The Different Eye Shapes: Understanding Eye Shapes for Lash Artists

In this lash day and age, understanding the different eye shapes is essential to creating stunning, customized lash extensions for all your guests. Each eye shape has unique yet specific characteristics that can be accentuated or balanced with the right lash style. This in-depth guide will help you identify various eye shapes and recommend the most flattering lash looks for each, guaranteeing that your guests leave your space looking and feeling their very best. 

 

The Different Eye Shapes

 

Almond Eyes

Description: Almond eyes are characterized by their balanced and symmetrical shape, resembling an almond. They taper to a slight point at the outer corner, with a visible crease in the eyelid. Almond eyes are considered the most versatile eye shape and can carry off a wide range of lash styles beautifully.

Best Styles:

• Cat Eye: The Cat Eye style is perfect for almond eyes as it enhances their natural shape. This style involves placing shorter lashes on the inner corners and gradually lengthening towards the outer corners, creating a sultry, elongated effect that accentuates the natural curve of almond eyes. *pro tip* – Skip 1mm in length between the longest length and the section before that on the lash design. Example (inside to outside corner): 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 12mm, 12mm, 11mm. 
• Doll Eye: For guests who want to open up their eyes and create a wide-eyed look, the Doll Eye lash style is the perfect solution. This look places the longest lashes in the center of the lash line, giving the illusion of larger, rounder eyes.
• Borby Blend / Wispy Lashes: Wispy lashes, with a blend of long and short lash extensions across the lash line, add a natural yet dramatic look. This style works well with almond eyes, providing volume and texture.

Styles to Avoid:

• Almond eyes are highly adaptable, and there are no significant lash styles to avoid. However, it is always essential to consider the guest’s lash expectations, lifestyle, and lash health when selecting a style.

 

Downturned Eyes

Downturned eyes are when the eyelid curves down and the outer corner is lower than the inner corner, which makes the eye appear slanted or almond-shaped. The primary goal when applying lash extensions to downturned eyes is to lift and open them up, creating a more alert look. It's best to transition to a tight curl and shorter lengths on the outside corner. 

Best Styles:

• Open Eye: This style focuses on placing the longest lashes in the center of the lash line, which opens up the eyes and makes them appear more awake. It is a great option for guests who want a subtle lift.

Styles to Avoid:

• Long Lengths on the outside corner sections that would weight down the downturned eye shape. 

 

Upturned Eyes

Upturned eyes have outer corners that are higher than the inner corners, giving the eyes a naturally lifted and youthful appearance. The goal with upturned eyes is often to enhance their natural lift.

Best Styles:

• Cat Eye: The Cat Eye style complements upturned eyes beautifully by accentuating the natural lift and elongation. This style enhances the outer corners, creating a striking and elegant look.
• Wispy Lashes: Wispy lashes add volume and texture without overwhelming the natural shape, providing a balanced and flattering enhancement.

Styles to Avoid:

• Doll Eye: The Doll Eye style may compete with the natural lift of upturned eyes, potentially creating an unbalanced look. 

 

Wide Set Eyes

Wide-set eyes have a greater distance between the two eyes than one inside corner to outside corner. The goal with wide-set eyes is to create the illusion of bringing the eyes closer together for a more balanced appearance. Placing the lash extensions on the side of the lash closest to the nose, will help draw the eyes closer together. 

Best Styles:

• Doll Eye: The Doll Eye style places the longest lashes in the center, drawing attention to the middle of the eyes and making them appear closer together. This style is perfect for wide-set eyes.

Styles to Avoid:

• Fox Style: This style can accentuate the distance between the eyes, making them appear even farther apart.

 

Close Set Eyes

Close Set eyes have a shorter distance between the two eyes than one inside corner to outside corner. The goal with close-set eyes is to create the illusion of more space between the eyes for a balanced look. Placing the lash extensions intentionally by adhering the lash on the outside of the natural lash, the side closest to the ear, is best for closest eyes. 

Best Styles:

• Cat Eye: The Cat Eye style elongates the outer corners, drawing attention away from the inner corners and creating the illusion of more space between the eyes.

• Fox Style: This style also elongates the outer corners and enhances the natural lift, making the eyes appear wider apart.

Styles to Avoid:

• Doll Eye: This style can draw attention to the center of the eyes, making them appear even closer together. It is better to choose styles that emphasize the outer corners.

 

Hooded Eyes

Description: Hooded eyes are characterized by a fold of skin that partially or fully covers the crease of the eyelid, making the eyelid appear smaller. The goal with hooded eyes is to make the eyes look more open and to create the illusion of a more prominent lid. Longer lengths and soft curls are best for hooded eyes. 

Best Styles:

• Cat Eye: The Cat Eye style can help lift the outer corners, giving the eyes a more lifted and youthful appearance. This style is particularly effective for hooded eyes as it draws attention away from the hooded lid.

• Borby Blend / Wispy Lashes: The Borby Blend  with varied lengths can create the illusion of depth and dimension, making the eyes appear larger and more open. This style adds texture and helps to balance the appearance of hooded eyes.

Styles to Avoid:

• Doll Eye: Similar to downturned eyes, the Doll Eye style can make hooded eyes appear smaller and more closed. It is better to choose styles that enhance the eye's openness.

 

Round Eyes

 

Description: Round eyes are large and noticeable, and oftentimes have visible white around the iris. They often have a more prominent, rounded appearance and a projection of the bottom lash line. The goal with round eyes is often to elongate them and add a touch of subtlety. 

Best Styles:

• Cat Eye: The Cat Eye style is perfect for elongating round eyes and giving them a more almond-like appearance. By gradually lengthening the lashes towards the outer corners, this style adds a sultry, elongated effect.

• Magna Lashes: Staggered lashes, with their alternating lengths, can add texture and depth to round eyes, making them appear less round and more balanced.

• Wispy Lashes: Wispy lashes provide a natural enhancement that adds volume and dimension without overwhelming the eyes. This style works well for guests who want a touch of drama without going too bold. *Pro Tip* Mix your curls from a relaxed curl to a tighter curl after the peak of the brow on the outside corner.  

Styles to Avoid:

• Doll Eye: The Doll Eye style can exaggerate the roundness of the eyes, making them appear overly wide. It is better to choose styles that add length rather than width.

 

Monolid Eyes

 

Monolid eyes lack a visible crease on the eyelid, giving the eyelid a flatter appearance. The primary goal with monolid eyes is to add dimension and create the illusion of depth, making the eyes appear more prominent and defined. Specialty curls, such as L+ or M curl, are a great option for monolid eyes.

Best Styles:

• Cat Eye: The Cat Eye style is excellent for adding definition to monolid eyes. By elongating the lashes towards the outer corners, this style creates a more dynamic and lifted look.
• Magna Lashes: Magna lashes with their mix of long and short lashes can offer the appearance of a lash line with depth and dimension. This lash style adds volume and texture, making monolid eyes appear more prominent.
• Doll Eye: The Doll Eye style can open up monolid eyes and make them appear larger and more awake. By placing the longest lashes in the center, this style creates a wide-eyed effect.

Styles to Avoid:

• Too short of lengths:  Using short lashes across the lash line may not create the desired visual impact wanted by the guest. This style can fail to add the depth and dimension needed to make the eyes stand out, resulting in a more understated and less noticeable lash line.

 

Picking the Right Supplies

When it comes to lash extensions, using high-quality supplies is crucial for achieving the best results and ensuring guest satisfaction. Quality lashes, adhesives, and accessories not only provide a beautiful finish but also guarantee the longevity of your lash sets, which is essential for maintaining great guest retention. Investing in top-notch supplies demonstrates your commitment to quality and helps build trust with all your guests. Trust us, they notice the difference! 

Explore our selection of high-quality, award winning lash extensions, our trusted go-to adhesives, and must have lash tools to elevate your artistry.

 

Be the BEST of the BEST, always.  

Understanding the different eye shapes and knowing how to enhance them with the right lash styles is a skill that sets every great lash artist apart. By tailoring your approach to each guest’s unique eye shape, eye traits, and lash health, you can create customized lash looks that enhance their natural beauty. This not only leads to happy guests but also helps build your reputation as a knowledgeable and intentional lash artist. By training your eye to identify these different eye shapes and selecting the appropriate lash styles, you'll be well on your way to becoming the best go-to lash artist in your area. Happy lashing!

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