Beauty, for humans, is a widely defined characteristic that's dependent on aesthetic, culture, personality, sociology, psychology and experience. Inner beauty (grace, wit, intelligence, courtesy, integrity, selflessness and charm) and outer beauty (physical attractiveness, well-proportioned bodies and physical fitness or strength) are both perceived differently by different individuals. While the United States, Europe and other western nations worship straight blond hair, blue eyes and thin frames, many other nations celebrate a different ideal: fuller bodies, shorter stature, textured hair and dark eyes.

eBay Fashion Blog, a subsidiary of the well-known virtual yard sale, in an effort to learn more about personal beauty, sent two photographers into the streets of Seattle and New York City to interview 80 random individuals, who revealed what they found beautiful about themselves.

The "What Makes Me Feel Beautiful" project captures different versions and impressions of beauty and holds up a figurative mirror to locals in these boroughs and neighborhoods to better understand what individuals deem attractive in themselves. Many identified family, friends, exercise and white teeth as a descriptor for their personal brand of beauty.

Others pinpointed individual flair, adoration, new sneakers, bright colors, knowing what no one else knows, spending time doing what they love, good conversation, memorable architecture, love for ones own skin/smile/hair, skills, inner peace, personal hygiene, music/poetry, tattoos/body art, culture, self-expression, pastel-colored shirts, dance, spirituality, the theme of an outfit, positivity, health, accessories, balance, thunderstorms, confidence, strength, education, meditation and "waking up everyday and seeing the beauty in the world."

"Expression: both self-expression, which makes me feel really content and at peace with who I am, and being present simply for the expression of others," one respondent from Bushwick, Brooklyn said.

"Whether that's through art, or good conversation, or eating a special meal someone has cooked -- it could be anything. It's in the communion of spirits and that makes me feel beautiful as I'm in the presence of the beauty of others."

Over the span of three weeks, Luntz and Gaskell collected concepts of beauty from individuals in New York and Seattle simply because the two metropolitan areas exist on opposite sides of the county. Each city has its own unique character, each gleaning different ideas about what it means to see beauty and what it means to feel beautiful. The result of the exploration was humbling and humanizing take on fashion and beauty with a candid look into both areas.

"From the responses we learned that, for most of us, the feeling of being beautiful is derived from a lot of the same places. We feel most beautiful when we are able to connect with others, when we're outside in the sun, when we exercise, when we look good ... when we accomplish something. Fundamentally, we feel most beautiful when we feel good internally," eBay Fashion Blog team member Eric Snapper shared with Latin Post on behalf of the project manager.

"Most of the answers really confirmed what we already know about beauty -- it's more than skin deep. In that regard, feeling beautiful is really a substantive act," Snapper said.

Beauty seems to be easily observed, but it is difficult to define. The vivid complexity in that word, much like the loaded words, hate, love, good or evil. Beauty is a feeling, an action, a movement, an expression, an understanding, an emotion and an attitude. Yet, when speaking on ones own beauty, the word still means so much more. What everyone sees in themselves isn't easily communicated, particularly when individuals don't believe those views will be validated.

To share what makes you feel beautiful with the world, use the hashtag #makesmefeelbeautiful and communicate your self-love. Also, check out the eBay Fashion page.

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