Its all about personality. You can find someone sexy in a photograph but really uninspiring in real life. Alternatively, a photo can not turn you on but talking to the person can.

Often looks act as an initial screening process, sort of like reading someone's CV. So you reject out of hand those you don't find attractive initially. However, the true test comes in conversation - the interview process.

Sorry, been applying for a lot of jobs lately... I keep thinking in recruitment metaphors.

One thing I always find offputting is a face which has no expression - which seems to be the purpose of a lot of make up. You can see a woman whose face does not seem to move at all (at the extreme ends, of course, this is caused by botox). I prefer the natural look, with all the flaws visible. Or at least make up applied skillfully - subtle shades to highlight things rather than masking all.