Monolid Eyelid Shape

Key Takeaways

• Monolids are an eyelid shape that doesn’t have a supratarsal crease.
• This is usually caused by genetics, and it’s more common in people of East Asian descent.
• Many people turn to surgery and other cosmetic enhancements to eliminate monolids.
• If you decide to make a temporary or permanent change to your appearance, make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons.

What are Monolids?

Monolids are characterized by an eyelid shape that doesn’t have a supratarsal crease separating it into two parts. The eyelid sits against the brow bone with a monolid and has no visible crease or fold.

Monolids typically manifest because of genetics. They’re common among those of East Asian descent, particularly those of Korean, Japanese, and Chinese heritage. Sometimes, a medical condition can cause a monolid, but this is rarely the case.

Curious about your eye shape? Try our free Eye Shape Analyzer!

How are Monolids Different From Other Eyelids?

Hooded lids have a fold that covers or partially covers the entire eyelid. Meanwhile, double eyelids have a supratarsal crease, separating them into two parts.

Double eyelids are also quite common but tend to occur more often in people of non-Asian descent. However, people with hooded eyelids cannot see their eyelids when looking straight into a mirror.

Hooded eyelids can be normal when linked to genetics. But not everyone with hooded lids is born with them. Their eyelids sometimes droop and create a hood as they age. A drooping eyelid can signify a medical condition, so we suggest talking to a doctor if your eyelids become hooded. 

How to Transform Monolids into Double Eyelids?

Some people with monolids prefer to create a different look and make their eyelids appear double. This can be done with surgery, makeup, or other cosmetic enhancements.

Double Eyelid Surgery

Double eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is a surgical procedure that permanently changes monolid eyes to double eyelids. Due to a higher incidence of monolids, this procedure is more popular in Asian countries. 

It’s expensive, and it can be difficult to find surgeons willing to perform this procedure in non-Asian countries. During surgery, the surgeon creates a crease in the lid and removes excess skin to ensure the crease remains in place after the sutures heal.

Sometimes blepharoplasty is combined with ptosis surgery. This surgery increases the strength of the eyelid muscles and opens the eye.

Eyeliners and Eye Shadows

Eyeliners and eye shadows can create a crease in the eyelid or enhance a slight crease. Brighter shades of makeup bring attention to the eye, making it look wider, more open, and deeper.

A darker shadow on the lid where the crease would be can change someone’s eye shape significantly. It also helps to avoid heavy makeup around the lash line. This avoids making the eyes look smaller. 

Mascara and False Lashes

Mascara and false lashes can also change a person’s eye shape without making any permanent changes. Enhancing the upper and lower lash lines makes eyes appear larger and deeper. 

Additionally, using eye makeup to highlight the inner corner or brow bone brightens your eyes. This is true, whether you have double lids or monolids.

Eyelid Tape and Glues

Tapes and glues are also effective for creating the appearance of a double eyelid. The adhesives create an artificial crease so the lid looks wider and deeper, creating a natural crease without needing surgery.

Adhesives can be uncomfortable, and some people can’t wear them because they irritate the sensitive skin on the eyelids. Eyelid tapes and glues also make it difficult to blink and can decrease tear production. This often further irritates the eyes.

Keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with having monolids. Many people choose to embrace their monolids and accept that their eyelids are a reflection of their ethnic heritage.