Fox eyes and cat eyes are two varieties of almond-shaped eyes, which in turn are one of several major eye shapes. While they share a similar foundation, subtle differences in lift and contour produce noticeably different results between these two styles.
Some examples of notable celebrities with fox eyes include Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner, while famous celebrities that sport a cat-eye look include Megan Fox and Angelina Jolie. Before deciding which suits you best, it helps to understand the defining features of foxy eyes and catty eyes, how each look is achieved, and which aesthetic procedures deliver lasting results.
Understanding the Fox Eye and Cat Eye Looks
When talking about fox eyes and cat eyes, it’s all about the outer corner of the eyes, and in particular, the upper eyelid and lash lines. Just a millimeter or two here and there makes all the difference.
The primary distinction between these two styles lies in the outer corner of the eye, particularly in the angle and lift of the upper lash line. While both create an elongated appearance, fox eyes lift the corners more horizontally, while cat eyes use a sharper upward tilt for a bolder effect.
What Is a Fox Eye Lift?
The fox eye look features a distinct elongation and lifting of the outer eye corner. This accentuates the eye’s almond shape and makes it appear slightly thinner (without seeming slitted). Look at a picture of a fox at rest and you’ll understand where it gets its name. The fox eye look creates a subtle, refined lift that delivers a youthful, refreshed appearance.
What Is a Cat Eye Lift?
A cat eye look also features an elongated, lifted outer eye corner. But there’s more lifting than with the fox eye look. Cat eyes have a noticeable upward slant, while fox eyes have a more horizontal or neutral orientation.
This helps achieve a more sultry, sophisticated look. Cat eyes have been seen in the beauty industry for decades, including notable celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Katherine Hepburn.
How the Fox Eye and Cat Eye Techniques Differ
While both shapes enhance the natural contours of the eye, the primary technical difference lies in the degree and direction of lift applied to the outer canthus.
Fox eye lifts generally aim for a straighter, elongated orientation, while cat eye lifts aim upward for a sharper, more dramatic effect. These differences influence whether makeup, threads, or surgical techniques are most appropriate.
How to Create a Fox Eye or Cat Eye Look
You can create either look — and do much else to alter the shape of your eye — with eye makeup, minimally invasive (and temporary) cosmetic procedures like PDO thread lifts or Botox®, and traditional cosmetic surgery.
Here are the major things to know about each option:
Cat and Fox Eye Makeup
Well-done makeup does wonders for your eye shape. It’s helpful to watch a few YouTube videos before trying these styles out at home, but basically, the goal is to apply blurred and fading eye shadow to the upper outer eye corner, along with a dash of eyeliner along the under-lids and colorful “wing” out beyond the corner.
Both styles rely on strategic eyeliner placement and shading. Blend darker shadow at the outer corner, extend eyeliner slightly beyond the lash line, and use a soft, lifted wing to elongate the eye.
Temporary Fox and Cat Eye Procedures
The most popular minimally invasive procedure to achieve this look is a fox or cat eye thread lift, which involves inserting dissolvable PDO threads (polydioxanone) into the brow and drawing the brows outward to achieve a wider, more mysterious look around the eyes.
When undergoing a cat or fox eyes thread lift, it’s important to know what to expect before and after the procedure, and always work with a provider who has completed an advanced PDO thread lift training course. You can also achieve an eye lift with Botox only, but the results may not be as noticeable or last as long.
Fox and Cat Eye Surgery
Traditional plastic surgery is an option if you’re seeking a near-permanent solution.
Canthopexy, often associated with the cat-eye procedure, tightens the outer canthal tendon to produce a gentle upward tilt. Canthoplasty, by contrast, involves repositioning the tendon for a more pronounced lift, creating the elongated fox-eye contour.
Neither look is more invasive or costly than the other. But the longer you want your look to last, the higher the price will be, and the more recovery time you’ll need to recover from the procedure.
Fox Eye Thread Lift vs Cat Eye Thread Lift
Although both procedures use PDO threads to reposition the outer brow and eyelid, the techniques differ slightly based on the intended outcome. Fox eye thread lifts typically pull the outer corner more laterally for a sleek, elongated shape, while cat eye thread lifts angle the threads upward to produce a sharper lift.
Providers may choose different thread patterns or entry points depending on which look the patient wants to achieve.
Choosing the Best Look for Your Facial Features
When determining which style best fits you, several factors can help guide your decision, including:
Your current eye shape: If your eyes are already narrow, you may prefer a cat eye look to a fox eye look. Narrow eyes often pair well with the upward lift of cat eyes, while wide eyes are typically complemented by the subtler fox-eye contour.
Your facial features: While this is subjective, certain facial features may meld better with a fox eye look and others with a cat eye look. Individuals with softer, rounded features may benefit from cat eyes, while those with angular bone structures often suit the fox-eye look.
The overall “look” you’re going for: You know who you want to look like, so choose your shape accordingly.
Both styles can enhance your natural beauty, whether through makeup, threads, or surgery, and experimenting with temporary techniques can help you determine what feels most authentic before making a commitment.
Learn About Eye Lift Techniques with Empire Medical Training
Whether you’re a provider seeking advanced PDO thread lift training or an aesthetic professional exploring new techniques, Empire Medical Training offers hands-on courses and aesthetic workshops that help you deliver safe, high-quality results for fox eye, cat eye, and other cosmetic eye procedures.
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