What science sees, that you do not see (but you feel)
In the street, during an appointment or on an app, you come across faces without thinking about it. However, your brain scans, sorts, class … and chooses. And according to research carried out by Harvard Universityit is not pure beauty that triggers attraction, but a much more subtle detail: the perceived sweetness of the features.
The Dr Robert Livingstonprofessor at Harvard Kennedy School, showed through his study “The Teddy Bear Effect” that faces called « babyfaced » -That is to say deemed non-threatening, sweet, round-inspire more confidence, sympathy and connection. It is therefore not a square jaw or high cheekbones that seduce first, but this Spontaneous benevolence impression.
Why this detail triggers attraction faster than beauty
At the origin of this mechanism, there is a primary brain function: the Detection of danger or social security. A “babyfaced” face – large forehead, large eyes, full cheeks – is treated as non -threatening. This signal triggers a reaction from thetonsilthen activation of reward circuit : Dopamine, attachment, confidence.
Faces perceived as “sweet” significantly increase positive interactions in studies of social psychology, until +42 % of favorable responses in the first contact situation According to the review Social Psychological and Personality Science (2023). And it is not reserved for the love area: these faces also receive More job offers, More promotions et No more votes In politics, according to Harvard.
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The “Babyfaced” faces activate confidence and attractive faster than beauty, according to Harvard.
Here is how to recognize (or activate) this detail without surgery
Princeton, Harvard or Toronto University studies have made it possible to identify the physical characteristics that promote this feeling of immediate sweetness :
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Rounded and symmetrical features
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Slightly open and expressive look
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Relaxed smile (“Duchenne” style), not forced
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Front cleared, without tension
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Stable and calm facial expression
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Diffuse lighting (avoids marked shadows)
These elements influence perception in less of 150 milliseconds. Even in a selfie or a visio, your interlocutor captures them unconsciously.
What this study reveals on our human relationships in 2025
In this summer season 2025, where social networks saturate with filtered faces and where algorithms push us to smooth our singularities, this study reminds us of a founding truth: It is not the beauty that attracts, but the security that we inspire.
And that’s the challenge: beauty impresses, but does not necessarily create a link. Conversely, a gentle face – human, peaceful, spontaneous – triggers an immediate emotional attachment. This detail, imperceptible for you but decoded by the other’s brain, can change everything in a meeting.
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These are the soft, not perfect features, which trigger the first positive impression.
