The Primal Power of Pout: Makeup & Psychology’s Secret Language of Attraction

Ever stare into the mirror, mesmerized by a perfectly winged eyeliner or the magic of a flawless foundation? It's not just vanity… From tinted lip balm to a full-blown smoky eye, makeup might be more than meets the eye.

We have limited scope here today friends, but we are going to do a (kiddie pool) dive into the fascinating world of Evolutionary Psychology.

Imagine yourself back in the days of hunter-gatherers. Survival wasn't just about fire and spears; it was about attracting mates. Evolutionary psychologists believe our ancestors developed specific physical traits that signalled health, fertility, and dominance – key factors in finding a partner. Fast forward to today, and guess what? Those same primal instincts still influence our perceptions and desires even when it comes to something as seemingly modern as makeup.

Let’s examine the evidence

· Facial Symmetry: Throughout history, symmetrical faces have been seen as a marker of good health and strong genes. Makeup that creates balance and evenness in facial features, like contouring or highlighting certain features taps into this primal attraction.

· Facial Femininity: In many cultures, certain features associated with femininity, like fuller lips and wider eyes, have been linked to fertility and reproductive potential. Makeup that accentuates these features, such as fuller brows, mascara, or lip plumping glosses, can play on this evolutionary cue.

· Uniformly Textured and Unblemished Skin: Smooth, clear skin has long been perceived as a sign of youth and overall health. Makeup that evens out skin tone, minimizes blemishes, and creates a radiant glow can trigger this subconscious association with vitality and well-being.

· Full Lips: Full lips have historically been linked to sensuality and reproductive potential. A pop of colour or gloss can tap into that ancient preference.

· Blush: Rosy cheeks were (and still are) associated with youth and health – two major factors in fertility. Blush strategically placed on the apples of your cheeks can subconsciously trigger that primal "healthy mate" response. And while there's no conclusive scientific evidence that we use blush specifically to mimic facial flushing during those “I’ll have what she’s having” moments, it has been speculated on quite a bit!

· White Teeth and White Sclera: Bright, white teeth and sclerae (the whites of the eyes) have been associated with health and hygiene across cultures. Specific shades of lipstick have been created to enhance whiteness of teeth. While liner in the waterline make the whites of the eyes appear whiter playing on this subconscious association with good health.

But as we know, makeup isn't just about attracting mates. Makeup is a tool, there isn’t a rulebook. Whether you favour ‘enhancement’ or have a flair for the dramatic, the most important thing is to use it in a way that makes you feel confident and to express yourself authentically. Makeup doesn’t have to be about attraction at all if you don’t want it to be. Personally, I like to think of makeup as a way to relate to our enduring human desire for beauty and connection that has evolved over millennia.