Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical. — Sophia Loren
Just like what inspired my post on How to Start Building Self-Esteem, so is a recent conversation with a close friend. He talked about a girl he liked that was “so pretty”, but when he described her personality, I could only cringe. I told him that she may have outer beauty, but it seems like she has no inner beauty. We then got to discussing what inner beauty was, and before you know it, we were both out of words… it’s just undefinable!
I like to think there is more to beauty than just physical appearance, that’s why Beauty Fool also focuses on the other side of beauty – the inner aspect. I love makeup, hairstyles, skin recommendations as much as the next girl, but I think ultimately true beauty lies within. But what exactly is inner beauty? When we say someone is ‘beautiful’ don’t we almost always refer to the physical beauty we can see?
This is what I came up with before my mind hit a blank: Inner beauty is having compassion for others, helping others, being joyful, being a shoulder to cry on, respecting others, respecting yourself, listening, smiling, having kindness to animals, loving others and of course, loving yourself. Phew!
So I have to ask: What is inner beauty to you? 
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{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Yeah, I must say that’s a perfect description of inner beauty! Inner beauty is the condition of the heart (not the literal, rather, the figurative), like our thoughts and motives… it’s sad, though that inner beauty is usually overlooked :
Like your friend, we just think someone’s “pretty” based on what we see, but inside they could be quite ugly! lol Inner beauty is much better than physical beauty in the long haul, however, it’s usually the outer beauty which attracts us first!
The inner beauty is sometimes something you have to look for, or simply become more aware of, since it doesn’t jump out at you like inner beauty does!
Err, I meant “jump out at you like outer beauty does” **
I agree, Sarah! Unfortunately our outer beauty attracts people first – which I think is alright because beauty is in everyone, although our inner beauty is what really ATTRACTS people to become our friends, etc. Inner beauty is more mysterious too, like you said it takes awhile to become aware of it…and I think I love that aspect.
Oh and don’t worry, my friend doesn’t like that girl anymore, he can’t get past the awfl things she says and does. :/ Good riddance, I say!
Yeah, exactly! Ooo *mystery* O.O lol
Oh thank goodness! Some boys…. *shakes head in shame* It’s like you wanna smack and be like “Are you crazy?! You like HER!?? AHHHH!” They just don’t make the best choices sometimes xD
People that are ugly on the inside are way worse to be around than people that are ugly on the outside. Plus, when a pretty person turns out to be a horrible person, it makes their looks become ugly! Same way when a less attractive person has a beautiful heart, their looks become way more appealing!
Amen to every single word you wrote, Ali.
I remember in highschool there was this guy who I thought was sooooooo ridiculously good looking but when i got to know him it was such a turnoff. He became immensely unattractive to me after that. Ugly hearts are the worst.
I think inner beauty is something you feel more than definable by what a person does. Outer beauty draws us to the ‘beautiful’ people, because who doesn’t want to look at or be around something so pretty? I think the same can be said of Inner beauty, in that, people are drawn to it, and it’s the way they feel being with that person,because of all the things they do to make YOU feel special too.. That’s how i see it anyway.
I’m glad you brought that up, Lauren – I do think we all want to be seen as pretty; and in my mind that’s totally OK! It’s all about having fun and experimenting with makeup and fashion, and also wanting to take care of our skin and bodies, etc. because we love ourselves and want to look our best. As long as we know that it’s the inner beauty that counts, I think whatever you do with your outer beauty is fine.
Inner beauty, to me, is balance. Balance in our lives and within ourselves. Peace and happiness, whatever that is to you. Most people seek this, I know I do, but I think it’s rare that someone actually “gets there.” I also agree that inner beauty requires compassion and respect. Those two things tie in with balance, really.
I agree that it’s also inner peace and happiness. Happy people are immediately more attractive and radiant such a glow that is inner beauty. I guess everyone has their own definition of what makes them happy, but it’s human nature to never be truly satisfied, so I agree tht not many people “get there”. I think if one would just learn to be thankful for where they are and have a real sense of gratitude, they would find inner peace.
Haha, we’re so ‘deep’ today!
U just took the words out my mouth… Inner beauty is so important, many people dont realize that. I think everybody can be beautiful. Many times the inner beauty is so big that it can actually blind u, u know when only YOU find somebody atractive and other people just dont see what u see?!!! I guess that happens when only YOU can really see that person´s heart and personality…
I agree u with u Renne, inner beauty all about being a person with good intentions, being inteligent, a great friend, fun, sincere, kind, and specially having a great smile!
xo =D
Thanks for your comment, Deb!
Inner beauty really is the most important, and it’s the most attractive thing in the world. Oh, and a great big smile. I agree that with some people you can just SEE it, but also after getting to know their personality then you can really see their inner beauty. Whenever someone smiles it makes them instantly more beautiful and they radiant such joy. I love that! 
i must say in this world people tend to look on outer beauty, of course who doesnt want to look beautiful?bt i believe inner beauty has its own uniqueness
‘This is what I came up with before my mind hit a blank: Inner beauty is having compassion for others, helping others, being joyful, being a shoulder to cry on, respecting others, respecting yourself, listening, smiling, having kindness to animals, loving others and of course, loving yourself. Phew!’
spot on =] beautifully said.
Hey,
I was just going through your archives (which is the best thing to do when taking a sick day, I think
and wanted to add my own two cents. I totally agree with your definition of inner beauty – to me, it’s kindness and compassion for everyone around you, even in the smallest way. I’m currently lacking in the outer beauty department as I’m recovering from a broken nose. A few days ago, I was walking down a busy street
*accidentally hit enter there*
here in Toronto and said “bless you” as a woman beside me sneezed. It just happened that I was meeting up with a couple of my friends and when I got there, the woman I passed by was there as well. She came up to my group and thanked me and that kind of my day. I think even the smallest acts of kindness add up and you never know how much they’ll mean to people around you
*I agree with everything you said about inner beauty.* I think it’s the most important aspect to any human being. Without inner beauty, it seems like you might not have a soul. I feel like inner beauty is kindness, such as random acts of kindness, caring and compassion, having an open-mind and being tolerant, and being giving and grateful. I believe that if somebody does something for you, you should return the favor, such as if I’m kind to someone, they’re likely to be the same. Loving people and yourself sincerely and without arrogance, regardless of what type of love, is really important as well. I think that showing respect for others, seeing that the little things in life can be important, being considerate and thoughtful, as well as being able to laugh at yourself is paramount to inner beauty. Inner beauty to me is believing in yourself and others and being understanding.