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?

The term “monolid” describes an eyelid shape that doesn’t have a crease separating it into two parts. 

The eyelid sits against the brow bone with a monolid and has no visible fold or crease.

Monolids are common, especially among those of East Asian descent. This includes Korean, Japanese, and Chinese heritage. 

What Causes Monolids? 

Like hair color, skin color, and many other aspects of a person’s appearance, monolids are almost always caused by genetics. Monolids are perfectly normal when caused by genetics.

Sometimes, a medical condition can cause a monolid or the appearance of a monolid if someone’s eye swells or changes shape. However, this is usually not the case.

What’s the Difference Between Monolids and Double Eyelids?

Unlike monolids, double eyelids have a supratarsal crease. 

Double eyelids are also quite common but tend to occur more often in people of non-Asian descent.

What’s the Difference Between Monolids and Hooded Eyes?

Hooded lids have a fold that covers or partially covers the entire eyelid. 

Unlike monolids or double eyelids, 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 it’s important to seek medical attention if your eyelid becomes 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, also called 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. This is 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 work well to create the look of a crease in the eyelid. They can also enhance a slight crease. Brighter shades of makeup bring attention to the eye and help them 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 helps avoid 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.

Tapes 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. 

Double eyelid tape mimics a natural crease without having to undergo monolid surgery.

Adhesives can be uncomfortable. Some people cannot wear them because they irritate the sensitive skin on the eyelids. 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.