Have you ever encountered a client with naturally downturned eyes, or straight natural lashes? While downturned eyes can be a beautiful and unique feature, finding a style that complements this eye shape can sometimes be a challenge for lash artists.
When working on clients with downturned eyes or lashes, this can present challenges with application, isolation, and retention. However, our team of BELO girls have mastered the process of lashing clients with downturned eyes, offering a handy guide of tips and tricks to achieve stunning results. So keep reading for more information!
What are downturned eyes?
Downturned eyes are a specific eye shape characterised by the outer corners of the eyes sloping slightly downward. This means that the outer corners appear lower than the inner corners, giving the eyes a slightly drooped look. The shape of the eye socket and the position of the brow bone also contribute to the overall look of downturned eyes.
With this eye shape, careful consideration is required by lash techs to craft a look that works to enhance and uplift the eyes.
Why eye shape is essential
As a lash technician, it is essential to understand the several distinct eye shapes so you can create the most flattering lash extension styles for your clients. We can break down each classification into six unique eye shapes which are as follows:
- Hooded eyes
- Upturned eyes
- Round eyes
- Almond eyes
- Monolid eyes
To create a look that is going to best complement your clients features, it is important to start with eye shape first, as this is going to have a huge impact on your results. For example, while a client with almond eyes could really benefit from a cat eye extension style to elevate their features, those with downturned eyes can actually struggle to accommodate it, as the swooping outward motion of the extensions can emphasise their downturned features. Therefore, choosing lashes that are specifically designed for a particular eye shape will really help accentuate and enhance their features.
How to determine if you client has downturned eyes
The first step to creating a stunning lash look comes with determining your client's eye shape. Some ways you can do this include:
- Observe the outer corner: Look at the angle of your client's outer corner in relation to the centre of their eye. If it appears as though it moves downward or has a gentle droop, this would indicate a downturned eye shape. If it appears level or slightly upward, it may indicate an upturned eye shape.
- Assess the crease and lid space: Take note of the crease and lid space in the eye. Different eye shapes have varying lid space and crease positions. For example, downturned eyes can have reduced visible lid space, while deep-set eyes can instead have a prominent brow bone that creates a deeper crease.
- Look at the inner corner: Observe the inner corner of the eye. Some eyes have a more rounded inner corner, indicating a round eye shape, while others have a more angular or almond-shaped inner corner.
- Consider their brow shape: The shape of the brows can provide clues about the eye shape. Arched brows often complement almond-shaped eyes, while straighter or rounded brows can be characteristic of downturned eyes.
- Ask for input: Communicate with your client and ask them about their eye shape. They may have a good understanding of their own eye shape and provide you some insights.
What lash style is best for clients with downturned eyes?
When working on a client who has downturned eyes, some of the best eyelash extensions styles to suit their features include:
Open doll eye
The open doll eye style is designed to create the illusion of wider, more open eyes, a perfect choice for individuals with downturned features. To achieve this look, use shorter eyelash extensions on the inner corners and gradually increase the length towards the centre and outer corners of the eye. By emphasising the centre and outer lashes, you can help create the appearance of lifted eyes in your client, enhancing the overall shape and minimising the downturned effect.
Natural Lashes
For clients who want to add some extra oomph to their look whilst maintaining a more toned-down style, natural eyelash extensions are the way to go. To achieve this lash look, simply add a few synthetic extensions to fill any gaps and create a soft, fluttery lash line that beautifully complements their downturned eye shape.
Wispy lashes
There's something magical about wispy lashes—they have the power to add a touch of glamour to any look. If you want to pick this look for a client, craft a fluttery and romantic vibe by combining lashes of varying lengths and textures. Place emphasis on the outer corners, and this way you can give your clients' eyes a dimension that is simply dreamy!
How can I choose a lash style that best suits the client's eye shape?
While eye shapes are a great basis to form solid groundwork for your look, it is important to remember that each client you come across is going to be different, with distinct features that make them unique. For this reason, it should not be as simple as choosing a standardised lash extension style for all your clients with downturned eyes. Instead, you should aim to tailor a look that is specifically designed to suit your client's distinct features and characteristics. Below, our BELO girls have compiled a list of tips to follow when creating lash styles for client's with downturned eyes.
Tip #1: Talk to your clients
Remember, open communication with your clients is key to crafting a look that they are going to love. So, before you begin, discuss your client's desired lash style and consider their unique eye shape, raising some suggestions about styles that are going to complement their downturned eyes shape. Some questions you could ask include:
- Are you looking for a subtle or more dramatic lash look today?
- Are you getting your eyelash extensions done for a special occasion?
- Do you regularly use winged eyeliner in your makeup routine?
Tip #2: Build a lash map
As a lash technician, you will have undergone extensive training to get your beauty skills to the next level. Utilise your expertise to map a client's lashes, focusing on both the inner and outer corners to create the perfect look for them.
Downturned eyes have a unique shape where the outer corners slope downward. Lash mapping allows you to tailor the lash extension design specifically to your client's eye shape. By carefully assessing their natural lash line and mapping out the extensions, you can strategically lift and open up the eyes.
Tip #3: Keep in mind lash length and curl
Balancing lash length and curl is important for achieving symmetry in the overall look of your clients lashes. Since downturned eyes have a specific shape, it's essential to consider the overall balance of the extensions. By gradually increasing length and curl towards the outer corners, you create a more harmonious and flattering effect that complements the eye shape.
Trust your instincts!
Remember, it is your skill and keen eye for detail that brought you to lash artistry in the first place – so trust your instincts and you can build a stunning look from there!
However, here at BELO Lash, we know that the ever-changing world of eyelash extensions can be daunting, which is why we offer a variety of training courses for every individual - whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to get started! If you would like any more information, contact us today to get lashing!