The faces of unconventional beauty

The Eyes Have It

The star of films including Of Human Bondage and All About Eve, Bette Davis had expressive eyes—the sort some might call bugged—that allowed her to portray dark, complex characters. "Bette Davis' eyes were not only extraordinarily large, they were also preternaturally blue," says Fisher, who adds that our minds respond very strongly to anything new, so truly unique features will make a lasting impression.

Purr-fection

With her wide-set eyes balanced by a strong jaw, this former Catwoman could look either sweet and innocent or cunning and fierce, depending on her expression. Of Cherokee, African-American and European descent, Eartha Kitt had a one-of-a-kind quality and presence that was undeniably captivating.

Arch Support

Rather than altering her unibrow, painter Frida Kahlo embraced it, a move that ultimately made her appearance more intriguing and unconventional. "My guess is that if you were to measure her face, it would be extremely symmetrical, which symbolizes beauty," says Fisher.

Fringe Benefit

Similar to Kahlo, Rooney Mara (star of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo) challenges traditional notions of beauty with her jarringly severe cut and hair color, a move that set her apart from the mass of long-haired starlets. "This is a really, really pretty girl, with a very symmetrical face," says Fisher. "But her haircut is very boyish and imp-like, pairing beauty with masculinity."

Amazing Grace

A 1970s club fixture and Andy Warhol muse, Grace Jones relished in her androgynous features. "We find someone like Jones to be arresting because there is almost a cognitive dissonance between the masculine and the feminine," explains Fisher. "We can't really understand it, but we find it exciting because it's different."

Surprisingly Sexy

Another androgynous beauty, '90s supermodel Kristen McMenamy stood out among the era's glamazons, including Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer. Although McMenamy has high cheekbones and a wide forehead—traits Fisher attributes to high testosterone levels—her full lips offset her more masculine features. "Big lips signal high estrogen levels, and are strong indicators of female sexuality," she explains.

Looking Sharp

With her fair skin, pale brows, sleek hair and sharp features, Tilda Swinton can appear almost otherworldly. Despite her somewhat masculine appearance and minimalist menswear style, Swinton has soft, wide-set eyes that convey a feminine, nurturing quality, says Fisher.

Power Player

Fashion icon and award-winning director Sofia Coppola manages to be both demure and strong. "She has very masculine features with very feminine lips," says Fisher. "Her traits represent the face of a fully evolved, sexually confident woman."

Bella Donna

One of Italy's biggest stars during the 1960s, actress Monica Vitti apparently thought of herself as "a bit ugly." But the uniqueness of her features—the pouty mouth and slightly hooded eyes—gave her face a beauty and expressiveness that won over countless admirers.

You tell us: Who else would you add to this mix of interesting faces?