They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But according to science, the sexiest women today are brunettes with tattoos who are in relationships.
To determine what’s considered attractive in 2025, researchers analyzed Maxim magazine’s “Hot 100” lists over the past decade, starting from 2016. They examined factors such as age, height, body type, facial features, and hair color.
The profile of the most attractive woman in 2025:
Dark eyes
Long dark hair
Average to above-average height — around 172 cm (5’6”)
Heart-shaped face
Tattoos
Most often in a relationship or married
Many modern celebrities fit this ideal: Dua Lipa and Hailey Bieber score 90%, while Shay Mitchell and Emily Ratajkowski score 80%.
“What stands out in the conversation about 2025 beauty is the growing preference for classic dark features — rich brown hair, deep eyes, and striking silhouettes,” says data analyst Alexandra Dimitrova. “Trendsetting stars are shaping this shift, combining these traits with influence, charisma, and effortless style, making them objects of admiration.”
Key findings from the study:
68% of women on the lists were slim, 14% had athletic builds
One-third had an hourglass figure
44% had undergone cosmetic procedures
64% had tattoos
Most had long or medium-length hair
44% had heart-shaped faces
Brown hair and eyes were the most common combination
90% were in a relationship, engaged, or married; only 12% were single
The most popular zodiac sign: Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Celebrities closest to the 2025 ideal:
Dua Lipa — 90%
Hailey Bieber — 90%
Shay Mitchell — 80% (matching height, age 10 years older)
Emily Ratajkowski — 80% (eight out of ten traits, age and zodiac differ)
Olivia Culpo — 70% (no tattoos)
Zendaya — 70% (taller than ideal height)
Kendall Jenner — 50%
Lily Collins — 50%
Sofia Carson — 40%
Ana de Armas — 40%
How beauty standards have evolved over the past decade:
2016: Margot Robbie, Irina Shayk
2017: Emma Watson
2019: Sophie Turner
2023: Beyoncé, Taylor Swift
2024: Miley Cyrus
2025: Ashley Graham
“Each generation of celebrities sets new beauty standards, reflecting shifts in culture and public preferences,” experts note.
Scientists also warn about the “dark side of beauty”: extremely attractive women can seem less approachable and evoke less sympathy, particularly from men.
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