SCIENTISTS at Liverpool University have conducted a series of experiments to find what females are looking for in a partner.

The researchers questioned hundreds of students at the university to see what facial types they prefer.

And their studies have shown that most favour a feminised male face. But women who rate themselves as attractive are drawn to classic masculine faces.

The study group was shown a range of computer-generated faces, manipulated to look either more masculine or feminine.

Dr Tony Little, from Liverpool University's school of biological sciences, said: "Facial types indicate how a particular person might behave in a relationship and the potential benefits they could give to offspring.

"A masculine face is linked to high testosterone levels, which demonstrates good genetic qualities. Those women who prefer masculine men are selecting genetic benefits for their children, despite the fact that high testosterone levels can also increase the likelihood that the male will have an affair."

He added: "Those men with a feminine face tend to be associated with stability and caring."

Women who considered themselves greatly attractive were more willing to take a risk with a highly testosteronecharged male, the research indicated.

A second study was also conducted with male volunteers shown pictures of fictitious couples.

They were asked to rank the male's dominance in relation to themselves and how attractive they found the female.

Women were rated more attractive when seen with a dominant male, researchers found. Men who rated themselves as attractive also preferred women with feminine facial features, such as a small nose and chin and large eyes, which are indicators of fertility.

Dr Little said: "Evolutionary theory tells us that our human instinct is to promote our own genes and choosing a partner that looks like us helps us to do this."

The study has now been expanded via the internet to include members of the public with people able to take part by logging on to www.alittlelab.com.

The researchers want to examine how faces affect the success or failure of relationships.