AIBU to think men prefer fake looking women?

[Bumpitybumper]

I can't help but feel suspicious everytime I read the results from a survey where it is suggested that men prefer the "natural" look. This just doesn't seem to reflect my experience in real life and also what I see on social media or on TV.

We have Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian who have both obviously had a LOT of work being viewed as the pinnacle of female attractiveness whilst Meghan from Love Island who has apparently been completely remodeled by surgeon seems to have attracted the most men in Love Island.

AIBU to suggest despite their protestations that men actually don't favour the natural look at all?

Some men for sure like the fake look, and more disturbing, I’ve heard a couple of men say they like this look not because they think it’s more attractive, but because they like a woman to put themselves through extreme measures just to please males - makes the men feel powerful or something. Completely gross.

But plenty of men like the more natural look too.

I'm not sure a couple of reality TV shows are representative.
A lot of men may say they prefer natural when questioned, not realising that what they think is natural actually isn't.
Then they'd criticise properly natural looks for not making an effort!

@deydododatdodontdeydo
I agree about reality shows maybe not being completely representative but I notice this in real life too.

I think the thing that surprises me is that men seem to like the obviously fake whilst I think women seem to be more accepting of a more natural looking effect.

Men are not a hive mind. Mr Elbows doesn't like fake and he also likes meat on the bone. Start a column for men like him. You're going to need a lot of columns to fit in the preferences of all men!

Some men do refer those type of women and that is OK, but there are plenty of men who like natural women too...find a man who likes you just as you are, you should never have to change yourself to fit into what the other person likes, because then you are suppressing the real you,

Different people have different tastes. I know it can seem like men all prefer doll-like looks when you watch things like Love Island, but there are plenty of other people in the world. I think the men who go after fake-looking woken tend to be quite loud, raucous blokes who like to be seen, if that makes any sense.

I'm not sure they like this look for someone they want to settle down with.

Maybe they like to look at this look but I think most men want an quiet life and a normal relationship with a woman on a deeper level than shallow looks.

Those are the sort of men I've always been interested in.

If you go for the flashy type of man then maybe they need a flashy type of woman as their life is all about appearance.

*prefer not refer ... autocorrect

I had a conversation about this yesterday with a male colleague. I've always found him to be quite sexist and shallow, and so I was pleasantly surprised when he said he's baffled by the extreme measures that some women go to to alter their natural looks, and that he finds it unattractive.

There must be a subsection of women who like Essex boys, but I don't.

I tend to fancy the less extreme end of hipsters - beard but no man bun.

Most couples I know fit well together style and grooming wise.

If you go for the flashy type of man then maybe they need a flashy type of woman as their life is all about appearance

^ this
There are plenty of men who don't like the "fake" look, they see those women as being high maintenance.

OP, would you accept an assertion that women prefer loud, aggressive selfish, men? Because I get the impression that men like that always have women chasing after them, while quiet, placid men most definitely don't.

Personally, I loathe fake tan, fake eyelashes, fake fingernails, breast implants, etc., just as I'm sure you loathe loud, aggressive, selfish men. Perhaps both of us have gained misleading impressions.

I agree completely with men not being a hive mind and everyone having their own preferences. It just seems that whenever surveys are undertaken or interviews are conducted with men it almost always comes out that the majority prefer natural women but I just think that maybe this could be what they think they should say rather than what they actually think. They probably would all pick a naturally beautiful woman but where a more average woman could stay natural or enhance themeselves I think more men would choose the enhanced version.

In my experience no. For instance I have never worn makeup and the amount of men who have complimented me on the fact is very high, despite the fact I still had moderate acne right up to my first pregnancy (age 29) and still have cyclical acne with my period.

I disagree but i think it takes a lot of work to look natural.

I think most ordinary men like ordinary women. The fake look on Love Island baffles me and my DH also. The eyebrows, the lashes, the hair extensions, the boobs. Did I mention the eyebrows? Don't get it. I think they all look much prettier without all the slap and I actually think the more popular ones seem to be the more naturally pretty girls. It's getting more ridiculous these days but I do think a lot of it is driven by women themselves rather than men.

I don’t think most men like the Essex look but I do think men prefer a woman with makeup to one without.

@P00ka
Maybe things that are obviously fake to other women could appear natural to men? Like for me one of the things I always notice is when a woman's breasts are out of proportion with her body and don't look quite "right" for her. Hard to explain really but I think I can intuitively spot when they're fake whereas my DH would have a harder time telling.

I don’t think the contestants or the viewers of Love Island were aware of the extent of the surgery Meghan’s had. It wasn’t that obvious until the “before” photos surfaced.

None of the men I know have shown any preference for "fake" looking women (maybe they secretly fantasize about it, who knows). But they also don't watch love island. I imagine that men who do like the fake look, are far more likely to watch love island, and that will skew whoever wins to their preferences..

In my experience of men, they prefer women who are (at least reasonably) happy with their selves and don't spend hours obsessing about their appearance. Obviously, they are not representative of all men!

I remember when a 'proper stunner' started working at our local pub - she was absolutely gorgeous in that fake way as well as being quick witted and flirty (with everyone, man or woman, young or old - she was great!)..

I thought the (loud rough etc) locals were going to love her but - they were absolutely terrified!

losingmymindiam Spot on, it is very much driven by women. I have yet to meet a man who will admit to finding any of the Kardashian women attractive.

Princesspear I think it depends on how much make up though. I prefer me with make up to without but I only wear eyeliner and a bit of mascara day to day. Make up should enhance rather than be a full on mask a la Love Island etc, so anyone would look better in an enhanced version. My DH wouldn't care if I never wore make up though and would still say I was attractive.

I haven’t t found this all all. I’m a non make up wearing natural type and I don’t find men chose fake looking women over the natural look, most men I talk too hate fake boobs and loads of make up.

I haven't found this. All them men I know have shacked up with or married "normal" looking women. That is minimal make-up, no cosmetic surgery - just normal. They all seem very happy!