If your client is blessed with naturally flirty upturned eyes, you've hit the jackpot of eye shapes to work with. But what lash extensions work best with these eyes?
Hold onto your spoolies, because we're going to delve right into our handy guide on the best lashes for upturned eyes.
Understanding upturned eyes: features and characteristics
Upturned eyes are relatively common, and considered by many lash techs as one of the easiest eye shapes to work with.
With this eye shape, the outer corner will sit slightly higher than the inner corner, which is what gives this eye shape its name - they're literally turning upward!
This eye shape looks a lot like almond eyes, except they have a distinct upward flick at the outer corners that gives them their natural cat-eye shape. Since the top lid has a more subtle eyelid crease, these eyes tend to have a more sultry appearance.
Selecting the right lash extension styles for upturned eyes
Lash style 1: Doll eye
The Doll Eye lash extension style is a super versatile choice that works for most eye shapes, including upturned eyes. It can also help to make your eyes appear more round, which is great for achieving a softer look.
This style involves applying extensions across the lash line for an equal length distribution. Doll Eye extensions are usually slightly longer in the middle, which can help to open up upturned eyes and make them look rounder and more centred.
Use volume fans in the centre of the lash line to bring the focus to the iris, and balance out the client's natural upturned eye shape.
Velvet Easy Fan Lashes, £13.99 per tray.
Lash style 2: Cat eye
Since upturned eyes already have a naturally alluring cat-eye shape, it’s no wonder that the Cat Eye lash style suits them so well.
Cat Eye lash extensions and false lashes are much shorter in the inner corners and gradually get longer along the eye. This may even be one of the best lash styles for upturned eyes, as they help to exaggerate and elongate the eyes. So, if your client wants more dramatic lashes, this is a fantastic go-to style - especially when you add Russian lashes to take the drama up a notch.
Velvet Volume Re-Edition Russian Lashes, £12.99 per tray
Lash style 3: Natural eye
The point of Natural Eye extensions is to accentuate your client's natural lashes and add a touch more flair to them. These lashes are fantastic for almost every eye shape, barring small eyes (since you'll want to make these look bigger).
When it comes to upturned eyes, this style is ideal for emphasising your clients’ gorgeous eye shape without adding too much drama or overwhelming the shape. If your client wants a subtle look to add to their natural eyelashes, then this is a great pick.
Classic Cashmere Flat Lashes, £13.49 per tray
Lash application techniques for upturned eyes
Placement tips for upturned eyes
Upturned eyes have higher outer corners. So, when you're placing the lash extensions, you'll want to emphasise the outer corners to enhance the cat-eye effect.
You should also consider placing slightly longer lash extensions at the centre of the lash line, which can elongate and open the eyes further.
Since upturned eyes have more prominent lower lids, avoid placing too many long extensions on the inner corners. Otherwise, you may overwhelm the lower lid and your client will end up having an unbalanced final look.
Customising lash length and curl
One of our favourite techniques is to use extensions with graduated lengths, keeping them shorter in the inner corner and slowly working your way up along the eye. This can complement the natural lash growth pattern and make the eye more alluring.
You can also consider putting slightly longer extensions in the middle of the eye, just under the midpoint of the eyebrow. This accentuates the almond-like shape and creates a more balanced eye look. It also makes them seem more open.
Depending on what your clients desire, you can use a combination of curl types. You can place curlier lashes at the outer corners to enhance the upward flick, for example; or use less curled lashes in the inner corners to create a more relaxed, natural appearance.
Lash Lifts for Upturned Eyes
Although the impact of eye shape is lesser for a lash lift rather than lash extensions as you're just working with the client's natural lashes rather than extending them, you're going to pick a lash shield that compliments an upturned eye shape.
We recommend going for an ascent shield for an upturned eye, as you'll want to avoid the lashes in the outer corners curling too much and coming into contact with the eyelid if they're curled too dramatically.
Nova Ascent Glueless Lash Shields, Pack of 3 Pairs, £12.99
Care and maintenance tips for upturned eyes
Proper aftercare for lash extensions on upturned eyes
Once you've perfected your client's look, it's time to educate them on taking care of their lash extensions. Ensuring your clients take the appropriate post-treatment measures will help to make their lashes last longer and keep them in tip-top shape until their next appointment.
Be sure to remind your client not to use oil-based or waterproof makeup products, since they can weaken the bonds between the glue and extensions.
If they do wear make-up or even when it comes to washing their face in the morning and evening, it’s important to remind them to use an oil-free cleanser.
BELO Lash Whipped Dream Lash Cleanser, 100ml, £14.99
Your client should be careful not to rub their new extensions. This is especially important when it comes to the outer corners, where the extensions are slightly longer.
Your client should brush through their extensions every day. Not only will this keep the lashes looking amazing, but it will also prevent tangling, which can be tricky around the middle and the outer corner of the eye.
Handling potential challenges
When it comes to upturned eyes, one of the worst things that can happen is premature shedding. Since the outer corner is lifted upward, the extensions will usually be more tense and may shed at a more accelerated rate. So, be sure to schedule regular infills with your client!
Conclusion
So, there you have it, a lash-load of wisdom to help you find the perfect extension techniques for upturned eyes. Just remember: the key here is to enhance and not overpower the eyes with the perfect extensions.
