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A woman looking in a mirror | Source: Shutterstock
A woman looking in a mirror | Source: Shutterstock

What Your Appearance Says about You

Caitlin Farley
Aug 22, 2024
07:25 A.M.

Ever wondered what your face says about you? From trustworthiness to strength, your facial features might be shaping how others perceive you in ways you never imagined. Take our fun quiz to discover the personality traits your face could be revealing!

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They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, but what about the rest of your face? Believe it or not, the shape of your face might reveal more about your personality than you think!

Three smiling women | Source: Pexels

Three smiling women | Source: Pexels

Whether you're an oval-faced overachiever or a square-faced leader, your facial features could be influencing how others perceive you—and even how you see yourself.

Your Face and Perceptions

Certain facial features, like upturned eyebrows or a naturally smiling mouth, can make you seem more trustworthy to others.

This isn’t just a small thing — research from Florida found that people with "less trustworthy" facial features were more likely to get a death sentence. And in some cases, these individuals were later found innocent. Shocking, right?

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A shocked woman | Source: Pexels

A shocked woman | Source: Pexels

Facial Features and Strength

Your face doesn't just shape perceptions of trustworthiness — it can also influence how strong people think you are. A study from New York University revealed that wider faces are often associated with greater physical strength.

It's not just about your expression; your facial structure can create subconscious biases in those around you. It's part of that all-important first impression, you know, those snap judgments we're wired to make about people, even when they might not be accurate.

Two people meeting | Source: Pexels

Two people meeting | Source: Pexels

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Here's how different facial features might shape the way others see you:

If you have big eyes, people might see you as more naive and innocent than others. It's a look that suggests openness and trust.

If you have a babyface, with larger eyes and a rounder shape, you might be perceived as kind, warm, and honest — but also as someone who's more submissive or less assertive.

If you've got a wide face and tend to smile, you might be seen as an extrovert, radiating friendliness and approachability.

A smiling woman | Source: Unsplash

A smiling woman | Source: Unsplash

If your face is naturally attractive or symmetrical, you're probably perceived as more competent, intelligent, and trustworthy, even if people don't know you well.

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If you often wear an angry expression, people might think you're powerful, hostile, and less likable. But flip that frown upside down, and a happy face can make you seem more likable and trustworthy!

Facial Bias: It’s Everywhere

Studies show that these facial biases aren't just skin-deep — they affect everything from who we vote for, to who we date, hire, prosecute, and convict.

A gathering of people | Source: Pexels

A gathering of people | Source: Pexels

Our faces are more powerful than we might think!

How Appearance and Personality Connect

But why would our looks say anything about who we are? Well, it's not just about the features you're born with. Think about how our habits shape our bodies.

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For example, people who work out tend to have more developed muscles. Similarly, if you're someone who smiles a lot, you're essentially exercising your smiling muscles, which might make you look different from someone who doesn't smile as much.

A serious woman | Source: Pexels

A serious woman | Source: Pexels

This connection between our habits and appearance supports the idea that our looks aren't entirely separate from our personalities. In fact, your face could be a bit of a window into your soul.

And those who are good at reading and interpreting these physical clues can often pick up on subtle hints about your character.

Face Reading & Personality Type

Face reading, also known as physiognomy, is an ancient practice where people try to understand others by observing their facial features.

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A woman with lights shining on her face | Source: Pexels

A woman with lights shining on her face | Source: Pexels

It's been around for centuries as a way to get a sense of someone's personality by looking at their physical appearance.

Modern research has moved away from focusing on specific facial features like nose shapes and instead looks at the face as a whole.

Scientists have found that we tend to process facial information holistically, meaning we get an overall impression rather than zeroing in on one specific trait.

A woman looking up | Source: Pexels

A woman looking up | Source: Pexels

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For instance, participants in a 2006 study could accurately tell apart introverts from extroverts just by looking at their faces.

This suggests there's some truth to the idea that our faces can reflect our personalities, even if it's just a tiny bit!

Ready to discover what your face shape says about your personality? Let's dive in!

Collage of a woman showing different facial expressions | Source: Pexels

Collage of a woman showing different facial expressions | Source: Pexels

Oval Face Shape Personality

If you have an oval face shape, it might mean you're the type of person who refuses to settle. You're methodical, ambitious, and always striving for more. You may challenge societal norms and thrive when you're outdoors, where your creativity and energy flow freely.

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People likely feel at ease around you, thanks to your balanced mix of introversion and extroversion. You've got that special something that makes others feel good just by being in your presence!

A woman with an oval face shape | Source: Pexels

A woman with an oval face shape | Source: Pexels

Square Face Shape Personality

Got a square face shape? Then you're probably the go-to person in stressful situations. You're headstrong, proactive, and love tackling big projects.

Your leadership skills and business acumen shine through, making you someone who gets things done and stays calm under pressure. Quick-witted and energetic, you're always ready to take control and make smart decisions.

A woman with a square face shape | Source: Pexels

A woman with a square face shape | Source: Pexels

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Heart Face Shape Personality

A heart-shaped face could mean that your imagination and intuition are off the charts. You're creative, perceptive, and have a natural flair for entrepreneurship.

With your strong mind and incredible inner strength, you're the kind of person who doesn't back down from challenges. You love diving into brainy projects, and your high emotional intelligence helps you navigate even the toughest situations.

A woman with a heart face shape | Source: Pexels

A woman with a heart face shape | Source: Pexels

Round Face Shape Personality

If your face shape is round, you might be the nurturing type who finds joy in helping others. You're soft-spoken, compassionate, and great at building relationships.

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But watch out — you can sometimes give too much and forget to take care of yourself. Your optimistic outlook and easy-going nature make you a beloved friend, though your kind heart might lead to a few bumps along the way.

A woman with a round face shape | Source: Pexels

A woman with a round face shape | Source: Pexels

So, what did you discover?

Whether your face shape revealed traits you already knew or surprised you with new insights, it's clear that our faces are more than just our outward appearances. They tell stories, hint at our strengths, and give others a glimpse into our personalities.

But remember, while it's fun to explore these ideas, the true essence of who you are goes far beyond what's on the surface. So embrace your unique features, and let your personality shine through every smile, wink, and expression!

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A woman winking | Source: Pexels

A woman winking | Source: Pexels

If you're worried about facial bias and how to recover from a bad first impression, read on for some helpful tips to boost your likeability!

Do THIS If You Want to Make a Good Impression: Users around the World Share Life Hacks That Instantly Make People Like You

Are you struggling to connect with others? Discover simple life hacks from real people that will instantly boost your likability. From mirroring body language to making others feel valued, these tips will help you build genuine connections and leave a lasting positive impression!

Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, we've all struggled with awkward social interactions at some point. You know, the type where you walk away feeling embarrassed and ask yourself what you could've done differently.

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A woman hiding her face | Source: Pexels

A woman hiding her face | Source: Pexels

For the answer, look at these genius life hacks compiled from across the internet to help you be someone others love to spend time with.

The Power of Positive Gossip

Quora user Charissa Enget shared a personal story illustrating the power of speaking positively about people behind their backs.

She recounts her relationship with a woman in college, who she calls Nicole. Charissa found Nicole extremely annoying. Even though she couldn't pinpoint exactly why this woman bugged her, simply being around Nicole was enough to put Charissa in a bad mood.

An angry woman | Source: Pexels

An angry woman | Source: Pexels

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Until the day she confided in her best friend about how much she disliked Nicole and dreaded having to spend time around her. Charissa was shocked when her friend informed her that Nicole always spoke so highly of Charissa, praising her intelligence and good looks, and what a great engineer she was.

After this conversation, Charissa says she no longer finds Nicole so annoying.

A smiling woman | Source: Pexels

A smiling woman | Source: Pexels

She even started to appreciate Nicole more, although they never developed a close friendship. As Charissa said, "It's tough to dislike someone who speaks well of you behind your back."

Takeaway: Want someone to like you? Start talking about them positively when they’re not around. Word will get back to them, and it’ll shift how they perceive you.

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Mirror the Behaviors That Make You Feel Good

Quora user Mary Kutheis suggests considering what makes YOU feel good to determine if your interactions are helping others like themselves.

A woman smiling while texting | Source: Pexels

A woman smiling while texting | Source: Pexels

Mary suggested thinking about past conversations you enjoyed and considering what the other person did during these interactions to make you like yourself.

Perhaps the person you were speaking to made you laugh or was a great listener who showed true empathy for your problems. You may even recall a conversation where you felt the other person showed genuine interest in a topic that's meaningful to you.

Two women having a conversation | Source: Unsplash

Two women having a conversation | Source: Unsplash

By reflecting on these experiences, you can improve the quality of your conversations by being a good listener for others, trying to make people laugh, and taking an interest in the things other people enjoy.

Click here to continue reading!

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