prominent Cheekbones Show Masculinity

This is only for the guys. According to a study carried out by the University College London, men who have thick and high cheekbones, as well as broad faces, generally have higher levels of the male hormone, testosterone (3). High levels of this hormone determine the degree of their dominance, their rebelliousness, and their aggressiveness. No wonder then in movies the bad boys look damn sharp!

3. Wrinkles Can Reveal Your Character

Image: Shutterstock

Wrinkles can say a lot more than how old you are. Every time you experience an emotion such as happiness, anxiety, sadness, etc., you use different facial muscles to display that emotion. Over time, the muscles you’ve used the most while expressing the state of your mind become the most prominent wrinkles, thereby establishing your general predisposition (4)! For example, if you get wrinkles on the side of your lips, it reveals an optimistic attitude, while frown lines on your forehead show that you’re rather morose and jaded.

4. Your Profession Lies In The Angle You Choose To Portray In A Picture

Every time you’ve taken a selfie or someone else has clicked you, you’ve always shown the best side of your face, which could be your right or your left side. Well, a study conducted by the University of South Australia shows that the angle you pose in is not a random decision at all (5).

According to the study, people who have artistic professions prefer turning left when posing for a picture, while those with more practical professions such as scientists and engineers mostly choose to turn to the right. The study also pointed out that women normally show their left cheek more as that side is controlled by the right brain and helps in displaying emotions.

5. Your Selfie Reveals Your Key Traits

Image: Shutterstock

According to Lin Kee, a researcher from the Singapore-based Nanyang Technological University, the way you take your selfie can reveal your key personality traits (6). She analyzed a total of 123 selfies and found that those with friendly natures take a selfie from below. Such people have an open nature, like trying new things, and are unafraid to show their crazy, fun side. On the other hand, neurotic ones who are obsessed with their appearances generally posted selfies in which they were pouting.

6. Nose Size Is A Determinant Of Ambition

Your nose size and ambition levels go hand in hand, says a study published in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery (7). 1700 portrait shots were analyzed in the study, focusing on the size and shape of the nose of the people. Scientists identified 14 different shapes and sizes of nose, attributing specific personality types to each of them. They found out that those who have large noses tend to be more ambitious.

7. An Aging Face Shows One’s Real Personality

Hard to believe but studies have shown that as you age, you can develop distinguishing facial features due to the specific lifestyle you lead (8). Good or bad habits can manifest in the way your face ages.

As convinced as you might be now that there’s more to your face than you let on, there’s a catch. According to a study conducted by a Princeton University psychologist, Alexander Todorov, the initial impression you form of a person on the basis of their appearance can be deceptive (9). Described as the “halo effect,” you may perceive beautiful people to be kind but they may turn out to be cruel once you get to know them. So, the adage remains: Don’t judge a book by its cover!

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