Well if you want to get into the really strange gender issues in such things, the shapeshifter race on the mud I play(see sig) has the ability to change gender at will, it can make things interesting

Look at it like this: You wanna be ugly? I don't go for looks, but once upon a time, I made all my chars exactly as described above: Slender, willowy, elegant, free flowing hair (but only in golden, white, silver, or raven black)
Then I actually grew up. Now, when I want to play a beautiful character, I write a desc that only includes physical features. Not "a pretty face" or anything of that sick ilk; just physical features. And I RP those features to the best advantage.