TWO FRIENDS, TWO VERY DIFFERENT EYE SHAPES

My best friend Priya has round, doe-like eyes. I have almond-shaped eyes. For years, we traded lash recommendations, convinced that if a lash looked good on one of us, it would look good on the other.

We were wrong. She'd recommend a style that made me look tired. I'd recommend something that made her eyes look small. We finally sat down one afternoon, compared notes, and figured out the actual difference.

ROUND EYES: WHAT WORKS (AND WHAT DOESN'T)

Round eyes are wider than they are long, with a visible crease and a rounded bottom lash line. They look youthful and alert. But they also have more exposed lid space, which means lashes can sometimes get lost.

What works:

• Doll-eye lashes — longer in the center, shorter at the corners. They emphasize the natural roundness.
• Cat-eye lashes — they elongate the eye and add an almond-like lift.

What doesn't work:

• Super long, dramatic lashes on the outer corner — they pull the eye down and make it look droopy.

ALMOND EYES: WHAT WORKS (AND WHAT DOESN'T)

Almond eyes are slightly elongated, with a subtle lift at the outer corner. They're versatile — most shapes balance well with them. But they can sometimes look sleepy if the lashes are too uniform.

What works:

• Cat-eye lashes — they amplify the natural outer lift.
• Wispy lashes — the texture adds depth and prevents the sleepy look.

What doesn't work:

• Straight, uniform lashes — they look flat and can make almond eyes look even longer than they are.

THE CROSSOVER STYLES

Some styles look great on both round and almond eyes. Here's the secret: the ones that balance the eye, rather than squeezing it.

• The "natural cat" — a cat-eye with soft, tapered ends. Flatters both shapes.
• The feathery wispy — wispy but not too long. Adds texture without overwhelming.
• The center-lift — longer in the center, shorter at corners. Opens up both shapes.

COMMON QUESTIONS, HONEST ANSWERS

How do I know if I have round or almond eyes?

Look in the mirror. If you can see your full iris with your eyes open, you likely have round eyes. If your iris is partially covered by the top lid, you have almond eyes.

Can I wear the same lashes as my friend?

Yes, if they're a crossover style. But your friend's favorite style might not flatter your shape, and vice versa.

What about hooded eyes?

Hooded eyes have their own guidelines. Look for extra curly lashes and placement above the lash line.

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