Beauty ideals shift with time, yet certain features remain timeless favorites across age groups. A London-based clinic called CREO recently surveyed a thousand British adults to uncover what each generation considers attractive in men and women. They asked about everything from eye color and hair to body shape and height, then used artificial intelligence to create realistic images based on the most popular answers. The results reveal fascinating patterns, showing how cultural influences like classic Hollywood stars or modern social media shape our preferences.
Some traits stay remarkably consistent no matter the generation. Women with an hourglass figure, featuring curved hips and a slim waist, top the list for everyone. Men with broad shoulders tapering to a narrower waist, often called an inverted triangle build, also win universal approval. Facial symmetry plays a big role too, with almond-shaped eyes and small, slightly upturned noses appearing as favorites for male faces in every group.
Baby Boomers draw inspiration from icons like Grace Kelly and Paul Newman. Their ideal woman has light blonde, straight hair paired with bright blue eyes. For men, this generation stands out by preferring a slimmer, less muscular frame and shorter stature, around 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall. Dark brown hair and blue eyes complete their classic masculine look, while very few find gray hair appealing.
Generation X begins to move away from those lighter features. Women still lean toward blonde hair, but in warmer, more natural shades, and brown eyes start replacing blue as the top choice. This warmer tone carries over to men as well. The overall build stays athletic yet not overly bulky, marking a gentle transition toward contemporary tastes.
Millennials embrace a more natural and approachable aesthetic. Dark brown, slightly wavy hair and warm brown eyes define their perfect woman. Fitness culture clearly influences their male ideal, with an athletic upper body, wide shoulders, and height between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet. Dark brown hair and brown eyes round out the look that feels both strong and relatable.
Generation Z takes those trends even further. Long, straight black hair and brown eyes represent their ultimate female beauty standard, reflecting diverse global influences seen on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Men need a clearly defined muscular physique while staying tall and athletic. Dark features dominate completely, showing how younger people celebrate variety and fitness in equal measure.
These findings highlight an interesting evolution. Older generations cherish lighter, classic traits linked to mid-century stars, while younger ones gravitate toward darker hair, brown eyes, and toned bodies promoted online. Core proportions like curves for women and strength for men endure, proving that attraction blends enduring biology with changing culture. The CREO Clinic images bring these preferences to life, offering a visual timeline of beauty standards.
Which generational ideal surprises you most, or matches your own view? Share your thoughts in the comments.
