What makes a face beautiful? Perfect skin? Big eyes? A large smile? All these play a role, but in the aesthetics industry the answer the golden ratio, a mathematical ratio, dating back 2,500 years. Cross-cultural research has shown that no matter the ethnicity, our perception of beauty is based on the ratio proportions of 1.618. As the face comes closer to this ratio, it is perceived as more beautiful.

A report by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has shown that consumers are more obsessed with celebrities now than ever before, so much so in fact that there is an increase in requests for celebrity procedures. This trend is fuelled by an all-consuming media society, where every aspect of their lives are lived online and through social media.

Let’s take Meghan Markle for example. She was recently named the most attractive British royal according to the golden ratio of physical perfection and it all has to with the shape of her nose. Markle’s nose is inspiring plastic surgery trends thanks to its refined tip definition and natural-looking hump. There was no surprise to find out that her nose has quickly replaced the previous celebrity nose inspiration, Kim Kardashian and in my opinion, the fact that her nose is kind of imperfect it’s a great change in beauty standards.

Getting back to celebrities and their influence in the aesthetics trends, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) has recently asked surgeons what influences do celebrities have on the decisions patients make.     The survey was sent to over 20,000 plastic surgeons in 84 countries. Surgeons were asked to connect celebrity names with 11 popular procedures for both men and women. The findings of this questionnaire revealed fascinating trends.

Breasts and lips were the leading categories for celebrity choices by women followed by buttocks, nose and abdomen. Angelina Jolie was the overwhelming leader as the lips of choice for women undergoing this procedure. The alternate reference for lips was Julia Roberts.

There was no doubt that Nicole Kidman’s nose was a clear favorite for women around the world. Secondary choices included Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston and in a nod to classicism, Grace Kelly and Princess Mary of Denmark.

Angelina Jolie was the clear favorite in the eyes category. Catherine Zeta-Jones, Demi Moore, Michelle Pfeiffer and Salma Hayek were also prominent. And, proving that cinematic beauty is eternal, there were numerous references to Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, Catherine Deneuve and Greta Garbo.

When asked about cheeks, the woman most often referenced was Sophia Loren, followed by Michelle Pfeiffer, Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie and Marilyn Monroe.

Though hair implants are not as common for women as for men, the leading choice was Gisele Bundchen, followed closely by Jennifer Aniston and Julia Roberts.

There was no clear cut leader in the chin category. Among the names referenced were Sonia Braga, Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts and Charlize Theron.

The forehead was the least referenced category in the study. Leading the selections were Nicole Kidman, Madonna, Elizabeth Taylor and Oprah Winfrey.

While celebrity influence could be the driving force behind many patients’ decision to visit an aesthetics clinic, it’s important to remember that the best results are achieved when you accept what you naturally have to work with, and make changes that will be the most flattering for your face regardless of whatever the Kardashians or Angelina Jolie are doing.