Do you judge celebrities' personalities by their faces?

By Olivia Goldhill | China Daily | Updated: 2014-08-16 08:36

As scientists reveal they can predict first impressions by facial features, which celebrities look most friendly?

We may tell ourselves we're not judgmental, but when it comes to first impressions, looks make all the difference.

Psychology researchers at York University have found that it's possible to predict first impressions by measuring physical features of faces. According to the analysis, we judge the approachability, dominance and youthful-attractiveness of those we meet by the specific spacing and shape of their faces. Regardless of the true inner personality, a smile can make a striking first impression.

York University researchers map facial characteristics by plotting 179 points into significant locations around the face, which are then turned in 65 measurements - from nose curve to mouth gap - that are analysed to create a portrait of how that face would be judged.

Tom Hartley, a lecturer at York, says that no one point dictates how a personality will be judged and the verdict has to be made from analysis of all their points in relation to each other.

But as celebrity personalities dominate our magazines, how do famous faces measure up at first glance?

1. Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts looks like the kind of women you'd want as a best friend. At the end of a night out, when everyone else has gone home, Roberts would stick around to listen to your secrets and lift your spirits after a breakup. Having never met the Pretty Woman star, it's impossible to know whether this is true - but it could be that her strikingly large mouth caused this impression. Analysis found that the shape, size and position of the mouth are some of the key ways we form a first impression. A wide, smiling mouth helps people look more attractive but, more than that, upturned lips make people seem more approachable. Roberts wide eyes could make her look more youthful, while her wider nose could add to her friendly appearance.

2. Kristen Stewart

At the other end of the celebrity friend scale, I'm not sure I'd bother with Kristen Stewart. Yes, she looks cool maybe a bit too cool but I can't imagine having much fun with her. Lips-wise, Stewart is the polar opposite of Roberts, which might explain my radically different judgement. Her mouth curves down, which could make her look much less approachable, while her relatively thin lips could help her look more dominant. At first glance, I think I'd be a little too scared to approach.

3. Leonardo di Caprio

Even as he approaches his 40s, Leonardo DiCaprio can't let go of his boyish good looks. There's something cheeky yet innocent about Leo, and although he's an A-list celebrity, he still doesn't seem intimidating. DiCaprio's round cheeks and soft jaw line may help create this impression, as a soft cheek gradient can help people seem less dominant, while a curved chin creates a more approachable and attractive look.

4. Russell Crowe

There's no man more manly than Russell Crowe. The Gladiator actor is the embodiment of swarthy strength and gruff power before he even says a word. You might pluck up the courage to nod at Russell Crowe, but you wouldn't expect a conversation to last longer than 20 seconds. Crowe's strong cheekline gradient could help make him look more dominant, especially when covered with stubble, as any facial care is associated with a dominant personality.

5. Cara Delevingne

We've grown used to Delevingne's looks as they're plastered across fashion campaigns and catwalks - but, at first glance, those thick bushy eyebrows undoubtedly make an impression. Large eyebrows could suggest that someone is less approachable, while Delevingne's low brows could make her more approachable, attractive and dominant. They say a picture paints a thousand words, but who knew eyebrows were so expressive?