And then along came Marilyn Monroe. Her platinum hair and sexy image got a lot of attention in the 1950s and early '60s. But Monroe had to share the role of image-maker with a host of classic beauties who were also making an impression, including Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn.
"When I was in high school, we all wanted to look like Audrey Hepburn. When 'Charade' came out [in 1963] everyone wanted to own the little trench coat and look like her," Hanson said.
Although it seems like our concept of beauty changes radically from generation to generation, there are some consistent features, according to research done by Randy Thornhill, a biology professor at the University of New Mexico.
"People with symmetric faces are rated more attractive and always have been," Thornhill said.
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