Eyes come in a variety of colours, from the common browns, hazels and blues to the more unusual greens, greys and violets. The colour of our eyes depends on the amount and type of pigment in the iris. The most common eye colour worldwide is brown, while blue, hazel and grey eyes are rarer. However, when asked what the most attractive or beautiful eye colour is, there are differing opinions. Some of the contenders for the number one spot include blue, green and amber eyes.
Factors Determining Eye Colour
The colour of our eyes stems from the amount and type of melanin pigment in the iris. Here are some of the key factors:
- Melanin Content – More melanin leads to darker eyes. Brown eyes have a lot of melanin, while blue eyes have very little.
- Rayleigh Scattering – This causes shorter wavelength light to scatter more, making blue eyes appear blue.
- Stromal Collagens – These are structural proteins in the iris that reflect light to give some eyes a coloured tint.
- Genetics – Genes play a major role in determining melanin production and other factors leading to eye colour.
The amount of melanin generally falls into three categories that produce brown, blue, and in-between colours like green and hazel. When light enters the eye, it interacts with the melanin and stromal collagen leading to varying shades. But which of these colours could claim the number one spot?
The Case for Blue
One of the rarest eye colours in the world is blue, only being found natively in around 8% of the global population. Most blue-eyed people are found in Northern and Eastern Europe. The vivid blue colour is caused by having very low quantities of melanin. This means there is less pigment to block reflected light in the blue wavelength range. Here are some of the key points around why blue eyes are seen as attractive:
- Rarity – Their relative rarity means they stand out from the more common brown and hazel eyes.
- Vibrant Colour – The low melanin brings out a vivid, intense blue that grabs attention.
- Associations – Blue eyes are often seen in connection with innocence and purity.
- Contrast – They can often contrast strongly with darker hair and skin tones.
Many regard the bright, icy blue as the most beautiful eye colour. However, others may perceive too light a blue as harsh or cold.
The Appeal of Green Eyes
After brown, green is the second most common eye colour globally, found predominantly around the Caucasus region and in parts of Northern and Central Europe. Green results from having an intermediate amount of melanin. The colour varies from a light greenish tinge through to a deeper emerald hue. Reasons why green eyes are prized include:
- Unusualness – More unique than brown, but not as rare as blue.
- Range of Greens – From light mint to vivid emerald, many appealing shades.
- Association with Nature – Reminiscent of plants, forests and the natural world.
- Standout Colour – Striking and distinctive when contrasted with skin, hair and clothing.
The verdant green shades are seen as alluring and attractive, giving green a strong claim to being the most beautiful eye colour. However, some may find very pale green eyes to be a little eerie.
Amber Eyes
Amber eyes are one of the rarest eye colours, only occurring in around 1% of people worldwide. The distinctive honey-gold or light brownish colour results from a yellow lipochrome pigment called lipochrome (also known as lipofuscin) in the iris. Along with redheads, amber eyes are one of the trademarks of the rare genetic mutation MC1R. Reasons amber eyes are considered beautiful include:
- Extreme Rarity – Found in less than 2% of the global population.
- Golden Glow – Warm and inviting golden/honey tones.
- Sun Association – Reminiscent of a sun-kissed glow and associated warmth.
- Enigmatic – The rare colour seems to hold an air of mystery and depth.
Many consider amber eyes to have an other-worldly beauty about them. However, some may find lighter amber shades to be a little dull.
How People Perceive Eye Colour Attractiveness
Despite the compelling cases for blue, green and amber eyes, perceptions of attractiveness ultimately come down to individual preference and cultural beauty standards. Here are some factors that influence how beautiful an eye colour is considered:
- Rarity – Unusual or uncommon colours often seem more exotic.
- Pop Culture – Trends inspired by celebrities influence wider desirability.
- Associations – Symbolic associations evoke emotional responses.
- Personal History – Connections to past loves may sway opinions.
- Contrast – How an eye colour contrasts with hair and skin.
- Saturation – Colour depth impacts how striking it appears.
Additionally, the eye colour itself is merely one aspect of overall eye appeal, along with shape, lashes, brows and other factors.
Survey Data on Perceptions of Eye Colour Attractiveness
While personal preferences play a large role, market research surveys do indicate some consensus around perceptions of eye colour attractiveness. Here are some example survey findings:
| Eye Colour | Percentage Finding it Most Attractive |
|---|---|
| Blue | 27% |
| Green | 23% |
| Brown | 22% |
| Hazel | 14% |
| Amber | 7% |
| Grey | 5% |
While preferences for blue, green and brown eyes are quite evenly split, amber and grey eyes have a way to go to be seen by the majority as the most attractive eye colour. Overall, the rarer colours tend to have an edge over the more common brown eyes when it comes to perceived beauty and attractiveness.
Conclusion
In summary, when it comes to the most beautiful or attractive eye colour, there are strong cases to be made for blue, green and amber eyes. Though the vibrant blue often wins out due to its extreme rarity. However, brown eyes are actually very common worldwide, despite perceptions favouring more unusual colours with greater contrast. Perceived attractiveness remains highly subjective and cultural, with personal experiences helping shape what eye colours people find most appealing. But the top three contenders for the title of the number one eye colour remain the rare, hypnotizing blue, the mystical emerald green, and the warm, golden amber eyes.
