Eyes come in a variety of colors, from the common browns, hazels and blues to the more rare greens, grays and even violets. When it comes to eye color preferences, research shows people tend to find certain shades more attractive. However, perceptions of eye beauty are highly subjective and influenced by individual tastes as well as cultural ideals. This article will explore what surveys and studies reveal about the most preferred eye colors and discuss factors that shape perceptions of eye beauty.
Quick Summary
Research suggests the following eye colors tend to be perceived as most attractive:
- Blue
- Green
- Hazel
- Gray
However, perceptions vary greatly by individual preference, demographics and cultural context. While these colors rate well in some western societies, preferences likely differ worldwide.
Common Eye Colors
Before exploring preferences, it helps to understand the distribution of eye colors among humans. Here are some of the most common eye shades and their estimated frequencies in the global population:
| Eye Color | Global Frequency |
|---|---|
| Brown | Around 79% |
| Blue | Around 8-10% |
| Hazel | Around 5% |
| Green | Around 2% |
| Gray | Around 1% |
As this data shows, brown eyes are by far the most common worldwide, with blue being the next most prevalent. More rare colors like green and gray occur in just a small percentage of people.
Survey Data on Eye Color Attractiveness
Research looking at perceptions of eye color attractiveness has found some consistent patterns:
- In a study from the University of Tromsø in Norway, both men and women ranked blue as the most attractive eye color, with hazel and green following behind.
- A survey by AllAboutVision.com found people considered blue, green and hazel to be the most attractive eye shades, with gray and amber also receiving votes.
- An Iowa State University study also found that people tended to find lighter eyes, such as blue and green, to be more attractive on women.
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