Yes, life really is not fair. Attractive people may get a shortcut to the top, says Matthew Kohut, author of the book Compelling People: the Hidden Qualities That Make Us Influential. "A person's looks can have a blinding effect on our perceptions of them." But what's considered attractive can change depending on culture -- and gender. Height is treasured in men, beautiful faces signified by large eyes, plump lips, and smooth brows in women.


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Deborah Rhode, author of The Beauty Bias found that the attractiveness bias bleeds to nearly all areas of life -- from academia, to politics, to workers, where employees who are considered more conventionally attractive tend to make more money. What gives?

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There is a caveat, says Kohut. "Attractiveness has a very immediate effect, but it will wear off once you start to see the other signals the person gives," says Kohut. In other words, a pretty face will only get you so far. [Business Insider]