Eye Shapes
Upturned Eyes
Upturned eyes have outer corners that sit higher than the inner corners, giving a lifted, cat-like look. In measurement terms, they have a positive canthal tilt.
Check yours with the eye shape detector
How to tell if you have upturned eyes
- Imagine a straight line through the inner and outer corner of each eye.
- If the outer corner sits higher than the inner corner, your eyes are upturned (positive canthal tilt).
- The lower lash line often appears to sweep upward toward the temple.
Makeup for upturned eyes
Balance the lift by lining the lower lash line from the outer corner inward, or emphasize it with a sharp wing.
Measure the exact angle with our canthal tilt calculator.
Makeup tips for upturned eyes
- Emphasize the lift with a sharp, upward wing.
- To balance it, add a soft line along the outer half of the lower lashes.
- Keep lower-lash shadow on the outer third so it doesn't drag the eye down.
- Curl and coat the outer lashes most.
Upturned Eyes vs similar eye shapes
Upturned Eyes vs Downturned EyesDownturned eyes have the outer corner lower than the inner corner.
Upturned Eyes vs Almond EyesAlmond eyes may tilt up slightly; upturned eyes tilt up clearly.
Celebrities often described as having upturned eyes
- Adriana Lima
- Taylor Swift
- Rihanna
Based on how these people are commonly described in style and beauty media; lighting and angles vary between photos.
Frequently asked questions
Are upturned eyes the same as positive canthal tilt?
Yes. Upturned eyes have a positive canthal tilt: the outer corner sits higher than the inner one.
How many degrees is an upturned eye?
Most people measure about +2° to +6°. Above roughly +6° reads as clearly upturned. Measure yours with our canthal tilt calculator.
