LONDON — Sometimes, the best way to put a smile on your face is to completely change how the world sees you. A recent survey finds haircuts, stylish outfits, and freshly washed hair are the top makeover tips that make adults feel their most beautiful. Other changes that give people a sense of attractiveness include more sun exposure, wearing a pleasant fragrance, and engaging in physical exercise.
When researchers broke their poll of 2,000 adults in the United Kingdom down by gender, men felt most attractive after a haircut (31%) or after bathing (27%). On the other hand, women felt their best after wearing their favorite outfit or washing their hair, with both factors resonating with 38 percent of female respondents.
A striking 78 percent of participants expressed the belief that beauty hinges more on personal feelings than physical appearance. Other aspects that help boost their own perceptions of beauty include maintaining a healthy diet, sharing intimate moments with a partner, and receiving compliments from others.
“Beauty is individually defined. Some gauge it physically—like appreciating a good hair day or radiant skin. For others, it’s an internal sentiment, asserting that when one feels positive internally, it radiates outwardly,” says a spokesperson for The Trafford Centre, which commissioned the study, in a statement.
Scroll down to see the top 20 things that make people feel beautiful
Additionally, the research discovered that 55 percent of adults adhere to a consistent beauty routine. However, while two in three women maintain these routines, only 41 percent of men do the same. Interestingly, men typically spend a minute longer than women, averaging 17 minutes on their grooming rituals.
As for sources of beauty inspiration, most participants (18%) find it within their circle of friends, 16 percent turn to Instagram, and 15 percent draw from television.
In terms of beauty concerns, 52 percent have encountered gray hair issues, 44 percent have dealt with dry skin, and others reported problems such as acne (42%), dry hands (40%), or wrinkles (34%). Consequently, 65 percent felt self-conscious when photographed due to being dissatisfied with their appearance.
When it comes to makeup usage, respondents said they’d wait nearly five weeks into a new relationship before revealing a makeup-free face to their partner. Worryingly, four in 10 women sometimes sleep with their makeup on, a habit potentially harmful to skin health.
However, a significant shift in beauty perspectives was evident, with 73 percent agreeing that current views on men’s skincare are more open and inclusive, as per OnePoll’s research.
“The evolving perceptions of beauty, especially among men, is fascinating. A mere decade ago, men actively engaging in skincare or maintaining a ‘beauty regime’ might’ve faced ridicule. It wasn’t long ago when labels like ‘metrosexual’ were derogatory. It’s heartening to observe such progressive changes in attitudes,” the spokesperson concludes.
Top 20 Things That Make Brits Feel Beautiful:
- Getting a haircut
- Wearing a nice outfit
- Having freshly washed hair
- Having a good night’s sleep
- Taking a bath/shower
- Wearing a nice fragrance
- Eating a healthy diet
- Being out in the Sun
- Wearing makeup
- Doing exercise
- Receiving compliments
- Being freshly shaved
- Being intimate with a partner
- Being with friends
- Using skincare products (e.g. facemasks, cleansers)
- Wearing nice shoes
- Having eyebrows done
- Wearing nice jewelry
- Getting a manicure
- Practicing well-being or mindfulness (e.g. meditation, yoga, etc.)
72Point writer Rich Jenkins contributed to this report.
