Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say – but what happens when that beholder is our own brain? Fascinating findings from psychology show that we can positively influence our self-image without changing our physical appearance. Because our perception of beauty is far more subjective than we often think!
So let's take a look inside the psychology box together: Which psychological phenomena influence how we perceive ourselves and others? And how can we use these hacks for our mental well-being and a positive self-image?
Why charisma is more important than perfection – The «halo effect»
The so-called halo effect is a well-known psychological phenomenon: people we perceive as likeable, self-confident, or intelligent automatically appear more attractive to us – regardless of their actual physical characteristics (Asch, 1946; Bethel, 2010). Charismatic people are therefore often perceived as more beautiful, even if they do not conform to classical beauty standards.
What does this mean for us? We can harness the halo effect by enhancing our personal charisma instead of striving for outward perfection. A confident posture—shoulders back, head held high, and an inner smile—can already make a big difference. Conscious movement, such as yoga or Pilates, also helps improve our posture and body awareness. And those who approach others with a positive attitude and openness not only appear more confident but also more attractive. Bonus: This positive aura is contagious and affects those around us.
Why we often see ourselves more critically in the mirror than others – the "mere-exposure effect"
Have you ever seen a photo of yourself and thought, "Do I really look like that?" Don't worry – you're not alone! We are often our own harshest critics, and this has to do with a psychological effect called "mere-exposure".
This principle states that we prefer what is familiar to us. Since we primarily see ourselves in a mirror, we are accustomed to this reflected image. A photograph, on the other hand, shows us as others see us – and this can initially appear "wrong" or unfamiliar to our brain.
What does this mean for us? First of all, we can simply be aware that our self-image is often distorted – and that others usually see us much more positively than we do ourselves. Why not try it out: Grab a friend, describe each other, and compare your perceptions. And if you need a little mood boost, check out the Dove video on this topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrHoDJinMQI
How we can trick our brain – The “60-second smile”
Smiling makes you happy – and that's not just due to positive experiences, but also to a psychological principle called the "Facial Feedback Hypothesis." Studies show (Dimberg & Söderkvist, 2011) that simply tensing the facial muscles responsible for a smile causes our brain to release happiness hormones like dopamine and serotonin.
What does that mean for us? Quite simply: put on a smile for 60 seconds – turn up the corners of your mouth and tense your cheek muscles! Yes, it might feel strange at first, but that's exactly how we trick our brains – and activate positive emotions. And as we already know, when you feel good, you also feel more attractive – and that's what you radiate. So don't smile for others – smile for yourself!
These small but effective hacks from psychology show: beauty begins in the mind! Those who perceive themselves confidently and positively radiate that – without any external changes.
Which of these techniques will you try? Share your experiences with us in the comments.
After completing my psychology studies and a doctorate in public health, my career path led me from market research to the field of work and mental health. My focus is on how the working world and the people within it function, how we maintain mental health in the modern world, and how we create a new understanding of well-being – beyond the pressure to be perfect and rigid structures. As a psychologist, in addition to corporate wellbeing and mental health, I am also interested in self-care and beauty topics – not just in fleeting trends, but with a focus on naturalness, well-being, and the underlying psychological principles. Because beauty shouldn't mean perfection, but rather an authentic interplay of body and mind.