Guide to Choosing the Right Lash Extension

With so many lash styles, lengths, curls, and thicknesses available, it's easy to fall in love with how lashes can redefine a look. But one key element often gets overlooked, which is choosing the right lash extension for your eye shape.

Whether you want a soft, natural enhancement or a bold, glamorous set, understanding your eye shape is the first step to making lash extensions truly yours.

This blog post covers how to determine your eye shape, how to pick lashes that work best for it, and which lash styles will make your eyes shine brightest.

What Are the Different Eye Shapes?

Just like fingerprints, everyone's eyes are unique, but most fall into one or more of the following categories:

1. Almond Eyes

Almond eyes are considered the most balanced and versatile shape. If the outer corners are slightly lifted and the iris touches both the top and bottom eyelid without too much white showing, chances are you have almond eyes. These eyes can pull off almost any lash style, making them a lash technician's dream.

2. Round Eyes

Round eyes are larger and more open, often showing a visible amount of white around the iris. These eyes naturally appear more awake and expressive. Lash designs that create a lifted cat-eye effect can help elongate and balance this shape.

3. Hooded Eyes

Hooded eyes have a fold of skin that partially or fully covers the eyelid, often making the lid appear smaller. The goal with lash extensions for hooded eyes is to create a lifting and lengthening effect that opens the eye.

4. Monolid Eyes

Monolids lack a defined crease, which gives the eyelid a flatter appearance. The right lashes can add depth and dimension, making the eyes pop while maintaining a soft, natural aesthetic.

5. Downturned Eyes

These eyes have outer corners that slope downward, giving a slightly droopy or sleepy look. The goal here is to lift and open the eye with carefully placed extensions.

6. Upturned Eyes

With corners that angle upward, upturned eyes naturally have a lifted appearance. This shape benefits from lash styles that emphasize that upward flick or add volume to the outer corners.

7. Close-Set Eyes

If the space between your eyes is less than the width of one eye, you likely have close-set eyes. Lash designs that focus on the outer corners can create the illusion of more space.

8. Wide-Set Eyes

In contrast, wide-set eyes have more space between them. Lash styles that emphasize the inner and middle portions of the eye help balance the space.

How to Pick the Right Eyelash Extensions

Once you've identified your eye shape, it’s time to match it with the right lash extensions. 

Here are some essential factors to consider:

1. Curl Type

Eyelash extensions come in various curl types, each creating a different effect on your facial look. 

• J-Curl: A very natural curl, almost straight, suitable for those who want a subtle enhancement.

• B-Curl: A slight curl, a bit more noticeable than J-curl, offering a gentle lift.

• C-Curl: The most popular curl, providing a noticeable lift and opening up the eyes. It's versatile and suits most eye shapes.

• D-Curl: A dramatic curl, creating a glamorous and lifted look. Ideal for special occasions or those who desire a bolder statement.

• L-Curl/L+-Curl: Features a flat base that transitions into a strong curl, perfect for monolid or hooded eyes as it provides maximum lift without being obscured.

• M-Curl: Similar to L-curl but with a slightly softer angle, offering a good lift for various eye shapes.

2. Length

Long lashes can make a statement, but going too long for your eye shape can cause discomfort or damage. A professional lash technician will typically recommend lengths that follow the natural lash line while adding extra pop toward the outer corners or center, depending on the desired look.

3. Volume

Volume refers to the number of individual lash extensions applied to each natural lash.

• Classic Lashes (1:1): One individual extension is applied to one natural lash. This creates a natural, mascara-like look.

• Volume Lashes (2D-6D+): Multiple lightweight extensions (2 to 6 or more, depending on the desired fullness) are fanned out and applied to one natural lash. This creates a fuller, more dramatic look.

• Hybrid Lashes: A mix of classic and volume lashes, offering a balance of natural definition and added fullness.

4. Style Mapping

Customized lash maps ensure the extensions follow your natural lash growth and flatter your eye shape. Common lash styles include:

• Doll Eye (Open Eye): Longest lashes in the center; best for small, hooded, or downturned eyes.

• Cat Eye: Longest lashes on the outer corners; ideal for round or almond eyes.

• Natural Sweep: Lashes follow the natural lash line; perfect for a subtle, everyday enhancement.

• Squirrel or Kitten Eye: A hybrid between a cat and a doll, lifting and elongating the eye while keeping it soft.

5. Material

Lash extensions are typically made from synthetic materials like synthetic mink, faux mink, or silk.

• Synthetic Mink: Known for their natural sheen and soft texture, mimicking real mink fur without ethical concerns. They are lightweight and flexible.

• Faux Mink: These lashes are designed to be light, fluffy, and have a more matte finish than silk lashes, closely resembling natural lashes.

• Silk Lashes: Thicker and glossier than mink lashes, offering a more dramatic and bold look. They hold their curl well.

The Best Lash Styles for Each Eye Shape

Now, let's get into the specifics of which lash styles work best for each eye shape to enhance and balance your features.

1. Almond Eyes

The goal is to enhance the natural shape and create a beautiful, balanced look. Best styles include: 

• Cat Eye: Longer lashes at the outer corners to elongate the eye and create a seductive flick.

• Doll Eye: Longer lashes in the center of the eye to make them appear more open and round, while still complementing the almond shape.

• Natural/Classic: Evenly distributed lengths across the lash line for a subtle enhancement.

• C-Curl or D-Curl: Both curls work well, depending on the desired level of drama.

2. Round Eyes

The goal is to elongate the eyes and create a more almond-like appearance to prevent them from looking too wide or startled. Best styles include: 

• Cat Eye: Emphasizes the outer corners, drawing the eye outwards and creating a more elongated shape.

• Squirrel Style: A gradual increase in length towards the middle, with the longest lashes positioned just past the pupil, then tapering down at the outer corners. This creates a lifting and elongating effect.

• C-Curl or L-Curl/L+-Curl: C-curl provides a good lift without making the eyes appear too round. L-curl can be particularly effective for a strong, upward lift that elongates.

• Classic or Hybrid Volume: To avoid adding too much roundness.

3. Monolid Eyes

The goal is to create a visible lift and open up the eye, as the natural crease is absent. Best styles include:

• L-Curl or L+-Curl: These lashes have a flat base that stands upright before curling, providing maximum lift and visibility on monolid eyes, preventing the lashes from being hidden by the eyelid.

• Strong C-Curl or D-Curl: Can also work well to create a noticeable lift.

• Longer Lengths: Generally, longer lengths are more effective in creating a visible impact.

• Volume Lashes: Can add density and definition, making the eyes appear more prominent.

• Open Eye Style: Longer lashes in the middle to create an illusion of a more open eye.

4. Hooded Eyes

The goal is to lift and open the eye by creating the illusion of more lid space and preventing lashes from being obscured by the hooded skin. Best styles include:

• L-Curl or L+-Curl: Similar to monolid eyes, these curls are excellent for lifting the lashes above the hood, ensuring they are visible and create a wide-eyed effect.

• Strong C-Curl or D-Curl: Can also be effective in providing a significant lift.

• Longer Lengths in the Middle: To draw attention upwards and make the eyes appear more open.

• Open Eye or Squirrel Style: These styles help to lift the center or outer corners, respectively.

• Volume Lashes: Can add density and make the eyes pop more.

5. Downturned Eyes

The goal is to create a lifting effect at the outer corners to counteract the downward tilt and give a more uplifted appearance. Best styles include: 

• Cat Eye (with a strong lift): Focus on longer and more curled lashes at the outer corners to lift the eye.

• Squirrel Style: The gradual increase in length and placement of the longest lashes slightly past the pupil, tapering down, can create a beautiful lift without overemphasizing the outer corner.

• Upturned Style: Similar to a cat eye but with an even more pronounced upward sweep at the outer corners.

• D-Curl: Provides a significant lift that can counteract the downturn.

• C-Curl: Can also work well, especially when combined with longer lengths at the outer corners.

6. Upturned Eyes

The goal is to enhance the natural lift and balance the eye shape, without making them appear too narrow or overly dramatic at the outer edge. Best styles include:!

• Cat Eye: Can further enhance the natural uplift, creating a very alluring look.

• Squirrel Style: Offers a beautiful balance, enhancing the lift without overdoing it.

• Doll Eye: Longer lashes in the center can help to round out the eye slightly and balance the upward tilt.

• C-Curl: Provides a good curl that complements the natural shape. D-curl can be used for a more dramatic effect.

7. Close-Set Eyes

The goal is to create the illusion of wider-set eyes by drawing attention outwards. Best styles include: 

• Cat Eye: Longer lashes focused on the outer corners to extend the eye horizontally.

• Squirrel Style: Can also work by placing the longest lashes towards the outer half of the eye.

• Shorter Inner Corners: Keep the lashes shorter at the inner corners and gradually increase length towards the outer corners.

• C-Curl or D-Curl: To create a lift and outward sweep.

8. Wide-Set Eyes

The goal is to create the illusion of closer-set eyes by emphasizing the inner corners and bringing focus inward. Best styles include: 

• Doll Eye: Longer lashes in the center of the eye will draw attention inward and create a more balanced appearance.

• Open Eye Style: Similar to doll eye, focusing on fullness and length in the middle.

• Shorter Outer Corners: Gradually decrease lash length towards the outer corners.

• C-Curl: To open up the eyes without extending them too far outwards.

Conclusion

By understanding the natural shape of your eyes and matching it with the right curl, length, and style, lash extensions can do more than add volume; they can enhance your overall facial look, expression, and confidence. 

For those looking to experience expert lash artistry in a serene and stylish setting, Love & Dye offers lash extension services that are carefully tailored to suit every eye shape and personal aesthetic. Located near Raynes Park, the salon is known for delivering exceptional beauty treatments with an eye for detail and a passion for enhancing natural beauty.

Whether you're new to lashes or refining your signature style,  visit Love & Dye today for your flawless lash extensions service.