The eyes have a way of capturing our attention. They are usually the first thing we notice in people. Some even say that they are the windows of the soul. But what is it about defined eyes that are so attractive? Some people are blessed with thick dark lashes and wide eyes, but for the rest of us, makeup can be used to get a similar look. But what, exactly, is the reason the standard is set to having Elizabeth Taylor’s lush lashes and big eyes?

Defined Eyes Are All About Youth

The limbal ring, or the dark outer ring of the iris (colored part of the eye) is darkest when women are most fertile.

It starts on a biological level. One reason why defined eyes are attractive to us is because they are a sign of youth. This is seen early in childhood. Each of us is born with a limbal ring around each eye.

The limbal ring is the part of the eye that separates the iris (colored part) from the sclera (white part). It is comprised of a thick black ring and is nature’s form of eyeliner. As we age our limbal rings often get smaller and lighter, losing some of their eye defining effects. As humans we find this attractive because it is a sign of health and youth, which are both reproductively in our favor. The limbal ring is it’s thickest from infancy to early twenties, and early twenties is when women are most fertile (Evolutionary Psychology). When you line your eyes, it draws more attention to this.

And your natural eyeliner, eyelashes, are also a sign of youth. Much like the rest of your hair, your eyelashes tend to be thickest and healthiest when you’re younger. This is another sign of fertility and health and makes you more attractive.

Big Eyes and Symmetry Mean More Attractive

Large eyes and facial symmetry are both markers of attractiveness.

Defining eyes with makeup has the ability to make our eyes appear larger, which has also been associated with attractiveness in women. In a study where males rated females on attractiveness, things such as large eyes, prominent cheekbones and thick lips were found to be the most attractive facial features across the board
(Science Direct).

Bigger eyes have also been associated with desirable personality traits, such as honesty. There seems to be a phenomenon of wide-eyed-innocence which is closely related to naivety and youth. Because youth is an attractive trait in women, it would make sense that we would associate the traits of youth with someone young looking. Since large eyes, as well as defined eyes are considered are signs of youth, it makes sense that if a woman had one, she’d likely have the other (Sage Journals). And since both of these are associate with youth, vitality, and innocence, it makes sense that they’d be considered attractive.

Facial symmetry has also been noted as an attractive trait in women. Studies using identical twins have shown that the twin with more symmetrical facial features is consistently rated as the most attractive one. (American Psychological Association). Defining eyes has the ability to make a face seem more symmetrical. (American Psychological Association ).

There’s Historical Precedent for Defined Eyes

More than just a fashion statement, Cleopatra’s lined eyes may have helped to keep her healthy.

Defined eyes also have been associated with resistance to disease and protection from environmental factors, which can be dangerous for humans. The Ancient Egyptians were well aware of this. Cleopatra and King Tut were just a few of the ones who used dark eye makeup.

They made this makeup using lead chlorides. Research has shown that the compounds present in the eye makeup boosted the production of nitric oxide in the skin of those who wore it. Because of nitric acids role in the body, production of it also strengthens the immune system. Because of this, those who wore the black eye make up were often disease free, and led longer and healthier lives than those who went bare faced (Review of Optometry).

Don’t Have Large, Defined Eyes? Fake Them!

If you don’t have the biggest eyes or the fullest lashes, you can always use makeup to fake it!

If you’re looking to fake these indicators of health and fertility, you have a few options. First, a good eyeliner is a must. In a test we did on durability, we found that Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Mat (17.23, amazon.com) lasted the longest and was the most durable. If you want tips on how to line your eyes for your eye shape, check out our post on how to best line your eye. Next, get your best lashes. For temporary lashes get a good volume-boosting mascara, like LashControl Volumizing 2X Black Mascara ($20, amazon.com).

You might even consider false eyelashes. You can go for a full set with something like Ardell Fashion Lashes ($10.49 for four sets, amazon.com) or individual lashes with something like Ardell Duralash Naturals ($8.97 for three packs, amazon.com).

Want something more permanent? An eyelash growth serum like Latisse or Jan Marini Eyelash Conditioner ($160, amazon.com) will help your eyelashes grow longer, thicker, and darker.

Bottom Line

Defined eyes are so attractive because they generally are a sign of health and fertility. Whether it’s the limbal ring around your eye, a thick set of eyelashes, or big eyes, a defined eye tells someone looking at you that you’re young and fertile. And throughout history, a defined eye could even help to improve health, which definitely makes someone more attractive.

With all that has been seen in the eyes, it’s no wonder that we pay so much attention to them.