As a lash technician, it is important to have a keen eye for detail, understanding which eyelash extensions will work best for each client's unique eye shape. When working with clients who have small eyes, it becomes especially important to select the right set of lash extensions that will enhance their look without overpowering their features.
In this blog, we will guide you through the process of picking the best eyelash extensions for clients with small eyes, ensuring both stunning and effective results. So, let's get started!
What are small eyes?
Eyes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and what is considered "small" for one client may not necessarily be the case for another. To determine if your client has small eyes, it is important to take certain characteristics into account before deciding upon their perfect set of eyelash extensions. Some of these include:
- Eye shape: The shape of your client's eyes will give you a good indicator of their best lash style. Some shapes can include hooded eyes, round eyes, or almond eyes.
- Eye proportions: It is important to take into account your client's eyes in relation to the rest of their face and their other features.
- Eyelid space: The amount of visible eye space plays a part in the perception of eye size, especially when it comes to choosing the most flattering eyelash extensions for your client.
How do I pick the perfect set for a client with small eyes?
Before deciding which eyelash extensions are going to look best for your client, first things first: sit them down for a consultation. This is crucial, as your client's specific preferences will make a great starting point for mapping out their set.
Some questions you might ask can include:
- Have you had lash extensions before?
- What style would you like your lashes today? (e.g. cat-eye, mega volume, classic)
- Are you getting these eyelash extensions for a special occasion, or are they for regular wear?
Whatever answers you receive, the consultation will make a great indicator of your client's specific needs and requirements for the treatment. Once you have a clearer picture of what kind of eyelash look they are going for, the next step is to consider some key factors to ensure you pick out the best eyelash extensions for them. These factors include:
1. Lash Length
For clients with smaller eyes, it is important to avoid eyelash extensions that are too long or take up a majority of their eyelid space. For example, it might be beneficial to opt for shorter lashes, no longer than 12mm. This will ensure they are not too heavy on the eyelid and complement the client's eye shape.
2. Lash Thickness
If your client has smaller eyes, another factor to consider is the thickness of their eyelash extensions. For example, thick, voluminous eyelash extensions have a tendency to rest very heavily on the lid, especially for those with small eyes.
Instead of opting for very full eyelashes, we would suggest a thickness range somewhere between 0.07mm and 0.10mm. This is because thin, lightweight eyelashes tend to work best for smaller eyes, as they add an element of glamour without overwhelming your client's delicate features.
3. Curl Type
When choosing the best extensions for a client with small eyes, you do not want to go with a curl that fills too much of their eyelid space, as this can make their eyes get lost in the look. Instead, opting for eyelash extensions with a gentle curl can help to open up the eyes and give them a wider appearance.
The best curl type for your client will greatly vary according to eye shape, so it is essential that you exercise good judgement before applying the eyelash extensions, ensuring that the curl of the eyelashes does not overpower the eyelid.
Eyelash extension styles
Do you need some inspiration? Some of the top eyelash extension styles for smaller eyes are listed below.
Doll Eye: One of the most popular lash styles on the market today, doll eye extensions work by adding extra length and volume to the centre of the eye, placing shorter lashes on the inner and outer corner of the eye. This creates an eye-opening effect that beautifully enhances small eyes, doing so in a way that doesn't overwhelm the face. If your client has hooded eyes, this is an especially great option!
Cat Eye: Starting off shorter at the inner corners, cat eye lash extensions become longer on the outer edges, helping to balance out the features and make eyes look elongated (much like if you were wearing eyeliner.) An especially good style for clients with a round eye shape, cat eye extensions are great for a smaller eye shape.
Mapping styles for smaller eyes
Creating a lash map for your client's lash extensions gives you a chance to showcase your creativity, considering your client's unique features as you craft them their very own set.
Some important factors to take into consideration before you start lash mapping for clients with smaller eyes include:
- Eye shape, including monolid, round, and almond eyes.
- Face shape, for example oval, round, and square.
- The angle of the eyes, such as straight, upturned, or down-turned.
- Eye-spacing, or how much width there is in between each of your client's eyes. These include close-set and wide-set eyes.
- Curl of the natural eyelashes, such as straight, curly, or downward facing.
Some tips for lash mapping a client with smaller eyes include:
#1: Change up your template.
Many a lash technician has fallen into the trap of using the same lash map template for each client. However, this can be problematic. For example, imagine you are regularly using a cat eye template, incorporating it across all of your clientele. While this works great for a variety of different eye shapes, clients with downturned eyes may not benefit from this look, as this can actually accentuate the downturned nature of their eyes.
Therefore, you should always take into consideration your client's unique features prior to applying their lash extensions. This way, you can map out a look that perfectly accentuates their features.
#2: Mark the arch of your client's brow.
This is a great starting point for your lash map, as it gives a great natural progression for your custom set, guaranteeing the style is going to perfectly complement your client's eye shape. From there, you can mark your emphasis area and begin to decide which style of lashes you are going to incorporate into their look.
#3: Isolate your emphasis area
When mapping out your client's lash extensions, take care to highlight an emphasis area for each eye, as this will help bring symmetry to the face. For example, when applying lash extensions to a client with smaller eyes, you can concentrate on adding more length and volume to the middle or outer corners of their eyes, helping extend the eyelashes out towards the temples.
Once you have completed lash mapping, this means it is time for application! To ensure you successfully complete the lash look, make sure to keep your template with you as a guide – that way you will be able to follow the lead of your map when applying the actual extensions to your client's natural lashes.
To sum up
When selecting the perfect set of lash extensions for small eyes, this involves a combination of factors such as length, curl type, thickness, and lash mapping. By carefully considering these elements and tailoring the extensions to suit unique needs and specifications, you can create stunning looks that emphasise your client's features. With your own expertise and attention to detail, you can provide a truly satisfying experience for your clients and help them achieve the look they've always wanted!
Got questions for BELO? Get in touch and we’ll be happy to help with all your lash related queries!