Eyelash extensions are not a one-size-fits-all service. Like all beauty treatments, they are completed taking the client's existing features into account. Many factors go into styling any given lash set, including eye shape, eye plane, eyelid space, eyebrow arch positioning, eyelash direction, eyelash density, eyelash length, eyelash strength, and even face shape. It is the responsibility of every lash artist to assess these features on every one of her clients in order to provide a set that achieves the client's desired look while complimenting her facial anatomy. Almond shaped eyes (below) are the most ideal to style for most lash artists, as they allow for the most versatility.
Here are five common lash mappings for clients with almond shaped eyes:
Cat eye
Kitten eye, also known as squirrel eye
Doll eye, also known as open eye
Fox eye, also known as siren eye
Strip lash
Let's break them down:
Cat eye
Like the eyeliner technique of the same name, a cat eye refers to a set which gives the eyes a sultry, elongated appearance. It is created by applying the shortest extension lengths on the inner corners and the longest extension lengths on the outer corners, gradually increasing in length as they reach the ends of the eyes. A cat eye shape is achievable with classic, hybrid, and volume lash extensions, each providing a different level of density.
Kitten eye, AKA Squirrel eye
A kitten—or squirrel—eye shape is the most commonly used in lash artistry, as it works on every eye shape. Whereas a true cat eye requires A) the outer corners of the eyes to already be elevated; and B) the outer corner lashes to be strong enough to sustain the longest lengths, a kitten eye provides a similar effect without weighing down the outer portion of the eyes. The shortest lengths are still applied to the inner corners, but rather than increasing in length to the very end of the eyes, the longest lengths are placed at about the three-quarter mark, and then lowered to finish them out. This shape is achievable with classic, hybrid, and volume lash extensions, each providing a different level of density.
Doll eye, AKA Open eye
A doll—or open—eye shape refers to a set which uses the longest lengths in the middle of the eye to open them up and give them a doll-like appearance; hence, the name. Like the others, this shape is achievable with classic, hybrid, and volume lash extensions, each providing a different level of density.
Fox eye, AKA Siren eye
Fox—or siren—eyes are the sultriest of sets available, as they elongate the eyes in the sharpest manner. Where a cat eye can be created using various types of lash curls, a fox eye uses curls that are straighter and point outwards, rather than up. This sharper look creates a longer-looking eye, and can even be styled to mimic an eyeliner wing if done strategically. These sets tend to be dark and dense, using very short lengths in the inner corner, increasing in length slightly towards the middle, and then bumping up to the longest lengths in quick succession towards the end. They can be created with classic, hybrid, and volume lash extensions, each providing a different level of density; though the most striking are volume sets.
Strip Lash
A strip lash look mimics the styling of—you guessed it—a strip lash. These are typically very textured sets which combine different curls, fan widths, diameters, and lengths throughout the entire lash line to create the desired effect. They can be fluffy and soft, or bold and dense, and are best achieved with a volume set, but can also be created with hybrid.
The almond eye shape is one which any lash set can flatter, so if you've got it, don't be afraid to play with different lash styles! This, plus the versatility of lash extensions, means the world is absolutely your oyster when it comes to styling. Take inspo pics to your next appointment so your lash artist can work her magic!