Upturned Eyes: How to Tell and What Suits Them

Upturned eyes have outer corners that sit higher than the inner corners — a positive canthal tilt. They give a lifted, alert look and are sometimes called cat eyes or fox eyes.

How to tell if you have upturned eyes

  • A line from the inner to the outer corner of your eye slopes upward
  • Your lower lash line lifts towards the outer corner
  • Your eyes look naturally lifted even without makeup
  • Almond-shaped outline is common

Makeup tips for upturned eyes

  • Balance the tilt by adding a little liner or shadow to the outer lower lash line
  • Keep wings short and horizontal so the eye doesn't look overly lifted
  • Highlight the inner corner to open the eye

Canthal tilt and attractiveness

A slight positive canthal tilt is common and often considered attractive, and it's part of what people call hunter eyes. There's a wide normal range, and a tilt measurement is only one small part of how a face is perceived.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are upturned eyes the same as positive canthal tilt?

Yes. Upturned eyes are eyes with a positive canthal tilt: the outer corner sits higher than the inner corner.

How do I check my canthal tilt?

Take a straight-on photo and draw a line from the inner to the outer corner of your eye. If it slopes upward, your tilt is positive. AI face analysis can measure it for you.

Can I change my canthal tilt?

Your bone structure sets the tilt. Makeup and brow shaping can change how lifted the eyes look; any surgical option is a medical decision for a qualified professional.

Other Eye Shapes

More Face Guides