Close, but no cigar. According to OkCupid[1]―and data mined from its users―the most "attractive"―in this case, measured by messages from previously unknown users received―pose for men is not smiling and not looking at the camera, and for women is "flirting" and looking at the camera (although in both cases smiling gives "above average" attractivity).
I think that it's more important to look friendly, or approachable, to be attractive to someone. In my experience I've found that a smile is better than a scowl, and definitely better than a neutral expression.
True beauty comes from inside. My grandparents weren't terribly attractive... but I'll never forget my grandfather's smile. When he smiled it lit his face in such a powerful way I can see him even now (he's been dead almost 9 years!).
And I don't think that women looking "flirty" is attractive. Looks more predatory to me.
I don't think that women looking "flirty" is attractive.
But they are more attractive - for the same reason that women wearing short skirts are more attractive and it may not be for the same reason you think it is.
The reason has to do with accessibility: women, unlike men, are very picky when it comes to dating. We (men) know this and when a woman doesn't look like she's looking for men, we often choke or don't bother pursuing a date. A flirty attitude is the strongest indication that a woman is interested.
Looks more predatory to me
Some people, men or women alike, often end up with dumb looks in photos :: that's what happens when wanting to simulate sensuality when you're not in the mood, not to mention some people are just not photogenic and really need the help of an expert for such photos. I am talking about genuine sexy looks above, not "let me eat your brain" looks :)
Comments
Most common attractive feature: a smile! Even if not outright happy, just looking relaxed or cheerful helps.
Close, but no cigar. According to OkCupid[1]―and data mined from its users―the most "attractive"―in this case, measured by messages from previously unknown users received―pose for men is not smiling and not looking at the camera, and for women is "flirting" and looking at the camera (although in both cases smiling gives "above average" attractivity).
[1] http://blog.okcupid.com/index.php/the-4-big-myths-of-profile..., "Myth 1"
This is also what I noticed immediately. A smile goes a long way to determining "beauty".
Perhaps this is because a smile indicates a positive/friendly demeanor?
I always had the best impression of women with whom I worked/studied with were the ones who were warm to me.
Perhaps beauty does come from the inside?
I think that it's more important to look friendly, or approachable, to be attractive to someone. In my experience I've found that a smile is better than a scowl, and definitely better than a neutral expression.
True beauty comes from inside. My grandparents weren't terribly attractive... but I'll never forget my grandfather's smile. When he smiled it lit his face in such a powerful way I can see him even now (he's been dead almost 9 years!).
And I don't think that women looking "flirty" is attractive. Looks more predatory to me.
The reason has to do with accessibility: women, unlike men, are very picky when it comes to dating. We (men) know this and when a woman doesn't look like she's looking for men, we often choke or don't bother pursuing a date. A flirty attitude is the strongest indication that a woman is interested.
Some people, men or women alike, often end up with dumb looks in photos :: that's what happens when wanting to simulate sensuality when you're not in the mood, not to mention some people are just not photogenic and really need the help of an expert for such photos. I am talking about genuine sexy looks above, not "let me eat your brain" looks :)