Ways To Be More Attractive, According To Science

It's long been said that there's nothing sexier than a sense of humor, and science may actually prove that assertion to be true. "If you weren't funny, you were definitely perceived as being less attractive, so that's a word of warning," said Daniel Doerksen, who led a research study on the effects of humor on attractiveness.

The study found that while both sexes were drawn to funnier people, women were much more apt to find a guy sexy because of his sense of humor. In addition to the obviously pleasant effects of laughing and having a good time, a sense of humor can indicate other things as well. It suggests an ease and confidence in social situations, as well as enhanced intelligence. And those things are always attractive.

When it comes to attractiveness, kindness plays a big role in who we are drawn to. A 2014 study concluded that those with positive personalities were found to have more attractive faces. "We find that 'what is good is beautiful,' with personality reflecting desired traits as facial attractiveness," the study states.

As in most issues of attractiveness, the cause may lie in ingrained evolutionary responses. We want to find mates that will propagate the human race with desirable traits. And desirable traits, of course, go beyond the merely physical. Kindness can make the biggest positive impression, so it stands to reason that, from an evolutionary perspective, we'd want to populate the earth with nice people.

According to researchers at the University of Melbourne who examined the mating habits of moths and applied it to interpersonal communication between humans, women tend to prefer men who listen. The study concluded that female moths release a low dosage of pheromones to attract male moths with longer antennae. Long antennae are difficult to maintain and only possible if the male moth is up to snuff. Moths with shorter antennae would not be able to sense the females pheromones, eliminating any chance of attracting a low-quality mate.  

Similarly, women tend to prefer people who can pick up on their subtleties. Whether they are flirting or trying to communicate that they need a little space, someone who listens well enough to respond accordingly is more likely to win their affections. 

Chin up, people!

That wasn't meant as a pep talk; it was beauty advice. We tend to be more attracted to symmetrical faces, and raising one's chin is a great way to give the illusion of better facial alignment. It also changes your attitude. A raised chin can indicate confidence, self-assuredness, and bravado. When posing for photos, however, experts say to lower the chin a bit as an accentuated jawline is all sorts of sexy.

From the drugstore counter to the most exclusive luxury brands in the world, there is a fragrance at every price point to meet the demands of an aroma-obsessed culture. But an abundance of fragrance can be a turnoff, despite what Kim Kardashian or the Axe Body Spray people tell you. It has to do with hormones. Research says that women can smell testosterone in men, and it's a major turn-on that can be obscured by too much cologne. For both men and women, more subtle fragrances are generally preferred. As one researcher put it, "Less intense odors tend to be rated as smelling better."

From corsets to Spanx, women have been hiding their curves for centuries. This may, however, be counterintuitive, as research seems to suggest that men really prefer some curves. Though you wouldn't know it when you turn on the television or flip through a magazine, many men find curves sexy.

The reason is largely an evolutionary one. Men are hardwired to see curves as a sign of good health and fertility - you know, those good birthing hips we hear so much about. So, instead of hiding those curves, perhaps it's time to show them off a little. And if you are still having trouble finding love, the only thing you might need to drop is unnecessary dating apps.

This can help you find a serious relationship and the right app for you.