The eyes are often called the window to the soul, and for good reason. They can completely transform the way a face is perceived. In fact, in my ranking of the Top 10 Facial Features That Make a Face Attractive, the eyes came in second place.
From Zayn Malik to Chris Hemsworth, different eye shapes create unique kinds of appeal. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most attractive types of eyes, their defining features, and why they stand out.
Almond Eyes
Almond eyes are one of the most desirable eye shapes thanks to their naturally balanced proportions. As the name suggests, they resemble the shape of an almond, with slightly upswept outer corners.
Key characteristics:
- Elongated shape with lifted outer corners
- Well-balanced upper and lower eyelids
- Positive or neutral canthal tilt
- No scleral show (the white of the eye beneath the iris isn’t visible)
- Defined but not overly deep eyelid crease
Celebrities like Zayn Malik and Henry Cavill have almond eyes, which contribute to their photogenic and balanced facial aesthetics.
Hunter Eyes
Hunter eyes are often considered the gold standard of attractiveness. They create an intense, sharp, and focused gaze that gives the face a predatory, confident look.
Key characteristics:
- Deep-set with no upper eyelid exposure
- Positive canthal tilt
- Downturned inner corners (medial canthus)
- No scleral show
- Low-set, straight eyebrows and a strong brow ridge
- Compact and horizontally elongated
Examples include Jordan Barrett, Elias de Poot, Simonas Pham, and Sean O’Pry, all known for their piercing, hunter-like stares.
Almond Hunter Eyes
This rare combination blends the intensity of hunter eyes with the sleek shape of almond eyes. They maintain a sharp gaze but with a slight upper eyelid exposure that softens the look.
Key characteristics:
- All features of hunter eyes
- Minimal (but visible) upper eyelid exposure
Chico Lachowski, Jeremy Meeks, and Alessandro Dellisola are great examples. In some photos, their eyes look purely hunter-like, while in others, a small eyelid exposure pushes them into the almond-hunter category.
Hooded Eyes
Hooded eyes occur when a prominent brow bone partially covers the upper eyelid, creating a “hooded” appearance. While this can hide the eyelid crease, it often gives the eyes a mysterious, deep-set quality.
Key characteristics:
- The fold of skin covers or hides the upper eyelid
- Can range from subtle to dramatic
- Often associated with a shadowed, intense gaze
Famous examples include Brad Pitt, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Cruise, and Cate Blanchett. Depending on the overall face, hooded eyes can create either a rugged or refined appeal.
Sleepy Eyes (Dead Eyes)
Also known as “bedroom eyes,” sleepy eyes give off a calm, dreamy, and detached look. They tend to look softer and more relaxed than other types, which adds to their charm.
Key characteristics:
- Neutral or negative canthal tilt (outer corners lower than inner corners)
- Upper eyelid partially covers the iris
- Visible scleral show beneath the iris
- Low tension in the eyelids, creating a droopy, half-lidded look
Actor Lorenzo Zurzolo and singer Billie Eilish both have attractive sleepy eyes that give them a mysterious and unique presence.
Eyes can make or break a face. Whether it’s the sharp dominance of hunter eyes, the balance of almond eyes, or the dreamy charm of sleepy eyes, each type has its own unique appeal.