What is the Rarest Eye Shape?

Our eyes are one of our most distinctive facial features. The typical eye shape is almond, which is considered the most common. But some people have rarer eye shapes that stand out. Though unusual, these eye shapes have an allure and beauty of their own. In this article, we’ll explore some of the rarest and most unique eye shapes, what makes them different, and how people with the rarest eye shapes can make the most of them.

Table of Contents

The Cat Eye: Rarest Eye Shape

One of the most coveted eye shapes is the cat or feline eye. This eye shape has an elongated and diagonal upward slant, resembling the shape of a cat’s eye. The outer corner of the eye is pointed upwards at an angle, while the inner corner points downwards.

Only around 5% of the population has true cat eyes. Actresses like Taylor Swift, Bella Hadid, and Ariana Grande showcase this rare almond eye shape. It’s also a common result of eye surgery to achieve a fox eye look.

The cat eye oozes a sultry and mysterious vibe. It has an exotic allure that grabs attention. Cat eyes also look great with winged eyeliner, which extends the upward lift visually. To make the most of this eye shape:

Apply liner just to the outer corners to elongate the eyes.
Try a subtle flick of eyeliner across the crease to mimic the feline shape.
Use metallic or shimmery eyeshadows to play up the mesmerizing effect.
Curl the lashes and apply mascara to open up the eyes.

Cat eyes are one of the most desired eye shapes because they have an unforgettable, penetrating gaze. Their rarity just adds to their beauty. Discover the beauty and mystique found in eye diversity. Discover why are asian eyes slanted.

Deep Set Eyes: Rarest Eye Shape

Deep set eyes have the eyeball set further back in the skull than average. This causes the brow bone to protrude out more and the eyelids to appear sunken in. Think of actors like Jake Gyllenhaal and Summer Glau.

Only around 10% of people have a deep set eye shape. They create gorgeous shadowing and dimensions that add visual interest. The pronounced brow bone also gives off an intelligent look.

To make deep set eyes stand out:

Use light, shimmery shades on the lids to brighten up the set-back eyes. Metallics and champagnes work well.
Try highlighting just underneath the brow bone and inner corners to bring them forward.
Use white or nude eyeliner on the waterline to open up the eyes.
Focus eye makeup on the lids since the crease falls in shadow.

The key is to add lightness and illumination to deep set eyes. When enhanced properly, they have a magnetic stare that draws you in.

Hooded Eyes: Rarest Eye Shape

Hooded eyes have a fold of skin that droops over the crease, concealing all or part of the eyelids. Jennifer Lawrence, Blake Lively, and Zoe Saldana are famous for having hooded eyes.

This eye shape affects around 15% of people, more commonly those of Asian descent. The hooded eyelid can cover the lash lines or just the outer half. It creates a gorgeous smoky effect with the crease obscured.

Tips for hooded eyes include:

Applying darker shadow to the outer corners to lift the hoods up.
Using shimmers on the center of the lid to maximize visibility.
Adding definition with liner and false lashes since lid space is limited.
Extending shadow and liner just past the hoods to create the illusion of larger lids.
Using an eyelash curler to open up the eyes vertically.

Hooded eyes have a sultry, bedroom eyes vibe. The trick is learning eye makeup techniques to prevent the hoods from closing the eyes off too much. When done right, they have an alluring, catlike quality.

Close Set Eyes: Rarest Eye Shape

This rare eye shape refers to eyes spaced less than one eye width apart. Only an estimated 5-10% of people have close set eyes. Actress Jessica Alba is a stunning example of how to rock this feature.

Because they’re so uncommon, close set eyes grab attention. The narrow space between the eyes appears highly feminine and delicate. However, too much shadow on the inner corners can make eyes appear even closer together.

Tips for close set eyes include:

Highlight the inner corners with light shimmery shadow or highlighter to create illusion of width.
Avoid dark liner or shadow on the inner rims which can close them in.
Blend shadow outward toward temples instead of into nose bridge.
Use individual falsies spread farther apart instead of a full strip.
Fill in brows starting from the apex to widen the look of the eyes.

The goal is to expand the eyes outward visually with makeup tricks. When done correctly, close set eyes have an ethereal, doe-eyed beauty.

Prominent Eyes: Rarest Eye Shape

Prominent eyes sit more exposed in the skull with less fat and skin covering the eye area. This makes the eyes and brow bone much more noticeable.

Prominent eyes are genetic and seen in around 10% of the population. Actress Amanda Seyfried has remarkably huge looking eyes. Fuller lower lids and large limbal rings enhance the effect.

Because prominent eyes protrude, they grab attention immediately. To accentuate them:

Play up the eyes with liner, shadow, mascara and falsies since they’re the focal point.
Avoid thick, dark liner on the lower rims which can overwhelm the eyes.
Use highlighter below the eyebrows and inner corners to bring them forward.
Curl the lashes and add mascara to open up the eyes.

When enhanced correctly, prominent eyes have a wow factor that makes them truly unforgettable. The white of the eyes is also more visible, creating an innocent doe-eyed look.

Round Eyes

Round eyes have a circular shape with the width and height of the eyes nearly equal. They have a childlike, ingénue quality versus almond eyes which slant upward.

This rare eye form affects about 8% of the population. Round eyes are most common in baby faces. Christina Ricci and Kirsten Dunst exhibit the quintessential round eye shape.

To make the most of round eyes:

Apply liner across the lash line to elongate the eyes horizontally. Avoid extending the tail end which can droop down.
Add definition to the crease and light shade to the center of the lid since they lack that almond slant.
Curl lashes and add mascara to open up round eyes which can appear closed off.
Fill in brows starting from the arch outward to lift the eyes.

Round eyes have an innocent, youthful beauty when enhanced correctly. Though rare, they can make one appear more approachable and sweet-natured.

Diamond Eyes

Diamond eyes have a unique football shape, narrower at the inner and outer corners. Their widest points are at the middle of the eyelids.

The diamond eye form is one of the rarest, seen in just 2% of people. Celebs like Megan Fox exhibit these stand-out eyes. Many also get a subtle eye lift surgery to achieve a similar lifted shape.

Tips for diamond-shaped eyes include:

Apply darker shadow to the inner and outer corners to minimize the width.
Highlight the center of the lid which draws light to the widest point.
Use white or nude eyeliner on the lower waterline to open them up.
Opt for individual lashes spread farther apart rather than a strip.
Fill brows in with a high arch to lift the eye shape.

Diamond eyes have a sexy, fox eye shape when done right. Their rarity gives them an exotic allure. When properly balanced, they can appear both bold yet delicate.

Downturned Eyes

Downturned eyes have a drooping outer corner that angles downward. The opposite of upswept cat eyes, they point down rather than up.

Downturned eyes are genetic and occur in about 10% of people. Rosamund Pike and Anne Hathaway both have this eye shape that exudes a sultry look.

To perk up downturned eyes:

Apply shadow with a subtle lift at the outer edge of the crease.
Use thick liner that flicks up slightly at the tails.
Curl lashes to lift the downturned outer corners.
Fill brows in higher at the arch and tail ends to create lift.

Though rare, downturned eyes have a bedroom eye look. With the right makeup tricks, their sultry droop can be alluring rather than sad. A little lift visually at the outer corners helps balance them beautifully.

Upturned Eyes

Also called upswept eyes, this shape has a higher arch and tilted up outer corners. The opposite of downturned eyes.

Upturned eyes are one of the most uncommon shapes, possessed by just 5% of the population. But they are highly coveted for their cheerful and youthful appearance.

Tips for upturned eyes include:

Apply shadow with a subtle lift at the outer edges to extend the shape.
Use liner across or just outside the upper lash lines.
Try individual lashes to open the eyes up more if needed.
Fill brows in lightly since the upturn is already exaggerated.

Though rare, upturned eyes have a lively beauty. They naturally exude a bright, friendly impression. With the right makeup, upturned eyes can achieve an eye-opening sensual look rather than surprised.

Ptosis Eyes

Ptosis refers to drooping upper eyelids that cover part of the iris. It’s sometimes called lazy eye and can affect one or both eyes.

Ptosis can be present at birth due to genetics or develop later from age, injury, or neurological conditions. Moderate ptosis that covers less than 2mm of the iris occurs in about 1% of people.

Makeup tips for ptosis include:

Use nude eyeliner on the upper waterline to lift and open up the eyes.
Apply darker shadow to the outer corners to create a subtle lift.
Highlight the inner corners and brow bones which gives them lift.
Curl lashes and add mascara to open up the eyes vertically.
Fill brows in higher at the arch and tails to counteract the droop.

With strategic makeup techniques, eyes with mild ptosis can be enhanced to appear more open, symmetrical, and arched. Bringing light and lift to the right areas improves their shape beautifully.

Bulging Eyes

Bulging or protruding eyes sit more exposed in the skull due to genetics. This eye shape causes greater visibility of the sclera or white area above and below the iris.

Having bulged out eyes is very rare, occurring in just 2-3% of people. Conditions like hyperthyroidism can sometimes exacerbate the protrusion. Actress Martine McCutcheon has naturally protruding eyes.

Makeup tips for bulging eyes include:

Contour above the crease and along the lower lash line to recede the protruding eyes.
Avoid thick black liner on the upper and lower rims which can overwhelm the eyes.
Use nude or white eyeliner to help open them up optically.
Add highlighter to the inner corners and below brows to bring them forward.

The goal is to use makeup for a slimming effect on bulging eyes. Contouring creates the illusion of more sunken sockets. Highlight to make them look less protruded. Done properly, bulging eyes can look modern, exotic, and alluring.

Eyes with Epicanthic Folds: Rarest Eye Shape

The epicanthic fold is the skin fold across the inner corner of the eyes common in those of Asian descent. It covers part of the inner corner and bridge of the nose.

Eyes with epicanthic folds occur in over 50% of East Asians and also some Southeast Asians, Central Asians and Indigenous Americans. The fold tends to obscure the inner corners.

Makeup techniques include:

Highlight the inner corners and part of the fold to lighten and open up the eyes.
Use nude or white liner in the waterline instead of black which can close in the eyes more.
Apply lashes more towards the center since the fold covers the inner corners.
Define the crease with lighter shadow since the fold conceals the lids.
Extend liner and shadow just past the fold to elongate the eyes.

The epicanthic fold creates beautiful angled, almond-like eyes. The right makeup helps to highlight their shape rather than conceal it. Embracing eyes with epicanthic folds enhances their exotic, feline allure.

Uneven Eyes

Few people have perfectly symmetrical eyes. But some people have more noticeable uneven eyes with one eye that looks distinctly different in shape or size than the other.

True uneven eyes are fairly uncommon, occurring in an estimated 5-15% of the population. Actresses like Jennifer Aniston and Karlie Kloss both have one eye more rounded than the other.

Makeup tips for uneven eyes include:

Emphasize the fuller brow and eyelid on the smaller eye to balance it.
Contour slightly above the more hooded eyelid to deepen the socket.
Apply more shadow, liner, and mascara to the smaller eye to even the eyes out.
Use reflective shades like shimmers and pearls on the larger eyelid to recede it.

With some optical illusions, uneven eyes can achieve better symmetry in appearance. The key is to build up the smaller eye while minimizing the more prominent one. When done right, uneven eyes can look striking and beautiful in their uniqueness.

Close Together Brows

Though not technically part of the eyes themselves, close set brows impact the overall eye area. Close brows sit less than one brow width apart, making the space between the eyes appear very narrow and delicate.

This genetic feature is not common, seen in just around 3% of the population. Lupita Nyong’o’s gorgeous face showcases closely spaced brows in an appealing way.

Makeup tips include:

Filling in brows from the arch outward to widen the space between them.
Using matte shadows and highlighter inward towards the nose bridge rather than on the inner corners.
Opting for individual lashes on the outer halves rather than full strips.

The goal is to draw attention away from the narrow gap between the brows. Well-arched brows help balance out the proportions beautifully. The end result can look feminine, youthful, and sweet.

Enhancing Your Rare Eye Shape

No matter what rare eye shape you have, the key is learning the right makeup techniques to enhance your unique features. Embrace your distinctive eyes rather than trying to conceal them.

With strategic application, flattering colors, and optical illusions, your eye shape’s allure can shine through. Makeup should open up your eye area in a way that highlights your natural beauty.

Some tips that work well for all eye shapes include:

Curling lashes to open up the eyes.
Using white or nude liner in the waterline for a wide eyed effect.
Applying individual lashes for extra definition.
Highlighting the inner corners and just under the brows for added lift.
Keeping the area above the crease matte to recede deeper set eyes.
Adding strategic shimmer on the lids to accentuate their shape.
Defining the lash line well with liner and shadow to open up the eyes.

Makeup Looks For Rare Eye Shapes

Let’s explore some flattering makeup looks tailored to different rare eye shapes:

Cat Eyes

A floating extended wing of liquid liner that lifts the upwards slant. Keep liner thin across the lash line.
Just mascara and highlighter on the inner corners and brow bones to accentuate the natural shape.
60s style eye makeup with a subtle flick of black liner and voluminous lashes.
A bronze and rose gold smoky eye with a feline wing for evening.

Deep Set Eyes

Metallic champagne shadow all over the lid with the crease left bare. Darken the outer V minimally.
Blended out purple shadow on the lid to play up the inset eyes. Pair with glossy nude lips.
A berry eye look with liner pressed into the upper lashes for definition. Keep the lower rim bare.
A shimmery gunmetal lid with a purple pop in the outer corner and thick black liner across the top.

Hooded Eyes

Matte charcoal shadow focused on the outer half and faded out before hitting the hood.
Peach shimmer brought up above the crease with brown liner across the upper lash line. Leave the lower bare.
Olive green metallic swept across the lid and darkened on the outer third. Pair it with a glossy mauve lip.
A halo eye with vibrant duochrome shadow on the center of the lid peeking out from the hood.

Close Set Eyes

Golden shadow focused on the center of the lids with the inner and outer corners left bare.
Rosy copper swept across the lid and extended outward with a touch of highlighter on the inner corners.
Full but individual lashes applied just to the outer halves to spread the eyes farther apart.
Bronze shadow on the lid paired with a glossy nude lip to keep the focus expanded.

Prominent Eyes

Thick mascara and touch of peach gloss on the lips to emphasize the eyes as the focal point.
Smudgy charcoal liner on the upper lash line only. Leave the lower bare and use nude inner rim liner.
Soft bronze shadow blended out to the brow bone. Use lots of mascara to accentuate large eyes.
Metallic silver smoked out liner extended just past the outer corners.

Round Eyes

Shadow extended out horizontally with touch of metallic on the center of the lid for dimension.
Floating extended liner across the lash line to elongate the eyes. Pair it with volumizing mascara.
Soft brown liner applied close to the upper lashes only. Use peach highlighter under the brow.
Cool-toned gray shadow blended from lash line to brow to add definition to the rounded shape.

Diamond Eyes

Darker shadow concentrated on the inner and outer corners with metallic on the center of the lids.
Matte shadow look with emphasis on lifting the outer corners to minimize width.
Thin black liner just along upper lashes to define shape. Use nude lower rim liner.
Full volume lashes applied slightly farther apart to widen the eye space.

Downturned Eyes

Winged liner that extends into a subtle upward flick at the tails to create lift.
Charcoal shadow smoked out on the lower lash line with touch of peach shimmer in the inner corners.
Full strip false lashes to turn up the outer corners. Pair it with glossy lips.
Metallic gold swept across lids and extended past the outer corners.

Upturned Eyes

Bronzy brown shadow with just thin liner across upper lash line to enhance the natural shape.
Fuller lashes on outer half only to open up eyes and balance out the upturn.
Shimmery pink shadow blended from lash to brow. Use mascara and avoid lower liner.
Matte neutral shadow look to subtly accentuate the cheerful eye shape.

Ptosis Eyes

Extended floating liner across lash line to lift the shape. Highlight inner corners too.
Peachy bronze shadow concentrated on outer third of lids to perk up drooping.
Full lashes and eyelash curler to open up the eyes.
White or nude liner on the waterline for a wide-eyed effect.

Bulging Eyes

Neutral matte shadow blended from lash to brow to minimize protruding appearance.
Subtle contour along the upper crease and lower lash line to recede eyes.
Champagne shimmer patted onto the lid with mascara for soft definition.
Thin charcoal liner pressed into upper lashes only. Avoid any shadow on the lower lids.

Epicanthic Fold Eyes

Shimmery peach shadow swept across the lid over the crease the fold conceals.
Metallic pink shadow on lids extended past the inner fold. Use nude lower rim liner.
Fuller lashes applied just from midpoint onward to accentuate eyes.
Floating liner across lash line to lift the shape and elongate the eyes.

Uneven Eyes

Heavier makeup on smaller eye – darker shadow, thicker liner, fuller lashes.
Matte taupe shadow on larger lid to recede it. Metallic silver on smaller lid.
Liner and mascara focused on making the smaller eye match the larger one.
Highlight brow bone and inner corner of smaller eye. Contour slightly above larger lid.

Tips for Your Eye Shape

Make the most of your eye shape’s unique beauty with these helpful tips:

Cat Eyes: Lift the shape with strategic liner. Use shimmers to catch the light. Curl lashes to open up eyes.

Deep Set: Illuminate sunken eyes with brightening shades. Avoid lower rim liner. Bring light to brow bone.

Hooded Eyes: Lift the hoods with shadow placement. Maximize lid space. Use glossy lids. Curl lashes.

Close Set: Highlight inner corners. Focus shadow to outer halves. Use individual lashes. Fill rounded brows.

Prominent: Play up with liner, mascara. Use glossy lids. Avoid thick lower liner. Lighten brow bone.

Round: Elongate with horizontal liner. Define with crease color. Curl lashes. High arch brows.

Diamond: Minimize wide points with shadow placement. Longer lashes spread farther apart.

Downturned: Create subtle lift at outer corners. Curl lashes up. Fill brows with a high arch.

Upturned: Enhance shape lightly. Soften upper lash lines. Use glossy lids. Subtle brows.

Ptosis: Lift droop with raised liner wings. Curl lashes up. Highlight brow bones.

Bulging: Contour to recede protrusion. Avoid thick liner rims. Use highlighter.

Epicanthic Fold: Brighten fold area. Focus makeup outward. Lift the shape with liner.

Uneven: Build up smaller eye. Minimize prominent one. Add light and shadow strategically.

FAQs

What is the rarest eye shape?

The rarest shapes are upturned eyes, diamond eyes, and eyes with epicanthic folds, each occurring in just 2-5% of the population.

Do cat eyes occur naturally?

Yes, natural cat eyes with an exotic upward slant occur in around 5% of people. But many also get eye lifts to achieve a similar shape.

How can I make my deep set eyes stand out?

Use light, shimmery shadows across the lid and highlight under the brow bone to bring deep set eyes forward. Avoid thick liner on the lower rim.

What eye makeup flatters downturned eyes?

Try winged liner flicked up subtly and volumizing mashes to lift downturned outer corners. Contour just above the crease can help too.

How can I balance uneven eyes with makeup?

Use bold liner, darker shadows, and bolder lashes on the smaller eye. On the larger eye use paler matte shadow and lighter liner to recede it.

What makeup helps correct bulging eyes?

Try contouring above the creases and lower lash lines. Avoid thick black liner rims. Use nude liners and highlighters instead to recede protruding eyes.

What eye makeup works best for hooded eyes?

Matte shadows in the crease and shimmers on the center of the lid allow the color to be seen. Extend liner just past the hood. Lift the outer corners.

How can I play up my close set eyes?

Highlight the inner corners with light shimmery shadow. Concentrate darker matte shades on the outer halves. Use individual or partial lashes. Fill rounded brows.

Conclusion

Rare eye shapes like cat eyes, deep set, downturned, upturned, and others give faces unique character. Though unusual, their rarity makes them stand out in an alluring way. With the right makeup techniques, rare eye shapes can be enhanced to highlight their exotic beauty.

While polyphasic sleep cycles might seem tempting for squeezing more into your day, just like mastering flattering eye makeup, embracing what makes you unique is key – sleep well naturally and let your eyes shine!

Eyes are the windows to the soul. Make the most of your rare eye shape so your inner beauty shines through. The perfect makeup can turn rarity into mystique! With strategic enhancement, your distinctive eyes will captivate.