Women usually get categorized into one of two groups: sexy or cute. And while a guy’s animalistic attraction to the sexy troupe is clear (think of the world’s obsession with Megan Fox), there’s new evidence that the cute clan can get men as equally revved up.
Recent research suggests that ‘cute’ qualities stimulate the same pleasure centers in the brain that are aroused by sex, according to Stephan Hamann, PhD, associate professor of psychology at Emory University. Read: Whether you’re sexy or cute, you have the potential to drive a guy wild.
While a sexy-sexy woman appears fertile and powerful and a cute-sexy woman seems more innocent and flirty, they both can be very attractive, says Lionel Tiger, PhD, a professor of anthropology at Rutgers University. Take this quiz to pinpoint which pretty party you’re a member of, then scoop up the tips that’ll play up your features the most.
Grab a mirror, then answer these quick questions to find out which one best describes you.
1. Do you have round, wide-set eyes?
(a) YES | (b) NO
2. Are you lips really full and lush?
(a) NO| (b) YES
3. Do people ask to pinch your cheeks?
(a) YES | (b) NO
4. Can you see the lines of your cheek-bones without sucking in your cheeks?
(a) NO| (b) YES
5. Is your natural brow shape more softly round than angular and archlike?
(a) YES | (b) NO |
Mostly As
‘Round eyes and full cheeks appear cute-sexy,’ says Miles Orvell, PhD, professor of American studies at Temple University. These features are linked to babies and puppies and are read as endearing and worthy of affection. |
| Mostly Bs |
IF YOU’RE CUTE-SEXY...
The features that drive your look home most are your cheeks and eyes. Here, we show you how to foxify them.
Colour your cheeks: Dab a creamy petal pink blush only on the apples of your cheeks, says Eric Sakas, creative director of Kevyn Aucoin Beauty. Blend well in a circular motion, and use just a bit, otherwise, you could look a little too cute, like a Raggedy Ann doll. Polish it off with a dot of highlighter on the center of each apple. It will give your cheeks a fresh, flushed glow, says Sakas.
Open your orbs: ‘Rim the outer halves of your upper and lower lash lines to make your eyes appear rounder,’ says Jodie Boland, a makeup artist. Go for brown or gray pencil – they’re softer than black. Next, blend a girlie shadow colour, like baby blue or lavender, over the liner, suggests Boland. Apply one coat of lengthening mascara, and maintain a slightly rounded brow shape.
IF YOU’RE SEXY-SEXY…
Your bone structure and lips are your standout features. Highlight your hotness by cribbing these tips.
Chisel your cheekbones: First, brush a warm, tawny blush onto the apples of your cheeks, then sweep a slightly darker bronzer in the hollow underneath the cheekbones. Using two different shades will add extra depth and dimension, explains Sakas. Contouring can go from subtle to overdone in seconds (think early '80s), so go lightly. Finish by blending a highlighter on the highest part of your cheekbones, he says.
Amplify your pout: Line and fill in your mouth with a flesh-toned pencil (as close to your natural lip color as possible) to enhance the Angelina-styIe shape of your lips, says Surratt. Then, apply a lipstick that’s two or three shades darker than your lips, says Boland. Finally, dot shimmery, gold-toned gloss on the center of your lips to catch the light and leave you with a full, pouty look, says Sakas.