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?

The more obsessed someone is (man or woman) about their outward appearance the less depth they invariably have to their personality.
I don't agree with this at all.

No, but you perhaps demonstrate your stupidity by failing miserably to comprehend the meaning of the word "obsessed".

I wear full makeup and fake lashes daily. You would probably consider me “obsessed”.

I’ve been to university, am a political campaigner, and have hobbies that range from reading and researching about space and debating to making jewellery and creating watercolours.

But thanks for writing me off as vacuous because I like makeup and nice clothing.

My dh quite likes a fake tan but nothing else. Based on my 18 year old's gfs, he clearly likes the fake look so perhaps it's a young man's thing!

uccexpress.ie/a-chat-with-journalist-turned-barrister-and-proud-mother-of-five-aileen-hickey/
This woman has dyed blonde hair, fake tan and big hoop earrings. She's far from thick or boring.

I have to say OP, I'm always bloody annoyed by strangers online (usually men to be honest), asserting that their generalised opinions of men are less accurate than my own first-hand knowledge of my fiance.

He doesn't fancy women with the 'fake' look. I imagine that's true of what other people are reporting of their partners. Take it from me and add it to your perspective, don't bend what people are telling you to suit your opinion.

It's Leo DiCaprio!

This debate was also going on in ancient Roman times - the Dismantled Bride song upthread has more than an echo of Martial about it:

Galla, your hair originally grew on someone else's head,
And at night you put aside your teeth
Just like you put aside your silks.
You lie, dismantled, in a hundred little boxes:
Your face does not sleep with you.
(Martial, Epigrams IX.37)

I think a fair few men like the fake look for a ons/fling, but when it comes to ltr/marriage, the natural look is what they’ll pick. Don’t agree with it, no scientific evidence, just my thoughts and what I’ve seen!

Love that! Gallicos

Men’s idea of ‘natural’ actually takes a lot of work.

But most men I know much prefer natural to the fake look. Many men are actively turned off by fake hair, fake nails, too much makeup, surgery etc.

Kylie Jenner and Kim K are not particularly successful with men.

Every bloke I know prefers 'natural' women. By that I mean women who are clean and tidy and look after themselves and put a little effort in. You know... like our version of the 'natural look' that really takes 2hrs a week to maintain .

Just like most of us prefer clean and tidy men who shave when needed and are presentable and dress well.

I don't know many men that like fake tits or arses or lips or eyebrows or hair extensions. And I work in the adult industry. Those that do tend to fetishise it rather than are attracted to it and treat it like they would a sports car - "did you need the implants she had, top of the line, best surgeon in the south, will last 20 years before over fluffing" etc etc.

I think it’s unfair to presume that all men like the same or similar looks. Clearly they all like something a bit different, seeing as how every woman looks a bit different to every other woman.

I've never met a single man who prefers women with fake bodies over someone who isn't obsessed with trying to look like a plastic doll.
Maybe you need to widen your circle of make friends?

I think this is largely a class thing. If you look at WAGs they’re usually very done up, implants and fake tan and extensions. Bourgeois men on the other hand tend to go for makeup-free women - but still expect them to be beautiful, of course. Just naturally so. Which is an even harder standard to meet, really.

Bottom line is it’s not worth worrying about what men like! It’s not as if most of them put in even the slightest effort with their own appearance.

Depends on the man, surely?

My husband drools over Natalie Portman, my friend/colleague drools over Rachel Weisz, my dad drools over Helen Mirren. Other men, I'm not sure about.

I think most men must find hair extensions, fuckloads of makeup and the like a bit intimidating, like a kind of obstacle course to be navigated, maybe? I'm not a lesbian, so it's hard to say, but I find the idea of kissing someone wearing thick makeup kind of repulsive.

I’m in two minds about this. One the one hand some guys do like that very manufactured look, but I think a lot would genuinely say they prefer a ‘natural’ appearance. However, I’m not sure many men know what a natural appearance is. I’ve had guys say to me that I’m natural looking and I think: mate, I’ve got...

Threaded eyebrows; recently cut and highlighted hair; shaved legs; shaved armpits; pedicured feet.

I’m wearing… Factor 50 facial sunscreen, tinted moisturiser; mascara; lip tint; blusher; clear nail polish on hands; coloured nail polish on toes; deodorant; perfume; curl cream; fake tan; under-wired bra.

My clothes are… clean, ironed and picked to be in a style and colour which flatter me.

Also I… swim, run, lift weights, watch what I eat, pay regular visits to the dental hygienist.

Whereas you are... showered; shaved; wearing deodorant and a clean T-shirt.

There’s all sorts of things to be said about the different societal pressures on men and women, and whether I ‘need’ to make all that effort. Certainly, I don’t think it is something women should feel obliged to do. But the fact is that what these guys appear to think is a ‘natural’ look is very far from it. It takes time, money and effort. I don't have fake boobs, and I'm not wearing a glittery dress slashed to the thigh, but that doesn't mean natural.

I'm pretty sure that if I only made the effort they did, and was clean, but no more, a lot of them would consider me less attractive.

Mirri I just saw that and laughed too! I was a bit confused about why he ended his initial comment with the lone word “debate”, but I now realise it was actually intended as a command...

Sorry Mirrivan, you're the ambassador for ALL men and we missed that.

Mirrivan sorry you were quoting Him! The Man. I can't see original post now.

Hmm, when I was mid 20s DH loved the natural look. No make up, hair scrunched up in a knot, ditching the contact lenses and slobbing about in my shortie Jim jams. "You are so cute in your little geeky glasses" he used to say.

Mid fifties now and I reckon he appreciates a subtle full face of make up and a tasteful cut and colour.

Also I… swim, run, lift weights, watch what I eat, pay regular visits to the dental hygienist

Tbf, I don't think any of these bits are female-specific.

The looks you describe are classically porny looks. Which means available in some men’s minds, unfortunately.
Available is always good if you are feeling up for it.

Tbf where we live a man would be hard pressed to find a woman under 50 who isn't coated in makeup and fake tan.

My husband jokes that's the reason he had to import a bride from America.