Upturned EyesEye shape traits, photo tips, and how to identify yours
Upturned eyes have outer corners that sit higher than the inner corners, creating positive canthal tilt. This feline, lifted silhouette is one of the most sought-after shapes in modern beauty culture and reads as alert, youthful, and striking in photos.
Not sure if this is your shape? Try our free Eye Shape Analyzer or read the full eye shape types guide.
Key Traits of Upturned Eyes
- ✦Positive canthal tilt — outer corner higher than inner
- ✦Subtle upward sweep at the outer lash line
- ✦Often paired with visible lid platform when open
- ✦Associated with the 'fox eye' and cat-eye aesthetic
- ✦Lower lid may appear slightly shorter at the outer edge
Photo Tips for Upturned Eyes
- 📸Three-quarter angles emphasise the lifted outer corner
- 📸Avoid head tilt that lowers the outer corner toward the camera
- 📸Side lighting adds depth to the upward sweep
- 📸Relaxed brows prevent competing angles with the canthal tilt
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Deep dive on upturned eyes in our blog
Related Eye Shapes
Fox Eyes
Fox eyes describe an aesthetic ideal — elongated, lifted outer corners with a sharp, feline intensity. While often achieved through makeup, threading, or surgery, some faces naturally approximate this upturned, almond-hybrid geometry.
Almond Eyes
Almond eyes are the classic reference shape — slightly pointed inner and outer corners with the iris touching both lids. They are the most commonly cited 'ideal' in Western beauty frameworks because they balance width, length, and symmetry.
Hunter Eyes
Hunter eyes combine deep-set orbital structure with positive canthal tilt and minimal upper sclera exposure. The result is an intense, focused gaze associated with dominance and striking photogenicity in contemporary aesthetic discourse.
FAQ — Upturned Eyes
What is positive canthal tilt?
Positive canthal tilt means the outer eye corner sits higher than the inner corner. Upturned eyes naturally exhibit this geometry, which research links with youth and attractiveness ratings.
Are upturned eyes the same as fox eyes?
Fox eyes deliberately exaggerate upturned geometry — often with lifted outer corners, defined lid platform, and intense gaze. Upturned is the natural structural version; fox is the aesthetic idealisation.
Can downturned eyes look upturned with makeup?
Yes. Upswept liner, lifted outer brow tails, and strategic shadow can create the illusion of positive tilt, though structural canthal tilt cannot be permanently changed without surgery.