Nature's perfect woman

Is there such a thing as "the ideal woman"?  Some would say that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder", and to a certain extent, this is true.  Individual males and various cultures will always have certain preferences when it comes to female beauty.  However even across cultures there are remarkable similarities in what are considered ideal physical characteristics in a woman.

According to evolutionary psychologists there are certain physical traits which make some women more desirable both as "mates" and as "potential mothers".  The male brain is wired to "zero in" on these traits.   Remember that evolution is all about "survival of the fittest" and the continuation of the species.  Those species which are most equipped to flourish in their environment will procreate and pass on their genes to the next generation.   While  species which are not properly equipped to survive in a given environment will eventually cease to exist (extinction).   It is estimated the over 90% of the species that ever inhabited the earth are now extinct and we currently lose an estimated 25,000 species each year (this includes plant, insect, and animal).  So the ability to adapt to one’s environment and successfully reproduce is paramount in the survival of any species.

"A males' primary focus in mating is to impregnate as many women as possible enabling him to produce numerous attractive, healthy offspring. To achieve this, men seek females who signal good health and fertility. Qualities that serve as cues to a women's ability to reproduce are attractiveness and youthfulness."  ~ Feingold, 1992

Youthful.

Unlike most other mammals female reproductive value cannot be assessed directly since ovulation is concealed.  However, there are several clues to a woman's reproductive capability as well as a reflection of her relative good health.  In studies done over 35 different countries men seemed to prefer women who were younger than themselves, on average 2.5 to 3 years.  Regardless of their own age, males preferred women at the peak of reproductive capability (18-30) particularly for short-term relationships.

Healthy Skin.

A woman's skin condition tends be a reliable signal of female health and fertility and flawless skin is one of the most universally desired female features.  Skin condition is also reflects the ratio of sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone), e.g. women with higher than average levels of testosterone have more acne and facial hair.  So clear, unblemished, as well as, hairless skin would be the most desirable.  Skin tone also seemed to be a factor with lighter skin being preferred to darker.  Since a woman's skin tends to darken with age and also become slightly darker during the non-fertile phase of her menstrual cycle. 

Neotony Facial Features.

Men also seemed to be programmed to zero in on "neotony" facial traits in a woman.  Neotony refers to a species ability to hold onto juvenile or "child-like" traits.  In a woman these would include large eyes, high cheek bones, a small nose, a small chin, full lips, and a short eye-chin distance.  These features are created by a high estrogen/low testosterone ratio.

Waist to Hip Ratio.

The distribution of body fat is a considered a very reliable signal of reproductive status.  Differences in body fat distribution are minimal in infancy, childhood and old age, and maximal in early reproductive life.   During puberty a woman deposits additional fat in her thighs, breasts, and buttocks.  Something known as WHR or "waist-to-hip ratio” is a reliable indicator of female fertility.  Waist to hip ratio is the size of a woman's waist divided by the size of her hips.  For example if a woman's hips were 32" and her waist was 24" her WHR would be .75.   Typical WHR ranges from .65 to .85.  In study after study the ideal WHR selected by males, including blind males who relied only on touch was .70 (the hour glass figure).  In all weight categories, males rated figures of women with the WHR of .70 as being more youthful, healthy, reproductively capable and attractive. 

So, although men do have individual preferences when it comes to what makes for a "beautiful woman", Mother Nature as wired a man's primal subconscious brain to look for certain characteristics.  These are youth, large eyes, full lips, high cheekbones, a small chin, skin that is both clear and light in tone, glossy hair, and an "hour glass figure" representing a WHR of .70.

Source material:  Buss & Schmitt, 1993, Etcoff, 1999, Lucky, 1995, Singh & Young, 1995