CANTHAL TILT GUIDE
🔽 Negative canthal tilt
Outer corners sit lower than the inner corners
What a negative canthal tilt is
A negative canthal tilt means the outer corner sits lower than the inner corner, so the eye angles slightly down. It is the same angle people call downturned. It is not a flaw to correct unless you want to. A liner that follows the natural corner will exaggerate the drop; a liner that leaves the corner and aims slightly up will lift it. You can be hooded or monolid and negative at the same time.
- ✓Your outer corners fall below a horizontal line drawn through the inner corners
- ✓The eye can look softer or more downturned at rest, especially when you are tired
- ✓Eyeliner that traces the lash line all the way out emphasizes the drop
- ✓Lifting the skin at the temple changes the eye more than it does for an upward tilt
Eyeliner, shadow, and lashes
Liner: Start the wing above the outer corner, aimed toward the tail of the brow, not along the downward lash line. A line that continues the natural angle makes the tilt look heavier. On a hooded lid, draw it with the eye open or the lift disappears into the fold.
Eyeshadow: Keep the darkest shadow slightly above the outer corner rather than packed into the drop. A bright inner corner and a lifted outer crease balance the angle.
Lashes: Curl, and concentrate length on the outer third so the lashes point up rather than following the corner down. Straight or downward-pointing outer lashes double the tilt.
How this relates to eye shape
Downturned is the eye-shape name for this angle. If your crease is hidden, read the hooded guide as well — the wing has to be mapped with the eye open or the lift never shows.
🔽 Downturned eyes guide →Not sure of your tilt?
One mirror check. No photo and no sign-up.
Take the free canthal tilt test →The other tilts
Frequently asked questions
What is a negative canthal tilt?
The outer corner of the eye sits lower than the inner corner. The eye angles slightly downward. It is also called a downturned eye. It describes the corner, not the lid or the crease.
How do I lift a negative canthal tilt with eyeliner?
Do not trace the outer corner. End the lash line just before it and draw a short wing that starts higher, aimed at the end of the eyebrow. Following the natural downward angle makes the tilt more obvious.
Is a negative canthal tilt the same as hooded eyes?
No. Hooded means a fold of skin covers the lid. Negative tilt means the outer corner is lower than the inner one. You can have either, both, or neither. Check the crease separately with the eye shape quiz.