How to Make the Most of Your Narrow
Eyes
Table of Contents
Introduction
What are Narrow Eyes?
# Definition and Identifying Features
# Genetic and Ethnic Factors
# Comparison to Other Eye Shapes
Common Concerns with Narrow
Eyes
# Smaller Visible Eyelid Space
# Less Visible Iris Area and Color
# Perception of Constantly Tired or Sleepy
Eyes
# Difficulty Applying Eye Makeup
# Finding Flattering Eyeglass Frames
Makeup Tips and Tricks for
Narrow Eyes
# Curl Lashes and Apply Mascara for Opening
Effect
# Use White or Nude Eyeliner on
Waterlines
# Apply Darker Eyeliner Only to Outer Third of
Lids
# Use Light, Luminous Eyeshadows on Lids
# Define Brows for Symmetry and Balance
# Try Fake Lashes or Lash Extensions
# Highlight the Inner Corners of Eyes
# Consider Double Eyelid Surgery as Last
Option
Fashion and Accessory Tips for
Narrow Eyes
# Choose the Right Eyeglass Frames and Lens
Shapes
# Experiment with Eye-Enhancing Hairstyles
# Use Scarves, Hats, and Headbands as Accents
# Play with Bold, Colorful Eye Makeup
Looks
Embracing Your Natural Narrow
Eye Beauty
# Celebrity Inspiration for Narrow Eyes
# Cultural Perspectives on Narrow Eyes
# Building Unshakeable Confidence
Conclusion
FAQs
Introduction
Narrow eyes 👀
are a unique and stunning eye shape that some people are blessed to be born
with. Narrow eyes, also sometimes called "small eyes," refer to eyes
where the eyelid space vertically is smaller, giving the appearance of eyes
that are longer rather than wide. While narrow eyes present some styling
challenges, they offer an exotic and alluring look all their own when played up
correctly. With the right makeup tricks, fashion accents, perspective shifts,
and good old confidence, your gorgeous narrow eyes can become your best asset.
This extensive guide will provide all the tips, tricks, and inspiration you
need to fully embrace your beautiful narrow eyes!
What are Narrow Eyes?
To understand how to make your
narrow eyes dazzle, it helps to first understand what defines this eye shape
and what sets it apart. Let's unpack what narrow eyes are at their core:
Definition and Identifying Features
Narrow eyes, true to their
name, are eyes that are vertically shorter in width when fully open. Generally,
narrow eyes measure less than 30mm vertically from lid to lid. Key identifying
features include:
- Smaller visible eyelid space
vertically
- An eye shape that appears
longer horizontally
- A rounder, softer overall eye
shape
- Less visible iris area and
color
- A more curved lash line
compared to wide eyes
- Can appear more closed or heavy
lidded
When identifying narrow eyes, the
key is to look at the vertical height of the eyelid space when eyes are open.
Those with narrow eyes often have lids that touch or nearly touch the iris line
below. This covers up more of the colored iris area and makes the white of the
eye more prominent.
Genetic and Ethnic Factors
Narrow eyes are largely genetic -
you are simply born with this eye shape based on your ancestral DNA. They are
most prominent in East Asian ethnicities. Countries like China, Korea, Japan,
and Vietnam have high populations with narrow eyes. However, narrow eyes can
occur across all ethnic backgrounds. Several European and Black celebrities
rock gorgeous narrow eyes!
Comparison to Other Eye Shapes
Comparing narrow eyes to other
eye shapes helps identify their unique qualities:
- Wider, rounder than almond eyes
- Less iris visible than large,
deep-set eyes
- More curved lash line than
upturned eyes
- Appears more closed than
prominent, wide eyes
No matter your ethnic background,
if your eyes measure vertically narrow and have some of the other descriptors -
you have beautiful narrow eyes! Now let's talk about working with this eye
shape.
Common Concerns with Narrow Eyes
While narrow eyes offer
intrigue, many people feel they come with some styling difficulties.
Identifying the challenges is the first step to fixing them! Some of the most
common concerns include:
Smaller Visible Eyelid Space
The defining factor of narrow
eyes is the smaller vertical eyelid space that is visible when eyes are open.
This can make eyes seem smaller, feel like there is less real estate for eye
makeup, and limit how wide open you can make your eyes appear.
But not to worry - techniques
like curing lashes, highlighting inner corners, and using nude waterline liner
can all help maximize what lovely lid space you do have!
Less Visible Iris Area and Color
One result of a narrower eyelid
opening is that less of the colored iris area is visible. This can lend a more
hooded, mysterious, bedroom eyed, or sleepy look to narrow eyes.
However, once you learn tips like
applying darker liner just to the outer third of your lid and avoiding
waterline liner, you can open up the iris area. The color will shine through
beautifully!
Perception of Constantly Tired or Sleepy Eyes
A frequent concern with narrow
eyes is that others perceive them as looking constantly tired, heavy, or
sleepy. This can lead to people asking "Are you tired?" even when you
feel wide awake!
Luckily, the illusion of wide
open, energetic eyes is achievable. Fake lashes, lash perms, highlighting the
inner eye corners, and lifting your lower lid when applying liner do wonders.
Others will see your fresh gaze in no time!
Difficulty Applying Eye Makeup
Applying flattering eye makeup
with narrow eyes does take some specialized techniques. The less visible lid
space means less room for sweeping shadow. And if shadow extends to the lower
rim, it can close up eyes.
No need for makeup woes! Learn
techniques like using darker outer corner shadow, avoiding lower liner,
tightlining upper lashes only, and using shimmers on lids. Now you can glam
those gorgeous narrow eyes!
Finding Flattering Eyeglass Frames
Finding eyeglasses that suit
narrow eyes can be tricky. Frames that are too wide or light can overpower eyes
or make lids look even smaller. Narrower frames can crowd eyes.
Check out our tips below on the
best frame shapes, sizes, and colors for narrow eyes. You'll be able to glasses
shop like a pro for a result you love!
Now that you know the most common
narrow eye concerns, let's get into the fun stuff - tips, tricks, and
inspiration for accentuating your gorgeous narrow eyes!
Makeup Tips and Tricks for Narrow Eyes
The right makeup techniques
can work magic on narrow eyes - making them appear brighter, wider, more
lifted, and full of captivating dimension. Here are pro tips to play up your
eyes:
Curl Lashes and Apply Mascara for Opening Effect
Start your routine by curling
your lashes with an eyelash curler before applying mascara. This helps open up
and widen the shape of narrow eyes for a larger, more awake look. Concentrate
mascara on the outer top and bottom lashes to lift.
Use White or Nude Eyeliner on Waterlines
Lining the inner waterlines with
white or nude pencil eyeliner helps make eyes look wider and brighter. Avoid
black or dark liner on the waterline, as this will close up narrow eyes.
Apply Darker Eyeliner Only to Outer Third of Lids
When using darker eyeliner on the
upper lids, apply it only to the outer third of the lashline. Connect it to
just the end of the upper lashline. This technique lifts the eyes up and out
without closing them in.
Use Light, Luminous Eyeshadows on Lids
Focus eye shadow on the lids
rather than in the creases. Choose light, shimmery champagne, gold, pink, and
peach shades to brighten eyes. Matte shadows can close narrow eyes in, so go
luminous!
Define Brows for Symmetry and Balance
Use brow pencils, powders, and
gels to shape and define your eyebrows. Well-groomed brows create symmetry and
balance for narrow eyes. A slight arch can also help lift your eyes.
Try Fake Lashes or Lash Extensions
Adding lashes on the outer top
and bottom corners of your eyes helps widen and open them up. Individual false
lashes or lash extensions are a great option for opening narrow eyes.
Highlight the Inner Corners of Eyes
Dab a pearl or shimmery white
shadow in the inner corners of your eyes. You can also highlight brow bones.
This makes eyes look wider and more awake.
Consider Double Eyelid Surgery as Last Option
If you have very narrow
"monolid" eyes, double eyelid surgery could increase your eyelid
space. However, risks are involved so surgery should be a last resort after
nonsurgical options.
Using these pro techniques, you
can achieve a gorgeous eye look that makes your narrow eyes unforgettable! Now
let's get into fashion and styling.
Fashion and Accessory Tips for Narrow Eyes
The right fashion choices and
accessories can further draw out the beauty of narrow eyes. Follow these
insider style tips:
Choose the Right Eyeglass Frames and Lens Shapes
Look for narrower eyeglass frames
to suit narrow eyes. Rounded lens shapes also complement this eye shape well.
Go for lighter colors like gold, rose gold, silver, nude, or clear frames
rather than heavy black frames.
Experiment with Eye-Enhancing Hairstyles
Hairstyles with bangs or volume
at the sides help accentuate narrow eyes. Side swept bangs can also make eyes
look wider. Avoid pulling hair tightly back, which can overwhelm narrow eyes.
Use Scarves, Hats, and Headbands as Accents
Fun accessories around the face
like hats, scarves, and headbands help draw positive attention to narrow eyes.
Go for bright, punchy colors or patterns to liven your look.
Play with Bold, Colorful Eye Makeup Looks
Don't be afraid to get creative
with vivid eye looks featuring colorful liners, shadows, gems, and false
lashes. These help narrow eyes stand out and dazzle!
Proper eyewear and accessorizing
does wonders for narrow eyes. Up next - cultivating confidence and
appreciation!
Embracing Your Natural Narrow Eye Beauty
As important as practical
techniques are, fully embracing the unique allure of your natural narrow eyes
is key. Some inspiration:
Celebrity Inspiration for Narrow Eyes
Look to major celebrities like
Zendaya, Lucy Liu, Sophia Loren, Sandra Oh and Keanu Reeves who rock their
narrow eyes with confidence. Their success proves these eyes have an exotic,
memorable beauty.
Cultural Perspectives on Narrow Eyes
In many East Asian cultures,
narrow eyes are traditionally seen as elegant, feminine and sophisticated. Take
pride in your ethnic heritage and this idealized feature.
Building Unshakeable Confidence
At the end of the day, nothing is
more beautiful than bold confidence. You define your eyes as gorgeous - own it!
Spread your self-love mindset to others.
Rather than nitpicking your eye
shape, learn to embrace narrow eyes as an asset that makes you uniquely you.
Your eyes contain a universe of beauty - believe it!
Conclusion
Narrow eyes are a striking and
memorable eye shape full of dimension. While they have some styling challenges,
this should not deter you from fully loving and celebrating your eyes. With the
right makeup tricks, fashion fixes, and confidence boosting rituals, your
gorgeous narrow eyes can become an accentuated feature that turns heads. Play
with eye-opening liner techniques, luminous lids, curling lashes and more to
awaken your eyes. But also take time to appreciate the natural beauty these
eyes hold - no adjustments needed.
May your narrow eyes continue
intriguing all who have the pleasure of gazing into them! With this new
perspective and skillset in hand, you are ready to make your mark on the world
- narrow eyes and all. 👀
FAQs
What are some quick makeup tips to make narrow eyes pop?
Curl lashes, skip liner on lower
rim, highlight inner corners, use nude waterline liner, limit shadow to lid
space only, and use darker liner just on outer upper lashline.
Do narrow eyes make someone look more tired or sleepy?
Narrow eyes can sometimes appear
more tired or hooded because less of the iris is exposed. But tricks like
lifting lids when applying liner, perm lash lifts, and lush, curled false
lashes give an awakened look.
What ethnicities commonly have narrow eyes?
Narrow eyes are most
predominantly seen in East Asian ethnic groups like Chinese, Korean, Japanese,
and Vietnamese populations where narrow eyes are prized. But they can occur in
any ethnicity.
Can makeup and eyelid tape techniques enlarge the look of narrow eyes?
Yes! Makeup is magic for making
narrow eyes appear larger. Eyelid tape and glue can also help achieve temporary
larger lids. Use light colors, avoid lower liner, curl lashes, and lift outer
corners.
What celebrities have stunning narrow eyes?
Many celebs like Zendaya, Sandra
Oh, Lucy Liu, Sophia Loren, Keanu Reeves, Shay Mitchell, and Alexander
Skarsguard rock gorgeous narrow eyes, proving their universal beauty.
Are narrow eyes considered beautiful in some cultures?
Yes, in East Asian cultures like
China, Japan, and Korea, narrow eyes are traditionally seen as refined,
elegant, feminine and sophisticated. Their shape is idealized in historical and
modern standards of beauty.
Can men have narrow eyes or is it just a female trait?
Men certainly can have narrow
eyes, though some mistakenly think it's just a female trait. Male celebs like
Keanu Reeves and Alexander Skarsgaard have memorable narrow eyes. This shape
occurs equally across genders.
Do any surgical procedures help enlarge or widen narrow eyes?
Blepheroplasty surgery (double
eyelid surgery) can increase the eyelid space and make eyes appear larger.
There are risks, so surgery should be carefully considered after trying other
options first.
What eyeglass frames and lens shapes flatter narrow eyes?
Narrower sized frames suit narrow
eyes best. Round and oval lens shapes also complement the overall eye shape. Go
for light metallics over dark plastic frames.
What eye makeup mistakes should you avoid with narrow eyes?
Avoid thick, dark liner on the
lower rims as this will close eyes in. Shimmer shadows can smear, so use matte
neutrals in the crease with metallics just on lids to open up eyes.
How do you create the illusion of a cat eye lift with narrow eyes?
Use a soft brown pencil liner
first. Flick just the outer corners up and out. Use liquid liner to trace a
very thin line following your upper lash line out to the lifted outer edge.
What hairstyles best accentuate narrow eyes?
Styles with swept bangs, volume
at temples, or loose waves help frame narrow eyes beautifully. Avoid super
tight styles that overemphasize the eyes. Add waves and texture around the
face.