"Beer Goggles", the condition where after a few beers, everyone starts to look a whole lot sexier than they really are is not a new or unknown phenomenon. If you drink too much, your judgment is generally impaired - you can't drive, you cannot operate machinery, and your friends will question that girl/guy you are hitting on.

In the movies, we often see hazy scenes where people can look radically different (like the Cherry did in Beerfest). But, researchers at Roehampton University in the UK, have employed the scientific method to explain exactly what is going on. Research has shown that perceptions of beauty are highly correlated with symmetry, the more symmetrical your face the more attractive you look. When you are drunk, you are less likely to appreciate someone's lack of symmetry and therefore see them as more attractive.

The researchers examined sober and inebriated students at a local pubs. Students were shown pairs of pictures, one symmetrical the other no so much, and asked to state which was more attractive. Those who were sober had a higher preference for symmetrical faces compared to those who were drunk. One of the unexpected results of the study is that women are more prone to the beer goggles effect (see there is some good news for you guys out there). You can get the original journal article here to learn more.