No matter what your actual opinion is, you would be far better off reserving the word “cute” for baby animals, toddlers, and being sarcastic (“well isn’t that cute?”).
There’s often quite a big difference between saying what you really think and saying what is appropriate to the occasion. Your ability to discern this needs work.
It was a joke guys. It never happened.
Although I did once have this conversation at work. My director and I were rushing to a meeting when she decided we needed copies of some of our paperwork. She handed me some and said, “You make copies of those and I will copy the others.”
“I’m sorry Robyn,” I said, “I am too highly graded to be doing copying.”
“What are you talking about,” she replied, “I am a much higher grade than you.”
“Yes Robyn, but you are a woman,” I stated.
She looked at me for a moment, burst out laughing and we went off to do our loads of copying.
The best thing about the incident was that when I told people about it later, they were alternately horrified that I had said that to a noted feminist, gasping when I quoted my final statement, and then amazed that she got the joke. We had worked together closely for a long time and I knew that she wasn’t the fearsome figure that many imagined her to be.
Imo, you can be cute and not be beautiful. You can be pretty and not be cute. Cute can be a achieved with a combination of looks and attitude. Pretty and beautiful are mostly about looks, with beautiful being better looking than pretty. None of the them require makeup at all.
I agree that there are such things as pretty, cute, and beautiful. However, they have nothing to do with makeup or lighting.
Cute, beautiful, and hot would be how I would break down attractiveness. I won’t put a value on any of them. I don’t think one type of attractiveness is better than another they are just different. And one person can have elements of all the characteristics. I don’t agree with any of the definitions given in the OP.
I’ve called Ms. P “Gorgeous” since the time she called me when we were dating and I said “hello, Gorgeous.”. I can see “cute” as being patronizing. When I was single I thought of “sweet” the same way. I got to the point where I heard “you’re a decent enough guy, but I wouldn’t go out with you for a bazillion dollars.”
Not by me! ‘Cute’ is accessible, but not in the slightest bit dismissive. One can settle down forever with ‘Cute’. ‘Adorable’ takes it a step further. Kate Micucci is adorable.
But, speaking as a cismale of a certain age, ‘gorgeous’ can become boring. Perfection doesn’t last. Cute does.
I was married to an Alpha Bitch for 40 years and I got it. Guys, the sooner you, like male dogs, realize you are subdominant the happier you’ll be.
Dropzone, Ms. P is 51 and gorgeous to me. She always will be.
So, what’s she doing after you die? 
Of course it can. But they also share common traits, and I think what I say applies to most uses. If I restrict it to women, it still works. Pick any celebrity woman known to be “cute,” and I can guarantee you that there is some aspect that is manufactured. In Japan, making women look cute is an entire industry, because cute and sexy overlap heavily.
My point was just to argue against the claim that “cute” means “natural.” I don’t have any problem with your definition. I would put yours under the “endearing” aspect of cuteness.
I even agree with the idea that “beautiful” has a more standoffish connotation. You never hear of untouchable cuteness, after all. And I have almost never used cute in a negative or belittling way. (And, when I did, it was absolutely obvious and intentionally offensive. It means the same thing as “pwecious” in that context.)
I always think 'don’t worry you’re pretty little head" when I hear pretty as a descriptor. ‘Cute’ means small, baby-ish, and easy to look at. You say ‘gorgeous’ and I think you’re lying.
Thank you all for your comments!
dropzone hit on the head! IMHO, cute is forever!
As as guy, the best I’ve ever got is I’m cute, never will be good looking or handsome, not even attractive, just cute! So I guess that’s where my bias comes from. :rolleyes:
I also get “You’re funny…” a lot and just wait for the “…looking”. 
BTW, there’s this one guy (a complete stranger) who I’ve run into twice and both times he’s told me that I look exactly like an Asian Buddy Hackett (short, round and goofy!). Yes, I’m happy with cute!
I think “lovely” is a better choice for adult women. Cute comes across as infantilizing to most of us. Lovely is on a higher plane than “sexy” or “beautiful.” It’s not just about looks, it describes grace and personality. Afar greater compliment, IMHO.