Have you ever tried to follow an eye makeup tutorial only to find that it didn't complement your eyes? You're definitely not alone - this is a common experience, especially for those of us with monolids or less pronounced double eyelids. If you're having trouble getting your eye makeup right and the usual techniques don't seem to work, it might be helpful to understand the type of eyelids you have.
Most likely, you have seen various eye shapes, such as round, almond-shaped, deep, upturned, etc., but probably the goodness of eyelids has its own varieties.
The monolids vs double eyelids explore the shapes and structures of the eyelids so that you can adapt your technique according to your particular eye shape.
What are Monolids?
A monolid is an eyelid without a visible crease between the eyelashes and the eyebrows. While monolids are most common among individuals of East Asian descent, they can be found in people of any race or ethnicity, especially those with almond-shaped or elongated eyes. It’s important to remember that not everyone of Asian descent has monolids. In fact, it’s estimated that around 50% of Asian individuals have this type of eyelid. Monolids are sometimes mistaken for hooded eyes because they can look somewhat similar. However, hooded eyes have a crease that is hidden under a fold of skin, which creates a “hooded” appearance. Monolids also shouldn’t be confused with ptosis, a condition where the upper eyelid droops over time due to weakened muscles. Ptosis can develop from ageing, injuries, illnesses, or neurological conditions.Causes of Monolids
Monolids are usually a genetic inheritance. For example, people with fetal alcoholic syndrome may also have epicanthic folds, which is a condition caused by a mother drinking alcohol when pregnant that results in physical, behavioural, and learning impairment. Epicanthal folds form a major part of the face and are exhibited in a number of genetic disorders, such as:- Triple X syndrome
- Turner syndrome
- Williams syndrome
- Down syndrome
- Blepharophimosis syndrome
- Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome
- Noonan syndrome
- Zellweger syndrome
- Phenylketonuria (PKU)
What are Double Eyelids?
Double eyelids are when your eyelids have a crease, making it look like there are two eyelids. Many different types of people have double eyelids, including those who are Caucasian, Middle Eastern, African, and Asian. It's more common to have double eyelids than to have monolids because it's a dominant gene. Some double eyelids have a very clear crease, especially in people with deep-set eyes. Other double eyelids might only have a small crease that's not very noticeable. Double eyelids are different from monolids because they have a curved crease between your eyelids and your eyelashes. As people get older, the skin on their eyelids might start to sag, which can make their eyes look hooded. This can also cause ptosis, where the upper eyelid starts to droop. If it's severe, it can affect your vision, but there are surgeries to fix it. If you want to permanently create double eyelids, you can consider double eyelid surgery, also known as Asian blepharoplasty or a double lid lift. This procedure can help you achieve the aesthetic look you desire by creating a crease in the eyelids using various techniques and methods.
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Causes of Double Eyelids
Most people have double eyelids because of their genes. Other factors that may contribute to the presence of double eyelids or the appearance of double eyelids include:- Getting older
- Ptosis
- Accumulation of fat
- Underdevelopment or weakening of the muscles in the eyelids
- Difficulty reading
- Pain in or around the eyes
- Impaired driving ability
- Tension headaches
- Dry or watery eyes
Asian Eyes vs Caucasian Eyes
The eyes of Asian and Caucasian people have several differences. For example, Asian eyes usually have a smaller space between the upper and lower eyelids, which is called the palpebral fissure. Many Asian individuals also have epicanthal folds, which are skin folds that go from the upper eyelid to the inner corner of the eye. When Asians have a double eyelid, the crease is typically lower on the eyelid compared to Caucasian eyes. Additionally, Asian eyelids are often thicker near the brow line and contain more subcutaneous fat compared to Caucasian eyelids. When Asian individuals undergo surgery to change a monolid (single eyelid) into a double eyelid, the goal is not to make their eyes look Caucasian. Instead, the aim is to create a double eyelid that enhances visibility and expression while still looking natural on an Asian face. The goal is to make the eyes more expressive without changing their fundamental appearance. This approach respects the natural features of Asian faces while enhancing the eyes' appearance.Conclusion
Understanding the monolids vs double eyelids difference can help you adjust your beauty routine or makeup techniques to match your eye shape. Monolids don't have a crease, while double eyelids do, and these differences are mostly because of genetics. Neither is "better" than the other - they are just different ways eyes can naturally look. Whether you like a simple look or enjoy trying out colourful makeup, the beauty trend embraces natural looks and features.Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Still unsure? Our team is glad to talk you through anything before you book.
- If you have double eyelids, you will see a curved crease between your eyelashes and eyebrows. Monolids, on the other hand, do not have this visible crease.
- According to beauty standards today, double eyelids are generally seen as more attractive because they appear more responsive and attractive than monolid eyes. A well-defined supratarsal crease, which double eyelids have, is perceived as more beautiful and better defined.
- Monolids are when your eyelids don't have a crease, and double eyelids are when they do. Monolids are common among East Asians.
- Yes, it's perfectly normal to have double eyelids, and they usually don't cause any health problems. However, if your upper eyelids droop or sag, it might affect your vision and make it difficult to read.
- Double eyelids can make your eyes appear larger and more expressive. Your eyes appear brighter and more engaging because to the natural crease on the upper lid. This can give a youthful appearance to your face.
