Part 1. of an exploration into our perception of exterior beauty and it’s impact on our mental health and self-image

It would appear that once again, science has spoken. Supermodel Bella Hadid has been crowned the ‘’most beautiful woman in the world” according to a study by a world-renowned cosmetic surgeon using the Golden Ratio theory. The test claims to act as a measure of physical perfection. It considers the dimensions of the face and produces a numerical representation of beauty in the form of a percentage score.

All this scientific talk had me thinking – what is beauty anyway?

Is it an exact science? A mathematical formula like the one that gave Bella Hadid the top spot? Is it defined by how many likes and comments we get, or how often our DMs are slid into? Do looks matter?

Many scientists maintain that physical attractiveness is based on features we perceive to represent health and fertility in potential partners. It’s like our subconscious is telling us how to find the most suitable ‘mate.’

Okay, I get that. But on an individual level – and by that I mean, without assuming personal responsibility for the survival of the human race – isn’t there more to life than reproducing? Let’s strip away the context of relationships, marriage and kids for a minute. Let’s look solely at the worth of a human being in general. Isn’t there more to a person than their reproductive abilities? So, why are looks so important to us all?

Well, let’s face it. In today’s society, the commercial appeal of ‘good looks’ has been utilised far beyond the pursuit of a perfect partner. The advantages of being beautiful have become multifaceted.

We’re drawn to things that look good, and several industries have jumped on this idea. But can we really rely on a subconscious reaction to a physical stimulus – ultimately based on perceived reproductive ability - to judge what is good?

Whatever the answer to that question may be, let’s be realistic. We live in a world where looks matter. Beauty sells. Good-looking people tend to get the guy or girl. Attractive people are probably more likely to be perceived as ‘good’ and therefore are generally privy to better opportunities in work and life. ‘Pretty privilege’ is a very real phenomenon. And it’s one of the reasons why not being deemed beautiful – or not believing that we are beautiful – can be so detrimental to our well-being. And ladies, I’m sorry to say that we are particularly vulnerable to this.

But when we break ‘looks’ down to their simplest, fundamental elements... do they really matter? Or have we just made them matter?

Over this 3-part series, I’m going to make a wild attempt to unpack some of these complex issues. We’ll talk about everything from the media and representation to self-image, mental health and my faith perspective as a lover of Jesus. Grab a tea and we’ll get right into it?

“She looks like me!”

I don’t know where she lands on the Golden Ratio hierarchy of beauty, but Naomi Campbell is my ultimate woman crush. Why? Because she looks like me.

Hold on a minute. Am I really comparing myself to a literal supermodel and one of the most beautiful women to ever walk the face of the earth?? Well, I don’t mean that we look alike. I just mean that... she looks like me.

I’m a dark-skinned black girl. I emphasise the “dark-skinned” because we come in a rainbow of different shades of brown, and I’m closer to the mid-400s on the Fenty foundation spectrum. In very simple terms; Naomi, to me, is evidence that dark is beautiful. And to the girl who grew up being the “lanky” friend, she is evidence that tall is beautiful. She rocks the very features I haven’t always appreciated on myself. And this is why representation matters.

So much of our perception of our own beauty is informed by how our features are represented in the media. Growing up, I didn’t see many women of my skin tone represented as beautiful or desirable, and this took its toll on my self-image. It was one of the reasons why I believed I was ugly, amongst other physical insecurities (my lack of curves, the “beauty spot” on the tip of my nose, and my asymmetrical smile to name a few!) I can’t count how many times I’ve cried in the mirror. And the advancement of technology certainly hasn’t helped. But – I’ve come such a long way, and I just cannot wait to share how I’ve gotten here.

Join me on part 2 where we’ll explore the rabbit-hole that is social media, deal with the question “do looks matter?” and take a look at the impact of our beauty perceptions on our mental health and well- being.

Until next time, beautiful xo

By Christine Samuel