When it comes to matters of the heart first impressions are always important. And it appears there are two guaranteed passion killers. Men can’t stand tattoos on their women while girls cannot stomach a beard or moustache. A poll yesterday claimed that one third of men said tattoos on the fairer sex were guaranteed to put an end to a relationship.  Harem pants — baggy pants that taper to the ankle — came second on the list of men’s pet hates while one in four men said facial piercings were a turn-off.

Women who chew gum and wear too much make-up are also destined for failure, the survey said. The poll, carried out by online dating site Gorgeous Networks, found women were not as averse to tattoos as men — only 11 per cent did not like them. But top of their list were beards followed by pierced ears on men, combovers and cowboy boots. And, in a generational change, it seems hairy chests are not as popular as in the heyday of Sir Sean Connery, with nearly one on ten women saying they were a big turn off.

Lorraine Adams, co-founder of Gorgeous Networks, said: ‘The four main attributes that men find most appealing in women are femininity, an inner self assurance, a vibrant energy and that they are up for a challenge. ‘Women prefer their men to be confident and generous and, especially among career women, not to be too controlling.