Types of Eyelids | Complete Guide to Eyelid Shapes

Understanding the Different Eyelid Types

Eyelids come in many natural shapes, and the features you’re born with play a huge role in eye appearance, makeup application, and even which cosmetic procedures may be suitable. This guide breaks down the main types of eyelids, how they differ, and why each shape is completely normal and beautiful in its own way.

Monolid (Single Eyelid)

What It Looks Like

• No visible crease above the lash line
• Smooth eyelid surface
• Common in many East Asian populations

Key Characteristics

• Broader eyelid space
• Can create a clean, sharp makeup look
• Sometimes appears hooded depending on brow position

Why It’s Unique

Monolids create a sleek, youthful, fresh eye shape. They are one of the most iconic Asian eyelid types.

Double Eyelid (Creased Eyelid)

What It Looks Like

• Visible fold above the lash line
• Varies in height, shape, and depth

Key Characteristics

• Makes the eyes appear larger or more open
• Allows more visible lid space for makeup
• Extremely diverse in shape

Common Crease Variations

• Low crease: Subtle, natural, most common in Korea
• Medium crease: Slightly more defined
• High crease: Dramatic and visible (less common in Korean aesthetics)

Hooded Eyelid

What It Looks Like

• Excess skin folding over the crease
• Crease may be partially or fully hidden
• Eyelids look smaller or more shadowed

Key Characteristics

• Can be genetic or age-related
• Makes eyeliner more challenging
• Often combined with low brow position

Why It Matters

Hooding is extremely common in Korea and often treated with:

• Upper blepharoplasty
• Ptosis correction
• Brow lift
• Double eyelid surgery

Depending on the cause.

Tapered Double Eyelid

What It Looks Like

• Crease starts attached to the inner corner
• Soft, natural-looking fold
• Gently widens toward the outer corner

Why It’s Popular

This is the most requested crease design in Korea for a natural, gentle, bright-eyed look.

Parallel Double Eyelid

What It Looks Like

• Crease runs parallel to the lash line
• Does not merge into the inner corner
• Typically higher and more defined

Why It’s Unique

Frequently seen in Western eyelid shapes, but possible in Asian eyes depending on anatomy.

Asymmetrical Eyelids

What It Looks Like

• One crease higher than the other
• One eye more hooded or smaller
• One eye has a crease, the other doesn’t

Why It Happens

Very common and usually caused by:

• Muscle strength differences
• Brow asymmetry
• Natural genetics
• Previous surgeries
• Ptosis

Common Fixes in Korea

• Ptosis correction
• Crease revision
• Brow lift
• Combination eye surgery

Deep-Set Eyelids

What It Looks Like

• Crease sits deep under brow bone
• Eyes appear larger and more structured
• Prominent eyelid fold

Key Traits

Often seen in Western facial anatomy but also occurs naturally in Asians.

Droopy or Ptotic Eyelids

What It Looks Like

• Upper eyelid sits low
• One eye may appear smaller
• Tired or uneven appearance

Primary Cause

Weak levator muscle (ptosis).

Common Korean Treatment

Ptosis correction (levator tightening).

Outer-Corner Droop (Lateral Hooding)

What It Looks Like

• Drooping on the outer eyelid
• Makes eyes look sad or downturned

Common Korean Fixes

• Temporal brow lift
• Lateral canthoplasty
• Upper blepharoplasty

Why Eyelid Types Differ From Person to Person

Eyelid shape is influenced by:

• Genetics
• Skin thickness
• Bone structure
• Fat distribution
• Muscle strength
• Aging
• Brow position

It’s normal for eyelids to change over time — especially as the brow and upper face relax with age.