If you’ve ever found yourself absorbed in a marathon of makeup tutorials online, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there! Amidst the countless videos, you may have stumbled upon a trending topic: “eye shape.” These tutorials teach you how to accentuate different areas of your eyes based on their natural shape. Well, the same principle applies to eyelash extensions.
Believe it or not, there are different styles of eyelash extensions. Some salons may not even offer a variety and will simply start applying extensions without considering your eye shape. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s best to make a swift exit because you’ve likely encountered an inexperienced lash technician.
Let’s dive into the four main eyelash extension styles and how they relate to different eye shapes. Before we begin, it’s important to note that while there are four main styles, there can be variations in length, thickness, curl, and the number of lashes applied. A skilled lash technician will customize your extensions according to your eye shape, preferences, and personal style.
The Natural Eye
The goal of the natural eye look is to enhance your lashes while maintaining a subtle and effortless appearance. It gives the impression that you were blessed with naturally long and full lashes. The extensions follow the contours of your natural eyelashes, with consistent length across the eyelid and slightly less on the inner and outer edges. To mimic the different stages of natural lash growth, extensions of mixed lengths are carefully applied.
The Open Eye
The open eye style focuses on accentuating the center of your eye, creating volume and length in that area. The lashes taper down at each end to create a symmetrical graduation. Traditionally, this style uses shorter lashes (around 8mm) for the corners and longer lashes (between 12 and 14mm) for the center of the eyelid.
The Cat Eye
The cat eye style adds drama and femininity to your look, similar to the cat-eye makeup technique. It starts with shorter lashes at the inner corner and gradually increases in length towards the outer corner. The difference in length is typically around 50%, resulting in a captivating outer corner lash length of 14mm (with a slight tapering at the very end). There is also a variation called the “kitten eye” with a shorter disparity in lash lengths, perfect for a more subtle effect.
The Baby Doll Eye
The baby doll eye style combines elements of the natural and open eye styles. It features length throughout the entire eye line, with the longest lashes in the middle. This style makes your eyes appear bigger and fuller, though not as dramatically as the open eye style. Popular celebrity Megan Fox is known for her classic doll eyelash extensions.
Now that we’ve covered the four basic lash extension styles, let’s determine your eye shape and find the perfect lash style for you. Keep in mind that these are just starting points, and a skilled lash technician will provide personalized recommendations based on your eye shape, personal style, and specific needs.
Eye Shape Basics
Before we delve into specific eye shapes, let’s discuss the three main categories:
- Almond
- Oval
- Round
Each category has numerous subcategories, considering factors like eye angle, size, closeness, and eyelid traits. You may fit into multiple categories, but choose the one that is most prominent.
Almond Eyes
Almond eyes are considered the most alluring and attractive in conventional beauty standards. They have an almond shape, with greater length than height and a slight upward flick at the outer corners.
Lash Extension Recommendations for Almond Eyes:
- Any style will look great, so it’s more about personal preference.
- The cat eye style adds allure and mystery by emphasizing the length of your eye.
- The open eye or doll eye styles make your eyes appear bigger, ideal for a more dramatic look or to enhance standout eye colors like green or blue.
Close Set Eyes
Close set eyes refer to the spacing between your eyes, characterized by a gap of less than one eye width. If the distance between the inner corners of your eyes is smaller than the width of one eye, you have close set eyes.
Lash Extension Recommendations for Close Set Eyes:
- Draw attention to the outer corner of your eyes by adding longer lashes in that area, following the cat eye style.
- Gradually decrease the length of lashes from the outer corner towards the inner corner for a noticeable difference.
Deep Set Eyes
Deep set eyes are positioned deeper into the eye socket, creating a naturally shadowed appearance. Unlike other eye types, lash extensions work exceptionally well for deep set eyes because they add depth.
Lash Extension Recommendations for Deep Set Eyes:
- Opt for the baby doll or open eye style to create the illusion of your eyes sitting further out.
- If you also have round eyes, the baby doll style is ideal. For hooded eyes, the open eye style is a great choice.
Protruding Eyes
Protruding eyes are the opposite of deep set eyes and often round in shape. These eyes sit further out of the eye socket and are already naturally large and round.
Lash Extension Recommendations for Protruding Eyes:
- Opt for the cat eye style or a shorter version like the kitten eye.
- Emphasize the outer corners of your eyes with extra length and fullness to simulate an almond shape and draw attention to your stunning eyes.
Downturned Eyes
Downturned eyes have a slight downward angle, with the outer corner of the eye positioned lower than the inner corner.
Lash Extension Recommendations for Downturned Eyes:
- Create volume on the upper outer corner of your eyes to lift the eye.
- The cat eye style works wonders for downturned eyes, and if your natural lashes can support it, consider longer extensions (up to 14mm) in the outer corner.
Hooded Eyes
Hooded eyes have an extra layer of skin above the crease, which can vary in prominence.
Lash Extension Recommendations for Hooded Eyes:
- Open up your eyes with the open eye style, adding fullness and length to the center and tapering off towards the inner and outer corners.
- This style creates a more dramatic look, adds depth, and brings attention to your eyes.
Monolid / Single Lid Eyes
Monolid or single lid eyes have no visible crease. Lash extensions can create the illusion of a more open and larger eye shape.
Lash Extension Recommendations for Monolid / Single Lid Eyes:
- Combine elements of the baby doll and cat eye styles for a natural yet elongated eye shape.
- Choose a curl with more flair to add drama and openness.
Round Eyes
Round eyes are characterized by having a height that is similar to (or very close to) the length.
Lash Extension Recommendations for Round Eyes:
- The cat eye style is often recommended as it adds length and helps balance your eye shape, showcasing the beauty of your round eyes.
Remember, these recommendations are based on conventional beauty standards, but personal preference always takes precedence. Choose a lash style that suits your unique personality and style. Find a lash technician who listens and, most importantly, possesses the skills to achieve the desired result.
I’m curious to hear about your lash extension experiences! Let me know in the comments which styles you’ve tried. Did your previous salon explain the different lash styles to you, or was it something new? Keep exploring and finding what works best for you! And if you’re ready to enhance your lashes, visit Ekilove for a personalized lash experience.
