A survey conducted by the University of London Guildhall 11,000 people showed that (subjectively) good-looking people earn more. Less attractive people earned, on average, 13% less than more attractive people, while the penalty for overweight be around 5%. Alternatively, one could say that people who earn more are more likely to be (or could be) wonderful.

The term "beautiful people" is used to refer to those who closely follow the trends in fashion, physical appearance, food, dining, wine, cars and real estate, often with considerable financial cost. Such people often mirror in appearance and characteristics of consumer choice and purchases of wealthy actors and actresses, models, or other celebrities. The term "beautiful people" originally referred to the musicians, actors and celebrities from California, "Flower Power" generation of the 1960s. The Beatles reference the original "beautiful people" in their 1967 song "Baby you are rich" on the Magical Mystery Tour album. With the end of the 1960s, the concept of beautiful people gradually came to embrace fashionistas and "hip" People in New York, expands its modern definitions. Beautiful people usually enjoy an image-based and / or financially-based prestige which enhances their Aura of success, strength and beauty.

Lookism term used to describe discrimination against others based on their looks. Lookism relates to the received notions of beauty and cultural stereotyping based on appearance, as well as gender roles and expectations.