I had it from the age of 16, and still do to a lesser extent 30 years later.
I was pretty and unusual-looking, white-passing for the most part but with an exotic heritage that people couldn't quite place (Anglo-Indian ancestry, combining traces of Indian, Malaysian, Russian, French, Portuguese among others, according to my DNA whatsit), which added to my enigma, in a very white, middle-class Surrey town. Meaning I also spoke a little bit plummy, but then I also had a very minor speech impediment which only served to endear me to people all the more.
I am taller than average, but not super tall, and lucky with long, lean, limbs – I was exceptionally sporty as a child, and think this really helped my physique.
I was raised by an overly strict religious mother and zero effort was made by her in the presentation department, except to swamp me in frumpy, unflattering clothes that hid my figure. I also was not exposed to teenage looks magazines, and never gave any consideration to my looks or presentation. As such, I developed a cracking personality; I was witty, charming, and personable. Sweet, a little bit sassy, and friendly. I was also very unassuming, and didn't know looks were important or that I had 'it', until I'd also developed a personality not based on just being pretty and not having to make conversation.
By 16/17, though, I was at college and exposed to life outside my mother's strictness and the convent school. Finally had a Saturday job and could buy clothes and makeup. Suddenly I blossomed into myself, started to dress more flatteringly, (32DD chest on my slender, sporty frame was a boon too), and was hugely popular. Both with the boys, and the girls. I was very girl-next-door, fun, sweet, unassuming, but two years of regular praise, doors opening, free things, really boosted my confidence. I was regularly told I had an aura about me, and people were drawn to me. Importantly, I was never arrogant about it, and was always super-nice to people.
I'm lucky to have high cheekbones, great skin, great teeth. Pure luck. I do have crap hair though, it does nothing, hairdressers can't ever do anything with it, but I mostly keep it in a messy bun and it's fine.
Re privilege, yes. I got jobs offered to me (at uni, or on holiday, got offered bar work, front of house at nightclubs, dancer), without even looking for work. A couple of the boutique clothes shops would heavily discount their clothes for me, without me ever asking, because they knew I'd be noticed at the clubs.
Out of uni, I do think it gave me an advantage at interviews (along with my posh-but-not-too-posh accent), yes.
I got into clubs free throughout my twenties and early thirties (I stopped clubbing once I had my first child mid-thirties), got pulled from the queues and sent in to VIP areas in various clubs, drinks sent over (was always tee-total though, but my friends enjoyed the perks). Occasionally got gifted random things from independent shops, or given stuff at Camden Market for free/big discount.
At mid- to late-forties now, my cheekbones are still serving me well, I'm lucky with my skin (never had a skin routine, and I never wore foundation), I eat well (no meat, no dairy), I don't drink alcohol, never smoked. It's served me well. I'm a bit heavier than I was, but still within the healthy range for my height. I've been put of action for much of the year due to injury, meaning I've just not been as active, but I'm working on getting back to my pre-baby weight. I think I actually look better than I did in my twenties, and am told by my friends that I'm still gorgeous. I don't get free stuff though, but then I don't really go out out like I used to.
I do know that I have lucky genes (my mother is 78, but looks 50s; high cheekbones and fantastic skin).
I have a son and a daughter (11, 6), both way above average in looks, and I notice how people look at them compared to plainer children. People stare at them, often. I am regularly told how beautiful they both are.
It is a privilege I hope they accept graciously. I do feel very lucky, in this department. It's not fair, at all, but others may be smarter, or better at sports, or whatever, much of which are natural gifts we don't always have to work at.
That was long, and I'd never say any of it to anyone in real life, it's just not even a thing, not a topic of conversation I've ever had.
I certainly have hardships to deal with too though, it's absolutely not been all plain-sailing.