8 Readers Share What They Love About Their Looks
What do you like about the way you look? Earlier this month, we asked that question, and many readers emailed us photos. Here, eight women share kind eyes, curvy legs, and strong noses…
Says Rebekah (above), who lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma, “I feel so glowy in the evening sun, like it’s reflecting something golden in me. I was made to bask.”
“I’m so grateful J.Lo hit it big when I was in middle school, because I grew up thinking my big Puerto Rican ass was a thing of beauty. I’ve also found inspiration from fat activists, like Virginia Sole-Smith and Aubrey Gordon. On my book tour last fall, a moderator snapped this photo of me — round belly, the whole soft, visible package — and called me ‘a bright, brilliant light.’ I look at it now and see what she saw: my body not as something that takes up space, but something that offers it.” — Marian, Portland, Oregon
“I love my dimples! They’re pronounced, like someone stuck their fingers into a ball of clay when I was born. My maternal grandmother (‘Nana’) also had gorgeous high cheekbones and a wide face. Whenever I look in the mirror, I see her reflection in mine, her bright red lipstick kissing my cheeks, exactly where the divots are.” — Emma, New York City
“In high school, I walked across the stage to accept my National Honors Society plaque, and my aunt said, appreciatively, ‘Oooh, look at them big legs!’ At the time, I was mortified. It took me 20 years, but now I understand the compliment. My curvy legs carry the rest of this body beautifully. When it’s even slightly warm, I yell, ‘Sky’s out, thighs out!’ and put on the shortest shorts I can find.” — Abby, Chicago
“Small dark moles have been appearing since I hit my thirties; they’re dermatosis papulosa nigra, harmless moles common among Black folks. I watched three small stars take their place at the corner of my eye, and I thought, how cool to have a face that’s still changing, a reminder to look up in awe at the night stars that guided our ancestors!” — Sarah, State College, Pennsylvania
“When I smile, my eyes get all squinty and essentially disappear. It’s my undeniable joy! Here, I’m with my kiddo on a plane, and my children celebrating Tashlich by a river during Rosh Hashanah.” — Jill, Cousins Island, Maine
“My masi (maternal aunt) was looking at daguerreotypes of Indian women and remarked, ‘They have such intelligent faces, it’s their strong noses.’ The women in my family have strong noses, too, and I thought that was the finest compliment a woman could receive — to look intelligent!” — Sukhie, Seattle
“I love that I look kind. My two-year-old daughter took this photo, above, while we were chatting on the couch. My eyes are focused on her, I’m smiling, and my eyebrows are arched like she’s telling me the most fascinating thing I’ve ever heard. I got so emotional when I saw this photo, because it’s a stark contrast to how my mother looked at me. When my daughter thinks of her childhood, I hope this is the face she sees in her memories.” — Jenn, Vancouver
Thank you so much for sharing!
P.S. Nine women share their dramatic hair transformations, and 12 readers share where they live.
Tags: reader comments, reader outfits
Comments
115 commentsMy cheekbones. At 64, they are the only things staying put, and I ADORE THEM!!!
“Sky’s out, things out!” YES! LOVE!
I love hearing about what other people like about their looks, and I love that it highlights something I didn’t notice. I’ve been taking drawing classes that past two years, and in the first class, we drew individual features of my faces, and it really made me notice things about my face I hadn’t really seen, like how my lips look a lot like my mom’s lips. We also have done figure drawing, and I love how with each model I always find something about them that I love drawing – their back, luscious curves, a strong leg, a defined neck. Now I’m taking a figure modeling class where I’m learning how to model (in the nude), and it’s given me a new appreciation for my body.
wow. this made me tear up. people are so beautiful <3 thank you for sharing. would love more of these!!
Jenn, you made me cry! I so love hearing about how our generation is parenting our babies differently than we were raised. Hugs from a mama who feels the same way.
I’ve never seen more beautiful women. Crying at this gorgeous post and all the self love!
I’d like some more please!
I kept thinking ‘oh this one is the best!’ then read the next ‘oh THIS one is the best!’… they are ALL the best, thank for this bright, positive, honest post!
I love this post so much! I could read an entire book of readers sharing their beauty!
This has to be one of my favorites of your posts here ❤️
“I was made to bask.” “Sky’s out, thighs out.” “I love that I look kind.” I love how you see yourselves! Such beauty.
yes!!! xoxoxoxo
This reads like a Kate Baer poem!
Chef’s kiss post!
This post is INCREDIBLE. Such a joy to read & so wonderfully uplifting & encouraging, sweet & lovely:) xoxo
Thank you for inviting women to share what they love about their looks – here for it! These were spectacular to read! (: xo!
So sweet – Jenn’s photo and description made me tear up ❤️
This post is so heartwarming, thank you so much! ❤️
Thanks for letting me love my legs out loud y’all 🥹 the CoJ community is genuinely my favorite
What you shared about your legs is wonderful, and also I love the sparkley dress you are wearing in the photo! It is beautiful!
You’re stunning and I love what you wrote here!
Two things come to mind when I read this: 1. I LOVE DIMPLES and have wished since childhood to miraculously have dimples when I smile. Alas, I’ll have to wait for another life… 2. How do folks keep their shirts and tops tucked into their pants/skirts and so neatly without it rising up and out, and without it bulking up inside?!!!??? Ihave never been able to keep that look. Sigh.
Tuck your shirt or top neatly into your panties, then put on your skirt or trousers. Seamless high-waisted panties are perfect for this.
Bodysuits, girl! Some brands can be pricey but you can get really good ones (new with tags, often) on secondhand sites.
Jill! I remember you, sweet co-worker!
This article made my heart so happy. It is so lovely to experience women appreciating their strong, kind and curvy selves.
Something that offers it!!!!! Marian, I’m off to buy your book now. Every one of these people is glowing with beauty (made to bask! Dimples and family resemblance! The big legs line will echo in my heart!!!!)!! Sometimes I have to remind myself that loving my ancestors means loving this body. Sometimes I need reminders from writers like Jessica Defino that this beauty culture is costing me a lot of money, time, and self respect that it often does not pay back. I need to tell myself what I tell my patients— you are wonderful exactly as you are.
“Loving my ancestors means loving my body”🥹. I love that thought.
I honestly struggle so much to love anything at all about how I look – especially as I seem to be aging like a Jack-O-Lantern in November. Looking at these women, all I can think is “Of course it’s easy to find things you like about how you look when you’re already beautiful!” Outside of aesthetics, though, I am extremely grateful to have a body that still works in a way that allows me freedom and mobility in the world, so there’s that – and that’s not nothing.
I completely understand what you are saying. I look at my older face and body and wince. But something happened this morning that might change my perspective. My husband was asking me why I wouldn’t submit a quilt that I just finished to a regional show for judging. I pointed out all of the flaws (which he said he could not see). He suggested I step back and look at it as a whole and then I would see how lovely it is. Instead of seeing a few wobbly stitches in a quilt of thousands of stitches, what if I looked at the colors and composition? He’s right, it’s beautiful. So if I apply that same concept to myself, then maybe my wrinkles reflect the accumulated wisdom of many years and my “soft” body is all the better for snuggling my grandchildren. Sometimes it just takes a different perspective to help you see something that is beautiful.
I totally understand the feeling, Anon. What helps me is to think how attractive I think the people I love are, friends, family, boyfriend. Because I love them. I never see the things that make them “imperfect”. People truly are lovely when we love them, and that applies to you too.
Seconding what Debby and E. Louise said! I think what makes all these women look beautiful is that they’re inwardly beautiful people and that shines through. Their comments and perspectives are further proof of that.
Love Sukhie’s brow game!
Wow, this filled me with feminine pride. Such beautiful women, all different, all celebrating their unique beauty.
I’m tearing up while reading this on my workday morning. Every woman is glowing—inside, outside, all the sides! And, the cherry on top is their words written so beautifully and poetically and filled with just as much light. Related note: thank you to Joanna and team for continually showcasing humans across the full range of our species. I am Asian and never have I connected more or felt more represented than when reading your posts. Seeing all the shades of brown is incredible. IT. IS. EVERYTHING.
I found myself looking carefully at each photo before reading about it, trying to guess in advance what they might say. And I realized each time that it was an impossible task, because there were SO MANY beautiful things to find in every single person. I hope that I remember that when I look in the mirror. Especially right now as I am undergoing treatment for breast cancer. My hair is thinning, I might lose my eyebrows, the treatment is drying and irritating to my skin, but I am still me. My husband tells me that I will still be just as beautiful as ever – just “badass beautiful.” We all hold so much beauty that shines out of each of us in a million different ways. Thank you for this beautiful, wonderful reminder of that.
“And I realized each time that it was an impossible task, because there were SO MANY beautiful things to find in every single person” – what a sweet and thoughtful sentiment!
“Bad ass beautiful”. You definitely are. My BFF is treating breast cancer right now as well, I’m going to share this with her. I’m pulling for you both.
Sending you hugs and love and warmth on your tough journey, Allison! I wish you the best possible outcome x
This is so special to be featured alongside these beautiful women. What an honour. The CoJ community is like no other! <3
The picture your daughter took of you is just so beautiful and tender. I can tell by your expression what a good mom you are!
My little kids like to take my phone and take a picture of me too, Jenn, and I usually include those pictures of me in our photo books, as difficult as that is to do – for whatever reason. I too look at the pictures and think about how they’ll remember me. I love that your photo shows how attentive and loving you feel toward your daughter! It’s nice to see it from the outside and appreciate ourselves from a new angle.
“I was made to bask.” Yes, you were, Rebekah. More of this, Cup of Jo. More of this.
I absolutely loved this post! My mother died when I turned 27- right at the cusp of adulthood. When I look at myself aging, I see more and more of her staring back at me. Her high cheekbones and smile lines- once something I hoped I wouldn’t inherit, and now something I treasure about myself.
1idea. 8 women. Sharing an expression of themselves from a single photo. Look what happened…a flood gate of appreciation and self love! Everything about this is just gorgeous. Thank you all.
I’m a longtime reader and it’s a bit jarring to open COJ for my daily read and see my own face! So happy to be included in this sweet post alongside these other gorgeous readers! Wanted to add: I was telling a dear friend recently about how it took me a long time to settle into myself. I desperately wanted to be a blonde with blue eyes when I was a teen, ha! He replied, “Oh no, but your color suits you! You wear it well.” I think I’ll carry that sentiment with me for a long time.
I loved your photo and sentiment about basking, so very much Rebekah. I too am drawn to light, the sunshine on faces, beans of light through trees, changing light through the seasons up north, all of it. And i love the feeling of sun and heat in my skin. But the thing that continues to strike me as I gaze at your face – your jaw jutting out a little, almost in defiance? Or maybe in humor? Maybe it’s a little, go ahead and kiss me! You just look so beautiful AND tough. So glowing, and also, go ahead, bring it, just try it. You look formidable, like a queen in a Renaissance painting, about to invade and conquer.
Golden and glowing!!!!
Sasha – you are the kindest soul! I don’t know if I’ve ever been described as “formidable” but I will now make that my whole personality moving forward. Ha! Thank you for your sweet words. Love finding kindred sun-spirits in unexpected places.
This is all so lovely. I feel hopeful that things will get better for our daughters and their daughters…
Yes!! YOU are all beautiful. WE are all beautifully made!!
Love the kindness in this post. love the beauty of all these women
Made my day.
That’s so beautiful !!
Everyone here is radient and glowing! I absolutely love these posts. Jill, I have teeny tiny disappearing eyes that I love and it’s so heartwarming to see them reflected in you here. Lovely! Xx
I love this so much, all women are so beautiful!!
That last one choked me right up. She WILL remember you as kind. Xoxoxo
Thank you for this beautiful post — and to all the women who shared! I would love to see more posts like this one! I could use a weekly reminder (at least) that I DO love my body, something that feels increasingly hard to remember in this age of Ozempic and filters and never-ending reminders to invest my life savings in looking younger!
I appreciated all of these. There was something about Jenn’s photo and comment that really resonated with me. Your daughter is so fortunate to have someone gaze at her with such love and attention.
Honored to be a part of this gorgeous lineup. Reading what women love about themselves (vs. what they wish they could change) is so refreshing. Thanks cup of jo team for always sparking joy!
I’m not crying, you’re crying!!!!!!😭
“I was made for basking “. Beautiful. Just beautiful.
This is the best thing I’ve seen all year. Every single one gave me warm feelings. So beautiful!
Such an inspiring post to hear from these beautiful women!
Sarah, where is your lovely gold eyeshadow (or eyeliner?) from?
It is the Ilia eye stylus shadow stick in “antique gold shimmer”!! https://iliabeauty.com/products/eye-stylus-eyeshadow-stick?variant=41057919729744 :)
I’m so proud to be a part of this community! You all are amazing, gorgeous people 💛
You’re all so glorious and eloquent! Thank you for making my day, friends.
The kindness photo. Lovely.
Jenn- your comment brought tears to my eyes. Your daughter is so lucky to have you!
Thank you for creating space for this. In a world where society’s beauty standards are becoming so rigorous, it feels incredible to celebrate our uniqueness!
I’ve realised I’m cute
Best thing I’ll read all day!
Today I learned that we Cup of Jo readers are a bunch of stone cold foxes—absolutely stunning, all of us! It reminds me of my kid’s favorite Sesame Street book from the ’90s: We’re Different, We’re the Same, and We’re All Wonderful. And aren’t we just? Big love to everyone here.
Love this so much!
What an awesome, sweet post!!
My beautiful baby sister’s eyes also disappear when she smiles and now I see it in her 3 kids’ faces as well—there’s nothing that makes the tears well in my eyes faster than thinking about that.
My eyes “squinch” when I smile too. I used to hate it but now I like it-it’s just part of me! (Only took me 50 years to get there…!)
We call that smiling eyes in my family. My daughter has them and they’re beautiful.
What a readership you have! Beauties all of them. Just gorgeous.
I second that! What a kind reaction!
Love and appreciation for all of our beautiful parts – yes ladies! “Skies out, thighs out!” will be my forever mantra. And, as my friend Cami always says, “If you can’t tone it, tan it!” (safely and with SPF, of course)
I just got married and my eyes are so squinty in the majority of my photos. I was at first a little disappointed I hadn’t practiced more soft smiling but reframing it as the “undeniable joy” I felt on that day is making me so happy and squinty all over again! Love this post so much!
aww i would love to see how my son sees me… I feel like in all the candid pictures of me interacting with my toddler, I either have RBF, am squinting in the sun, or have pursed angry thin lips (even though I was just neutral, not angry!)
Same haha. My husband takes candid photos of me with my boys and I always look haggard and have rbf. But that’s just my face. He usually takes them when I’m very calm and peaceful reading to them or playing a card game.
Ahhhh, Jenn, love that your daughter captured this look!
I just loved ‘‘Oooh, look at them big legs!” Imagine how different we’d all be if we grew up hearing such unabashed appreciation for our bodies. This is such a simple but powerful gift we can give the children in our lives.
I am a new mom to a Persephone born in January of this year!! I’m so tickled to see someone on my favorite blog with her name. We mostly call her Percy. I grew up with such a complicated relationship with my body and food, and as the owner of big legs myself struggle to appreciate them. I love your comment, and think often about how I want to parent my daughter differently than I was in regards to body image. Xx Rachel
Everyone’s beauty shines through in the photos and in their sweet descriptions. Can CoJ make this a monthly or quarterly feature? We NEVER get to see stuff like this in media and it is so heartwarming and life-affirming. Love, love, love to see these folks celebrating themselves!
Agreed x 1000000000000000%!!!!
Oh, yes please! This filled my bucket and I’d love to feel this on a regular basis
Yasss!!!! This is awesome
I loved this so much too! I would love to read more. 🥰
YES PLEASE! The way this made my heart glow with joy. More, more, more.
Yes, more of this, please! 💛💛
Agreed. This kind of stuff reminds us of the beauty and positivity in the world. Much needed right now!
Agree agree agree. I would gladly have scrolled through and read 100 more of these without hesitation!
100% agree. These posts are always refreshing and ones I often reread!
Yes! This was wonderful and I want more, please! I think it would be neat to have with women over age 55 – I think a lot of us are struggling with big feelings around aging, and I would love to see some self-love inspiration from some badass older ladies.
SHIMMER WITH A CAPITAL S
My eyes disappear when I smile big too! I never considered it a thing of beauty-but I damn sure will now! Thank you, CoJ community!!
Yes, the disappearing eyes! My MIL and two of my kids 100% have this trait when they give their biggest smiles. It’s so endearing. Like, who needs to SEE when there’s so much joy to FEEL?!
My daughter’s eyes do this; we always call it moon eyes because they turn into little crescent moons.
Everyone looks so confident and lovely, I just teared up. I’m in the throes of perimenopause, my skin is a mess, I’ve gained weight, my hair is thinning…I needed to see women who love themselves.
I’m right here with you!!
Same, same, same! At 46, after some accelerated body changes, my self-esteem is at a low ebb. I need to see such positive vibes!
Hang in there; perimenopause is hard, actual menopause is better. Practice having a kind eye toward yourself and a good sense of humor. I enjoyed just yelling “Is it HOT in here?” with abandon……:)
Jules, you’ve described my exact life stage as well! Perimenopause, hormone therapy, acne galore, body softening all over, and feeling uncertain about it all. You’re not alone in this, and I wish more women shared about this huge identity shift. Sending you body love!
Same, Julies! Not to mention all of the other perimenopause stuff going on behind the scenes that people can’t even see.
Can I recommend a Pilates class with a bunch of women who are 60+? I totally lucked out and landed in a class with five women who are supportive, no-nonsense powerhouses and I always walk out of there feeling like a million bucks. Highly recommend!
Same. I had kids late and so have walked straight from postpartum to what I think is perimenopause. The last five years have given me two incredible children and the hardest years of my marriage (dead and done) and career (pretty close to dead and done). The fact that I no longer even look like the person I once was stings worse than I care to admit. Looking at these beautiful raw faces and these powerful statements of strength did me a world of good.
Anon I feel you. I’m turning 40 this year and still breastfeeding my toddler-youngest, and I’m often like “is it the postpartum hormones or the peri hormones?”
Well, now I’m crying.
Oh my, I am tearing up at all these beautiful people! This was so inspiring.
So much beauty! Both external and internal.