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The Myth of Perfect Facial Symmetry

We get a lot of mixed messages about what it means to be beautiful. We're told beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Beauty is only skin deep. Imperfection is beauty. Sentiments like these are as varied as they are numerous.


Meanwhile, artists, scholars, and beauty gurus espouse their own theories. You've likely heard that true beauty relies on perfect facial symmetry. Then there are the ratios and templates that illustrate "ideal" facial proportions. All things considered, is it any wonder many of us feel like we (quite literally) don't measure up?

Thankfully, the notion that beauty relies on symmetry—or a complex equation—has been debunked. Studies have shown that the pursuit of perfect facial symmetry only results in disappointment. Attempting to "correct" asymmetry actually creates a perception of "averageness" and tends to diminish one's natural beauty. Researchers discovered that perfectly symmetrical faces are generally perceived as less attractive, plain, unemotional, and rigid. 


Asymmetry is not only everywhere; it's very often exquisite. Nothing that exists in nature is perfectly symmetrical, and that includes the human face. If it's not manmade, there's a good chance it's asymmetrical. Think about all the breathtaking "inconsistencies" that exist in nature! 


"But," you're thinking, "the most beautiful people are at least closer to being symmetrical, right?" Not quite. Let's look at some examples.



What follows are some faces known for their beauty next to computer-generated, mirror-images of their right and left sides. Which version do you find most attractive? 


These examples demonstrate two things. First, even beauty icons (both past and present) have asymmetrical faces. When we make them symmetrical, they can look like a different person altogether! If these celebrities are considered gorgeous despite their mismatched sides, clearly, symmetry isn't a prerequisite of beauty. 


Second, it proves that the quest for symmetry is misguided. In the original (real) photo on the left, there is balance and harmony to the face. The two distinct sides come together to create an overall impression of attractiveness and even charisma. When one side is mirrored to create perfect symmetry, the appeal we saw in the first photo is gone. Some of them no longer even
look human! 

The next time you're tempted to start comparing one side of your face to the other, think of a flower, a tree, or your favorite celebrity. Asymmetries are not only essential to their beauty but to their very essence. 


Though it might sound cliché, our peculiarities are what make each of us uniquely beautiful. When the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, even the parts you've deemed "flawed" are valuable. So while we focus on playing up what we love about ourselves, let's also work on loving what we don't! 


XO,

Dina B.


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