Summary
Highlights
Canthal tilt, the angle between the inner and outer eye corners, significantly impacts perceived attractiveness. While structural, its perceived positive tilt can be enhanced by lifting the outer third of the brow, using makeup (shadow/liner), and avoiding side-sleeping which can cause eyelid drooping and flatten the tilt.
The eye area is often the first thing people notice and largely determines attractiveness. Research shows that attractiveness ratings based on the eye region alone closely match full-face ratings.
Clear, white sclera (the white part of the eye) are associated with health and youth. A darker limbal ring (the outline around the iris) is also found to be more attractive. Contrary to popular belief, constricted pupils that reveal more of the iris are rated as more attractive due to increased brightness. Improving eye clarity involves adequate sleep, reduced alcohol intake, lubricating eye drops for screen users, and sunglasses/SPF to prevent sclera yellowing caused by UV.
Optimal lash length for attractiveness is roughly one-third of the eye's width. Longer lashes, especially for men, can actually decrease attractiveness. This is because lashes are designed to protect the eye, and excessive length (beyond 1/3) signals a deviation from this function. Serums can help achieve this ideal length without overshooting.
Eyebrows are as crucial as the eyes themselves for facial recognition and attractiveness. Key aspects include density (fuller brows look younger), position (the lateral brow drops with age), and shape. Ideal brow shape starts above the inner canthus, peaks between the lateral limbus and outer corner, and ends in line with the nasal ala through the outer corner. Minoxidil or bimatoprost can help thicken sparse brows.
The thin skin around the eyes ages quickly, leading to crow's feet and hollowing. To combat this, topical retinoids (applied carefully along the orbital rim) can reduce wrinkles. Daily SPF and sunglasses protect against UV damage that causes collagen loss and sclera yellowing. Back sleeping is also recommended to prevent asymmetric lid descent and premature aging caused by side/stomach sleeping.