Eyelash Extension Styles: The Right Style for Your Eye Shape

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Dive into the world of eyelash extensions, a beauty trend that has taken the fashion world by storm!

Eyelash extensions are not just about adding length and volume; they’re an art form with a variety of styles that can dramatically transform your look.

But here’s the catch: choosing the right eyelash extension style is not a one-size-fits-all decision. It’s a highly personalized process, and your unique eye shape plays a crucial role in your choice.

Woman with full eyelash extension style on left eye and no lash extensions on right eye

From almond and round to monolid and hooded, each eye shape has a corresponding lash extension style that enhances its natural beauty.

This guide delves into the different eyelash extension styles and helps you make an informed decision for your specific eye shape and unique needs. 

With this, you can ensure that your lashes do more than just flutter; they’ll speak volumes about your style and personality.

Ready to explore, experiment, and elevate your eye look in no time? Read on to learn how!

What Are Eyelash Extensions?

Before we dive deep into the various eyelash extension styles, you need to have a general knowledge of how this revolutionary cosmetic upgrade is done. 

Eyelash extensions are a widely beloved type of cosmetic enhancement that involves applying individual artificial lashes to your lash line, creating the appearance of longer and more voluminous lashes.

These extensions are meticulously applied one at a time by a trained professional using a specially formulated adhesive that ensures a secure and comfortable bond to the natural lashes.

The process typically takes around one to two hours, and clients can choose from various styles, lengths, thicknesses, and curl types to achieve their desired look.

Eyelash extensions can be made from different materials. The most common ones are the following:

  • Synthetic fibers — made from polyester and carefully shaped into fine individual lashes
  • Silk hair —  soft and lightweight lash-like strands manufactured from silk fibers
  • Mink hair — made from real mink fur (during minks’ shedding season)

Factors To Consider in Picking the Right Lash Extension Style

When choosing the right lash extension style, several factors come into play to ensure the best fit for your unique preferences and eye shape. 

Here are the key factors to consider:

Lash Extension Length

The lash extension length determines how long your lashes will appear after the procedure.

The rule of thumb with lash extensions is that they should be at least 3 mm to 5 mm longer than the natural lashes.

Also, take note that shorter extensions provide a more natural look, while longer extensions create a more dramatic effect. 

Choosing the appropriate length is essential to achieve the desired balance between enhancing your eyes and maintaining a look that suits your personality and lifestyle.

Lash Extension Volume

The volume of lash extensions refers to the thickness and density of the lashes. More extensions in a set create a fuller and denser appearance.

Consider volume based on what your natural lash density is and how much extra fullness you desire. 

lash extension curl infographic

Lash Extension Curl Type

The curl type of your lash extensions influences how lifted your lashes will appear.

So it should complement your natural lash shape and eye shape to achieve a harmonious and flattering result.

Lash extensions are available in a variety of curl types, such as J-curl (subtle lift), C-curl (classic curl), and D-curl (dramatic lift). 

Natural Lash Condition

Assessing the condition of your natural lashes is vital to determine the suitable lash extension style for you. 

If you have strong and healthy lashes, you can opt for heavier, more voluminous styles.

For those with sparse, weak, and brittle natural lashes, lighter options may be more appropriate to avoid excess weight that could damage them further.

Eye Shape

Consider your eye shape when choosing a lash extension style. Different styles can enhance or correct the appearance of your eyes.

For instance, certain extensions can elongate or lift round eyes, while others can create a wide-eyed effect for monolid eyes. 

Customizing the style to your eye shape can help you achieve a more balanced and attractive look.

Comfort Level

Comfort plays a significant role in your lash extension experience. Some people may prefer a lightweight and natural feel, while others may enjoy the bolder look of volume lashes. 

Choosing a style that aligns with your comfort level ensures you feel confident and at ease with your new lashes.

Desired Look

Your desired look should ultimately guide your entire selection process. 

Whether you want a natural and understated enhancement or a bold and attention-grabbing effect, knowing your desired extension look is always the key to achieving the right results.

A woman exploring different eyelash extension styles in a beauty salon.

Different Styles of Eyelash Extensions

There are various types of eyelash extension styles that have their own distinct characteristics.

Choosing one that aligns with your preferences and complements your unique eye shape levels up your overall look.

Here are some of the most popular eyelash extension styles:

Classic Eyelash Extension Style

Want a natural-looking eyelash extension style?

A classic eyelash extension style is your best bet because it epitomizes timeless elegance and natural beauty. 

In this style, one individual extension is meticulously applied to each natural lash.

The extensions used are typically thicker and longer than your natural lashes, providing subtle length and definition to enhance your eyes. 

The result is a graceful and polished appearance, making classic lashes perfect for those who prefer a more understated and everyday look. 

Also, this style is an excellent choice for those with a good amount of natural lashes who seek to accentuate their eye shape while maintaining a natural allure.

Volume Extension Style

Volume lash extensions take eyelash artistry to the next level. 

With this style, lash technicians use ultra-fine extensions and place them into a cluster, creating incredibly dense and full lash “fans” or multiple lash extensions combined together, which are applied to a single natural lash. 

The result is a bold and striking appearance with an unparalleled voluminous effect.

Volume lashes are perfect for those who desire a high-impact and glamorous look that makes a statement at special events. 

However, take note that those individuals with sparse and brittle natural lashes should avoid heavy extensions like this particular style.

Hybrid Eyelash Extension Style

This style combines the best of both worlds, seamlessly blending classic and volume styles. 

By artfully interweaving individual classic lashes with volume fans, this style achieves a textured and multidimensional effect. 

Offering more fullness and length compared to classic lashes, this hybrid eyelash extension style with volume fans strikes the perfect balance between a natural and dramatic look. 

Doll-Eye Lash Extension Style

Doll-eye lash extensions are all about enchanting innocence and captivating charm. 

Designed to open up and widen the eyes, this style involves applying longer extensions to the center of the lash line, creating a wide-eyed and doll-like effect.

Cat-Eye Eyelash Extension Style

Cat-eye lash extensions exude sophistication and allure with their feline-inspired flair.

These extensions focus on elongating and lifting the outer corners of the eyes, creating a seductive and eye-catching appearance.

Applied with a flared effect, cat-eye lashes suit various eye shapes, especially those with almond or downturned eyes. 

This captivating style is perfect for evening events and parties, enhancing the eyes with a captivating lift and elongation that demands attention.

Wispy Eyelash Extension Style

Wispy lash extensions embody delicate charm and ethereal beauty.

Achieving a soft, feathery, and fluttery effect, wispy extensions use extensions with varying lengths and thicknesses to create a natural and textured appearance. 

Unlike staggered eyelashes (see below), wispy lash extensions use fewer lashes of the same lengths together.

Ideal for those who prefer a lightweight and natural feel, wispy lashes are suitable for individuals with sparse or weak natural lashes, as the extensions are lighter in weight.

Colored Eyelash Extension Style

This style offers a fun and playful twist to the traditional black lash extensions. These extensions come in various hues, allowing clients to express their individuality and creativity. 

From subtle pastels to bold and vivid colors, the options are limitless!

The colored lash extensions are applied individually to each natural lash.

It can be strategically placed throughout the lashline or applied to specific sections for a fun and unique look. 

This style is particularly popular for individuals going to themed events or festivals or for clients seeking a refreshing change from conventional lashes.

Staggered Eyelash Extension Style

The staggered lash extension style, often referred to as the “Kim Kardashian” style, involves a combination of long and short lash extensions, which are strategically placed along the lash line. 

Longer extensions are typically placed near the center of the eye, while shorter extensions are placed toward the inner and outer corners of the eyes.

This technique helps achieve a sultry and lifted appearance, reminiscent of the renowned celebrity’s signature gaze. 

Staggered lashes are perfect for those who want to accentuate their eyes’ natural shape and create a captivating and glamorous look.

Reverse Cat-Eye Eyelash Extension Style

Reverse cat-eye lash extensions offer a unique twist on the classic cat-eye style.

Instead of elongating the outer corners, this technique focuses on accentuating the inner corners of the eyes. 

Shorter extensions are applied to the inner lashes, gradually lengthening towards the other lashes, achieving a striking and eye-opening effect.

This style is perfect for those with downturned or hooded eyes, as it provides a beautiful and uplifting enhancement.

Perfect Eyelash Extension Styles for Your Eye Shape

While there are no strict rules when it comes to beauty and personal preferences, certain eyelash extension styles tend to complement specific eye shapes more effectively.

A woman is applying mascara to enhance her eyelashes.

Here are some of our recommendations for the perfect eyelash extension styles for each eye shape:

Almond Eyes

Almond-shaped eyes have a balanced and slightly elongated appearance.

The outer corners of these eyes are higher or more lifted than the inner corners, creating an elegant and classic almond shape. 

This eye shape is versatile, and various lash and makeup styles can suit it.

Here are the recommended eyelash extension styles for almond eyes:

  • Classic eyelash extension etyle — Classic lashes enhance almond eyes subtly by adding length and definition to the natural lashes. 

    This style maintains the eyes’ natural elegance without overwhelming their shape.
  • Hybrid eyelash extension style —  Hybrid eyelash extensions can be applied strategically to complement almond-shaped eyes by adding definition to the center of the lash line. 

    This helps balance the lifted outer corners of almond eyes and accentuate their taper.

    As such, these lash extensions enhance the eye’s natural elegance and create depth, achieving a harmonious and captivating look.

Round Eyes

Round eyes have a more circular appearance, with the height and width of the eyes being approximately equal. 

The iris is visible from all angles, giving a wide-eyed and innocent look. 

To enhance round eyes, eyelash extension styles that provide the illusion of elongation can be flattering.

Here are the recommended eyelash extension styles for round eyes:

  • Cat-eye eyelash extension style — Round eyes can benefit from this style because it elongates and lifts the outer corners of the eyes. 

    The flared effect of cat-eye lash extensions adds a subtle upward sweep, creating an elongated appearance. This provides a more balanced and flattering look for round-eyed beauts. 
  • Wispy eyelash extension style — This style is particularly suitable for round eyes due to its ability to create an illusion of elongation and lift.

    The soft and feathery nature of wispy lashes creates an elongating effect that counters the roundness of round eyes, making them appear more balanced. 

    Additionally, the textured appearance and irregular spacing of wispy lashes also add dimension and depth to the eyes.

Hooded Eyes

This eye shape has a fold of skin that partially covers the crease, making the eyelid appear smaller. 

This eye shape benefits from makeup and lash styles that create the illusion of larger lid space.

Here are the recommended eyelash extension styles for hooded eyes:

  • Doll-eye eyelash extension style — Doll-eye lashes with longer extensions at the center of the lash line help open up and lift hooded eyes, making them appear more expressive and youthful. 
  • Staggered eyelash extension style — The varying lengths of extensions in this style can create a lifted appearance, making it an ideal choice for enhancing hooded eyes.

Monolid Eyes

Monolid eyes lack a visible crease and have seemingly flat eyelids. This eye shape is common in those of East Asian descent. 

For monolid eyes, lash extensions that add natural length to certain areas can create a more open appearance. 

Now the tricky part of applying lash extensions to monolid eyes is that the lids tend to cover the top parts of the lashes.

So the ideal lash extension styles for this eye shape should ensure that the added length of the lashes will remain visible. 

A woman getting eyelash extension styles

Here are the recommended eyelash extension styles for Asian eyes or monolid eyes:

  • Classic eyelash extension style — Classic eyelash extensions that don’t taper dramatically toward the corners are ideal for this eye shape, ensuring that the lids won’t cover the lashes in the inner and outer corners. 

    This style also provides a clean and refined enhancement, defining the eyes without appearing overly dramatic. 

    Its natural appearance can complement the unique structure of monolids, making it a great option for an understated but elegant look.
  • Doll-eye eyelash extension style — Doll-eye lash extensions are flattering for monolids because they open up the eyes. 

    In this eyelash extension style, longer lashes are applied to the center of the lash line where they won’t be concealed by the lids. 

    This style enhances the appearance of the eyes, gives their shape definition, and makes them appear more doll-like and well-defined. 

Downturned Eyes

Downturned eyes have a slight droop at the outer corners, giving a sad or sleepy appearance.

Makeup and lash styles that lift and elongate the outer corners can brighten this type of eye shape.

Here are the recommended eyelash extension styles for downturned eyes:

  • Cat-eye lash extension style — These extensions are typically longer toward the outer corners of the eyes, so they help lift and elongate the outer corners to counteract the natural downward droop.

    This style creates the illusion of a more lifted and defined eye shape, giving a subtle yet flattering lift to downturned eyes and enhancing their overall appearance.
  • Wispy eyelash extension style — This style creates the illusion of more lid space and more open eyes. 

    It adds a natural and fluttery dimension to the lashes, which complements the soft and gentle curves of downturned eyes, making them look brighter.

Upturned Eyes

Upturned eyes have a slight upward tilt at the outer corners, giving a naturally lifted and youthful look.

This eye shape can benefit from lash styles that accentuate the natural lift.

Here are the recommended eyelash extension styles for upturned eyes:

  • Doll-eye lash extension style — Doll-eye lashes with longer extensions at the center of the lash line match the natural lift at the outer corners of upturned eyes and create a fresh and charming look.
  • Cat-eye lash extension style  — The flared effect can further elongate and lift the outer corners of upturned eyes, helping achieve a sultry and captivating appearance. 

Close-Set Eyes

Close-set eyes have a smaller gap between them, with the inner corners being closer together.

Makeup and lash styles that focus on opening up the eyes and creating the illusion of space between them can be flattering.

Here are the recommended eyelash extension styles for close-set eyes:

  • Staggered eyelash extension style — Staggered lash extensions can be strategically applied to the center of the eyes to draw attention away from the closeness of the inner corners of the eyes. 

    This technique can visually open up the space between the eyes, achieving a more balanced appearance.
  • Cat-eye lash extension style — This style features longer lashes at the outer corners.

    By drawing attention to the outer edges of the eyes, the cat-eye style effectively shifts the focus away from the inner corners, making the eyes appear more spaced apart.

Wide-Set Eyes

Wide-set eyes have a larger gap between them, with the inner corners being further apart.

Lash extensions that add volume toward the center of the lash line can create balance and bring focus to the center of the face.

Here are the recommended eyelash extension styles for wide-set eyes:

  • Reverse cat-eye lash extension style — This style complements wide-set eyes because it features extensions that are longer toward the inner corners and more tapered toward the outer corners.

    For wide-set eyes, the reverse cat-eye style can help create the illusion of more close-set eyes and balance the spacing between the eyes by adding more length and volume in the inner corners.
  • Classic eyelash extension style — Classic lashes provide a natural and subtle enhancement for wide-set eyes, maintaining their balance and avoiding overemphasizing the distance between the eyes. 

    This style adds length and definition, enhancing the eyes’ appearance without creating a disproportionate effect.

For quick reference, here’s an eyelash extension style chart containing various popular lash styles and their corresponding eye shape/s match.

Lash Extension StyleEye Shape Match
ClassicAlmond, monolid, downturned, wide-set eyes
VolumeMonolids, close-set eyes
HybridAlmond, wide-set eyes
Doll-EyeUpturned, hooded, monolid eyes
Cat-EyeUpturned, round, close-set, downturned eyes
WispyRound, hooded, upturned eyes
Colored All eye shapes
StaggeredDownturned, hooded, close-set eyes
Reverse Cat-EyeWide-set eyes
Guide infographic showcasing different eyelash extension styles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Best Eyelash Extension Styles for Aging Eyes?

The best eyelash extension styles for aging eyes are usually classic and wispy lash extensions.

Classic eyelash extension style provides subtle enhancement, while wispy lashes offer a soft and feathery effect, both helping to create a natural and youthful appearance.

These styles avoid heavy volume or dramatic effects, providing a more age-appropriate and flattering look for aging eyes.

What Type of Eyelash Extension Style Last the Longest?

Volume eyelash extensions tend to last the longest among different eyelash extension styles. 

This is because volume lashes use multiple lightweight extensions applied in fans to each natural lash, creating a denser and more long-lasting effect. 

The increased number of extensions ensures better retention and longevity, allowing volume lashes to maintain their fullness for an extended period.

a woman with soft glam make up and hair in a neat bun with long lashes extensions

Radiate Confidence With Your Perfect Eyelash Extension Style!

Understanding the different styles of individual lash extensions and choosing the right one for your eye shape can significantly enhance your natural beauty and create a harmonious and captivating look.

Each eye shape has its ideal matches. 

So by selecting the appropriate lash extension style, you can accentuate your eyes’ unique features and achieve your desired look, whether it’s a subtle and natural-looking enhancement or a dramatic and glamorous transformation.

By embracing the perfect eyelash extension style for your eye shape, you can unlock the true potential of your eyes and enjoy a mesmerizing gaze that radiates confidence and allure.

Want To Learn More Tricks To Enhance Your Eye Look?

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Authors

  • Janille Gultiano

    Jan, a distinguished freelance makeup artist, also boasts a BA in Mass Communication, laying the foundation for her diverse talents. For over four years, she's carved a niche as a captivating content writer, with her articles resonating in various spheres. Beyond writing, her expertise extends to crafting robust Public Relations and Corporate Communications strategies. Each endeavor reflects Jan's unique blend of creativity and precision

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  • Mary Lois Jhie-an Garchitorena

    A seasoned beauty expert and permanent makeup artist with a rich educational background from top international academies, including Yumi Lashes and PhiAcademy. Her career began in 2017 out of a passion for enhancing natural beauty, leading her to master various aesthetic treatments and PMU. Mary has learned from grand masters like Dovile Zilinskaite and Anastasia Gilmanova, ensuring her clients receive unparalleled service. Despite challenges, she continues to thrive as a home-based artist, committed to delivering excellence and innovation in beauty aesthetics.

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