How to choose the best lash style for your specific eye shape

We often spend hours figuring out the perfect haircut or colour, but our lashes deserve just as much thought. Not every lash style works for every eye shape. The wrong choice can leave your eyes looking smaller, tired, or weighed down.

Have you ever wondered why your lashes don’t seem to open up your eyes the way you hoped, or why dark circles feel more noticeable after an application? The secret often lies in matching the style to your unique eye shape. From almond to hooded, round to monolid, the right lashes can instantly lift, define, and brighten your eyes. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can find a lash look that enhances your features and makes your eyes truly pop.

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To determine your eye shape, simply use a mirror to take a closer look at the placement, shape, and other characteristics of your eyes that will help you determine which lash style best suits you. Having an eye chart nearby will help as a source of reference as you go along. If you still don't know your eye shape after this process, Style Refinement makes it easier in a YouTube video explaining how to determine your eye shape.

Now that you've established your eye shape/type, choosing the perfect lashes should be a breeze. Many lash techs won't take the time to advise you on what lash style best suits your eye shape —they’ll often just apply what you ask for. That’s why it’s important, as a client, to know your own face and features. Understanding your eye shape and what styles enhance it can help you make more informed choices and communicate clearly with your lash tech. When you’re confident in your decision, you’re more likely to leave with a look that truly complements your natural beauty, rather than something that doesn’t quite work for you.

Almond eyes

The most versatile eye shape is the almond shape. If you have almond eyes, your outer corners are slightly pointed while your centre is wider with an iris partially hidden by the eyelids. Those with almond shaped eyes can slay just about any lash, whether it be wispy, cat-eye, fluffy — you name it.

Deep-set and protruding eyes

If you have deep-set eyes, your eyes are defined by the distinct brow bone and deep socket. Those with this eye shape will lean more towards lashes that are longer and fuller to accentuate its natural shape. This differs from protruding eyes, which pop out of the socket more creating a doll-like appearance. Wispy lashes will flatter this eye shape.

Hooded eyes

Those with hooded eyes don't have a visible eyelid when their eyes are open. Beauty creator @minksbyv demonstrates the ideal lash style for this eye shape, emphasising that the use of L-curl lashes will ensure the lashes don't get covered by the hooded skin.

@minksbyv Replying to @msx369 its an entire section of lashes just for hooded eyes shall I make a part 2 where you can get them all??? #lashextensions #hoodedeyes #hoodedeyestutorial #lashesforhoodedeyes ♬ Perc & Sex - YN Jay

Round eyes

If you can see your whole iris, you most likely have doe eyes with a round shape. Luckily for you, your shape is quite versatile — much like almond — however, thick, heavy lash styles aren't ideal as they can weigh your eyes down.

Close-set eyes

Those with close-set eyes should opt for a cat-eye lash to bring balance. It's advised you avoid wearing lashes that are longer in the centre as they will make the appearance of your eyes seem smaller.

Downturned eyes

If you have downturned eyes, your eyes will have a downward tilt at the outer corners, making upper eyelid appear larger. Your ideal lash style would be wing-like style to lift and extend the outer corners.

@minksbyv Replying to @aquajirafa manipulated her eyeshape to appear symmetrical #downturnedeyes #eyeshape #hoodedeyes #upturnedeyes #almondeyes #asymetricaleyebrows #lashextensions ♬ Perc & Sex - YN Jay

Upturned eyes

For those with natural cat eyes or upturned eyes, which are higher at the outer corner, avoid heavy lashes and opt for a half lash to create emphasis and draw attention to the eyes without overwhelming them.

As creators who focus on all things lashes, @minksbyv and @ lashible briefly go through different lash styles that suit different eye shapes:

@lashible The best lashes for each eye shape 👁️ #lashes #lashtutorial #magneticlashes ♬ Yacht Club - MusicBox

@minksbyv Replying to @Marpue Gittens Does this help? Also DMV 📍appointments available!!! #lashes #beauty #diylashes #lashextensions #maryland #dmv ♬ original sound - Minksbyv