Facial Features

Today on the blog we're exploring all things hooded eyes, from causes to makeup to celebrity inspiration. There's no denying that hooded eyes are stunning, but there are a few misconceptions out there which we'll get to the bottom of.

We'll also chat about how to make the most of hooded eyes when you're a glasses wearer with some handy makeup tricks.

What are hooded eyes?

Hooded eyes are a specific eye shape characterized by the brow bone folding down over the crease. There's a little extra skin under the brow that causes the slight overhang, or…'hood'.

When you compare hooded eyes to monolids, almond eyes, and round eyes, you can see there's a big difference in eyelid "real estate". The three eye shapes mentioned have a visible mobile lid whereas hooded eyes generally don't.

How to tell if you have hooded eyes

Look at yourself straight-on in the mirror with your head straight and your eyes open naturally. If the skin under your brow bone protrudes out over the crease of your eye and almost meets your lash line, you have hooded eyes.

If you apply eyeshadow to the crease of your eye but it disappears when your eyes are open, this is also a sign of hooded eyes.

What causes hooded eyes?

Hooded eyes are found all over the world and are extremely common! So, what's behind them?

Well, in short, it comes down to genetics. Yep, you are born with hooded eyes, just like you're born with almond, monolid, round, or upturned eyes. Sure, aging can make the eyes a little more hooded with time, (we'll discuss that soon) but hooded eyes are a feature from childhood.

Hooded eyes VS Droopy eyes

Hooded eyes are often confused with droopy eyes and are spoken about as something to be changed with surgery. To that, we say push! Hooded eyes are simply a type of eye shape you are born with thanks to genetics and hereditary traits.

Droopy eyes, however, come as a result of aging as the skin loses elasticity and structure. In saying that, those with hooded eyes can experience greater drooping with age as there is already a little extra skin under the brow. Droopy eyes are a natural part of the aging process, but there are simple procedures to give them a lift if you like. However, there's absolutely zero wrong with aging skin and the changes it brings.

If you're finding that your hooded or droopy eyes are causing issues with your vision or comfort, definitely chat with your doctor. However, this is pretty rare and not something you should worry about until it comes up!

Celebrities with hooded eyes

Some of the most beautiful celebrities in the world have hooded eyes, and many of them wear glasses. Some of the most famous hooded-eye heroes are:

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence has very hooded eyes, proving that they're a gorgeous feature to celebrate. Jennifer often wears bold or dark eye makeup, creating a sultry, dramatic effect.

The stunning Jennifer Lawrence has very hooded eyes.

Blake Lively

Blake Lively is one of the most celebrated beauties in the world, and her eyes are most certainly hooded!

Blake Lively with her lovely hooded eyes.

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt, one of the OG movie star babes, has hooded eyes that have only become more hooded with age. Brad is a perfect example of how hooded eyes make you look kinda brooding, sexy, and mysterious.

Can't resist Brad Pitt with his perfect hooded eyes.

The best glasses styles for hooded eyes

Any glasses that make you feel amazing are the best glasses for you, but here are a few pointers for making the best of hooded eyes with frames.

1. Opt for oversized frames

Oversized frames (we love the Rosa frames) will ensure your hooded eyes don't appear smaller or more sleepy as the frames won't sit over your lids.

Smaller frames, on the other hand, may risk obscuring your already small lid space, especially if the frames are thick or dark-colored.

2. Give rimless frames a try

Rimless frames (like the gorgeous Innocent frames) can look stunning with hooded eyes as they subtly frame the eyes without boxing them in or causing further heaviness.

Essential makeup tips for hooded eyes

Having hooded eyes doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't wear eye makeup – quite the contrary. Eye makeup can make hooded eyes pop by either intensifying the depth or adding brightness to create a more open effect.

Now, glasses change the way many of us apply makeup regardless of eye shape, but with hooded eyes, we need a few more considerations.

Makeup tips for hooded eyes (glasses or not)

• Makeup artist Kate Jane Hughes is the master of hooded eye makeup. Her tutorial for winged eyeliner for hooded eyes is a go-to staple and works every time (I mean…after a few tries).
• Prime and set your lids. Because of the folded skin, your eyeliner can easily smudge onto the hooded part of your lid, especially if it's an emollient liner. Reduce this by using an oil-reducing eyeshadow primer and a translucent powder.
• A fine-tipped waterproof liquid liner is your best friend! This will give you a thin yet defining line that thickens the lash line and pops the eyes without making them look smaller.
• Get yourself an eyeshadow palette (if you don't already have one!) with a pale, mid, and deep shade. Blend the pale shade over the center of the lid and inner corner, then blend the mid and deep shades into the outer V of the eye and through the crease. This will give the eyes definition and depth without making them appear small or sleepy.
• If you buff a little bronzer or shadow through the lower lash line, this can add warmth to the eyes and balance out that slightly heavier upper lid.
• And finally, don't worry too much about the rules! For example, some people say you shouldn't bring a deeper shadow far up onto the hood. Well, there are plenty of examples of a bold look with a shadow that reaches nearly to the brow bone.

Case in point? Jennifer Lawrence! Check out this classic smokey eye featuring charcoal shadow buffed all over the lid and hood. As long as you are blending thoroughly and you love the look, it's a winner.

Jennifer Lawrence proving smokey makeup and hooded eyes are a stunning pair.

Overall makeup tips for all glasses wearers include:

• Keep things bright and awake with a brightening concealer under the eyes, a pale shimmery shadow on the center of the lid, and avoiding heavy/dark colors. This tip is especially effective during the day as dark colors can be a little aging and draining in the daylight.
• For the evening, you can add a little more "smoke" by applying a dark pencil close to the lash lines and smudging with a brush. Under the eye, concealer is important to brighten any shadows cast by your frames.
• Keep the brows shaped and brushed so they don't take up too much limited space. The more bare skin from eye to brow, the wider and more awake the eyes will appear. Plus, a groomed pair of brows is a great way to frame your frames.
• Pick an oversized pair that won't obscure your eyes, such as the fun and cute Audrey frames.

Want more? Check out our full guide on makeup tips for glasses wearers!

Go forth and embrace those stunning hoods!

By now you should know if your eyes are hooded.

If so, you're all good to get out there and show them off behind some stunning frames and a few flicks of an eyeshadow brush.

Humans are peculiar. One of the strangest parts of Homosapien genetics is our eye color.

You would think eye colors would be a natural progression from the rest of your coloring – but nope, not at all!

Today we'll talk about the weird and wonderful world of human eyes. Can you change your eye color? And what is the rarest eye color in the US? Read on to find out!

What is the rarest eye color?

In truth, this is quite a nuanced question.

If we're talking about the rarest color we commonly see in our peers, it would be green.

Green eyes are rare indeed.

The green-eyed among us only account for 2% of the American population and 2% of the world's population. Compared to the 5% of blue eyes in the world, 2% is minuscule!

Most of the people in the world who have green eyes are in – you guessed it – Ireland, Scotland, and other parts of the British Isles and Northern Europe.

Green eyes occur when there is more liposome pigment in the iris than melanin. We'll go into more detail about these pigments later but suffice it to say, that's genetically super rare! For green eyes to occur, it's highly likely that at least one of your parents also has green eyes.

Most reputable sources on the subject of eye colors would agree that green is the rarest eye color, but there are colors even rarer than green. The reason these colors aren't considered is because they are such genetic rarities, they are considered anomalies in humankind. Crazy right?

That's how we end up with the oxymoronic statement: "rarest eye color we commonly see".

So in the next section, we'll bring some balance to the eye color conversation. We'll discuss those genetic outliers beyond our green-eyed friends and you can decide what counts as rare eye color or not.

5 rare and unique eye colors and how they occur

1. Two different colored eyes (Heterochromia)

Heterochromia is a genetic abnormality that causes your eyes to be two different colors. Sometimes one iris is blue and the other is brown.

Sometimes both irises have the same base color but one eye will have a striking splash of a rogue color. It's exciting, rare, and captivating when you meet someone with different colored eyes!

2. Red or violet eyes

Though there's a common myth that Elizabeth Taylor had violet eyes, her eyes were blue.

True violet or red eyes are phenomena caused by albinism. Because there is such little pigment in the eyes of an albino person, the intricate network of blood vessels within the eye can shine through and make their eyes appear red or purple.

Though beautiful, having ocular albinism can be painful and severely impact a person's day-to-day life. They need to be careful in bright sun, using eye protection to shield their delicate eyes.

3. Gray eyes

Green eyes are rarer than gray eyes, but only by 1%. Around 3% of the world's population has gray eyes.

Like blue eyes, gray eyes are caused by a lack of melanin in the iris. What sets them apart from blue irises is the stroma layer. Increased collagen in the stroma layer affects how light hits the pigment. This makes their eyes look gray rather than blue.

4. Hazel eyes

Hazel and amber eyes are quite common because they are variations of brown eyes. That said, they still account for less than 10% of the world's population.

Research can also be skewed here as in certain countries, people may just categorize these as brown eyes. Technically, they are. Hazel or amber eyes occur when there is less melanin in the iris and higher lipochrome levels.

We've written more on hazel eyes here – check that out!

5. Black eyes

Do black eyes exist? Kind of. Two different genetic mutations can cause your eyes to look completely or mostly black.

The first is anisocoria. This is when a person has different-sized pupils. One is much larger than the other – sometimes with barely any iris. This makes the eye with the larger pupil look black.

The second is aniridia. This is when a person is born without an iris – just giant pupils. This can cause ocular vision issues but not always. Some people with aniridia have perfect vision. Others aren't so lucky.

What are eye color percentages around the world?

Here is a quick breakdown of the eye color percentages around the world, according to World Atlas and other sources:

• Brown – 70-80%
• Blue – 8-10%
• Hazel/Amber – ~10%
• Gray – 3%
• Green – 2%
• Red/Violet – 1%
• Heterochromia – 1%
• Black – 0.001%

But what determines your eye color?

Sharpen your pencils! We're about to discuss genetic science! Eye color science is fascinating.

Two main things determine eye color:

1. The structure of the iris

The iris has 5 layers. The stroma layer is the most important when it comes to eye color. This is where the pigment lies. Occasionally the structure of your stroma layer can affect how your eyes are perceived.

Take gray eyes for example. They have more collagen in the stroma layer which refracts light and makes their blue eyes appear gray.

2. The Genetics of eye color

Cast your mind back to biology class where you learned about genes and alleles.

Let's start with the genes first. The expression of the genes you carry determines the distribution of pigment in your eyes, skin, and hair. There are four pigments to consider when we talk about eye color:

• MelaninRich brown pigment
• PheomelaninYellow-brown pigment
• LipochromeFat-soluble yellow pigment
• EumelaninDeep dark brown pigment

So what controls the expression of your genes, and therefore your mix of pigments? Alleles.

Each gene has two alleles (pronounced AL-eels). You get one from one parent and one from the other parent.

If you get the same allele from both parents, that's called being homozygous. If the alleles are different, it's heterozygous.

Certain alleles can veto the gene's expression. This is called the dominant allele and the other is recessive.

In eye color, we mostly talk about brown, blue, and green alleles.

• Brown is the most dominant allele for the eye color gene. Even if you're heterozygous with one blue allele and one brown, your eyes will be brown. Brown wins!
• Blue alleles are recessive to all colors. You can only have blue eyes if you have two blue alleles from both parents.
• Green is recessive to brown but dominant over blue. That means if you get a green allele and a blue allele, you could have green eyes.

Want to dive deeper? Here's a quick video from 2 Minute Classroom that helps explain dominant vs recessive alleles a little more.

Cool, huh?

Can you change your eye color? 3 ways you kinda can

1. Contact lenses

The most common and harmless way to change your eye color is to use colored contact lenses. There's a huge range of different colors on the market, mimicking many of the rare eye colors we talked about and even inventing new ones. With contacts, you can have bright purple, canary yellow, or even blood red eyes.

2. Laser eye color change

Laser eye color change is a relatively new practice and is not publicly available in the US market. Pioneered by a company called STRŌMA Medical Corp, the non-invasive procedure uses a precise laser around the iris to reduce the pigment in a patient's eyes.

This would change the color from brown to lighter hues. The company is seeking approval in other countries before they approach the FDA. The safety and long-term effects of laser eye color change are yet to be seen.

3. Iris implants

Slightly more widely available is the controversial iris implant. It was first developed to help those with albino eyes by adding pigment to irises vulnerable to sun damage. Since then, there are cosmetically available procedures for people to selectively change their eye color in other countries.

At the moment the surgery is only approved for medical use in the US.

Vision experts, like those at the American Academy of Ophthalmology, warn against using permanent cosmetic surgery to alter your eye color. It can cause eye damage and vision loss on a macro and micro scale. No pretty eye color is worth losing your sight!

Your eye color cannot naturally change over time if your eyes are healthy. One common ocular issue that happens in old age can affect the appearance of your eye color: cataracts.

4 celebrities with rare eye colors

1. Pink – Gray eyes

Source: allure

2. Clint Eastwood – Gray eyes

Source: Pinterest

3. Kate Bosworth – Heterochromia

Source: Nicki Swift

4. Tyra Banks – Green eyes

Source: The List

So… What's the most common eye color in the world?

The most common eye color in the world is brown. 70-80% of the world's population have brown eyes.

The cool thing about this is that there is still variation in brown eyes. Some have little melanin and more lipochrome creating light brown eyes. These aren't quite hazel but petering on the edge.

Some brown eyes are more eumelanin-heavy, appearing darker than others and nearing an almost black appearance.

Final thoughts: Love your eye color!

Though green eyes may be the rarest in the US, all eye colors are equally beautiful. We hope this article helped you understand the science of eye colors and how seemingly random they can be.

We advocate for embracing the color you have and taking great care of your eyes.

Have you heard the saying, 'The eyes are the window to the soul'?

Well, there's a reason why eye contact is so important.

Be it a friendly chat or a job interview, making eye contact conveys respect and attentiveness and helps establish trust.

This engagement can foster a deeper connection with the person you are conversing with.

Let's explore why maintaining eye contact is essential, plus learn some tips on how to make a strong impression through your gaze.

Importance of eye contact

1. Establishes bonding
2. Communicates honesty & trust
3. Commands respect
4. Improves communication
5. Resists persuasion
6. Creates & fosters attraction

1. It's a basic bonding method

Maintaining eye contact with someone may indicate your presence and interest.

Eye contact is a bonding method that helps establish trust and intimacy in personal and professional relationships.

Research indicates that eye contact can activate the release of oxytocin,[1] a hormone linked to social bonding and connectedness.

So whether you're meeting someone for the first time or catching up with an old friend, maintaining eye contact can help strengthen your relationship.

2. Eye contact helps communicate honesty and build trust

Maintaining eye contact during meetings can foster trust and credibility.

Maintaining eye contact is more than just a polite gesture—it's vital to effective communication.

Whether having a one-on-one conversation or addressing a group, meeting someone's gaze shows that you're listening and engaged.

Conversely, avoiding eye contact can make you appear uninterested or even dishonest.

3. You can command respect with proper eye contact

Managers who maintain good eye contact with their team members can enhance their credibility.

Did you know that eye contact is more than just a simple gesture?

By locking eyes with someone during a conversation, you signal that you're attentive and actively participating in the discussion.

This helps build trust and respect, which may be useful when you're in a leadership position.

But that's not all.

Maintaining steady eye contact also shows that you're genuinely interested and respectful of the other person's thoughts and opinions.

4. Improves communication with the other party

Eye contact fosters natural conversation flow and creates openness between parties.

Connecting with someone can be a tough nut to crack, but holding good eye contact during a chat can make a difference.

Not only does it indicate your attentiveness, but it can also aid in the other person's retention of what you're saying.

When you lock eyes with someone, you convey a sense of respect and confidence that can make your words more impactful.

5. Eye contact helps heighten your resistance to persuasion

Steady eye contact boosts confidence and resists persuasion.

Want to avoid being easily persuaded? Make sure you maintain eye contact when conversing.

Research has shown that this increases one's ability to resist persuasion.[2]

It enhances the connection and trust between two people, and making strong eye contact also shows confidence in yourself.

6. Use eye contact to create and foster attraction

Not only can eye contact help build a connection between two people, but it can also spark feelings of attraction.

Looking into someone's eyes can be powerful in more ways than one.

Eye contact signals that you're fully invested in the conversation and what the other person says.

The intensity of the gaze can also convey a sense of closeness and intimacy that words sometimes can't express.

So, if you want to create a deeper connection with someone special, try holding their gaze a little longer next time.

How you can improve your eye contact

If you're looking to improve your ability to maintain eye contact, remember these tips:

1. Aim for balance and refrain from staring

While making eye contact is essential, avoiding staring is important, as this can make people uncomfortable.

Instead, aim for a balanced level of eye contact that feels natural to you and the other person.

2. Practice the 50/70 rule

The 50/70 rule can help establish a natural and comfortable level of eye contact.

The 50/70 rule is a helpful way to maintain eye contact during a conversation.

Try to maintain eye contact with the other person for about 50% of the conversation.

When the other person is speaking, try to increase eye contact to 70% of the time.

This level of engagement will show that you were actively listening and engaged in the conversation, which can lead to better communication and understanding.

Remember that this rule is not a strict requirement, and it's okay to deviate from it if it feels unnatural or uncomfortable.

3. Try the inverted triangle rule

The 'inverted triangle' eye contact technique is a subtle way to maintain eye contact without staring.

By starting with one eye, moving to the other, and then down to the person's mouth, you create the illusion of eye contact while avoiding the intensity of a direct stare.

This technique is beneficial when you might feel uncomfortable holding someone's gaze for an extended period, such as during a job interview or a first date.

Practice this technique to establish connection and attentiveness without overwhelming the other person.

4. Get an anti-reflective coating if you wear glasses

Wearing glasses with an anti-reflective coating can ensure clear, unobstructed eye contact.

When taking selfies or having face-to-face conversations, reflections on glasses can create a barrier between you and the other person.

The glare or reflection is where anti-reflective coating comes in handy.

It helps reduce light reflections off your lenses and helps minimize distracting glares and reflections.

Some optical shops charge extra for lens coatings, with prices varying depending on the nature of the coating.

At Door2USA Prescription Glasses, we offer anti-reflective coating as a standard feature on all our lenses.

5. Establish eye contact early

When you meet someone new, looking them in the eye as you introduce yourself is an excellent icebreaker and can make a positive first impression.

This helps create a relaxed environment for the rest of the chat, making the other person feel more at ease around you.

As the conversation develops, maintaining eye contact can reinforce the connection and indicate that you are paying attention and engaging in what the other person is saying.

Eye contact is a powerful communication tool

Looking into someone's eyes can hold significant meaning and impact.

Eye contact is a powerful tool that can significantly impact your personal or professional relationships.

It can make you more trustworthy and attractive and help you build strong connections with others.

But how can you make sure you're doing it right every time?

Fortunately, you can use easy-to-follow tips and techniques to improve your eye contact game.

One important tip is to aim for balance, ensuring you're not staring too intensely or avoiding eye contact altogether.

Another helpful technique is the 50/70 rule, which involves maintaining eye contact 50% of the time when speaking and 70% of the time when listening.

Remember to establish eye contact before starting a conversation, showing you're present and engaged.

By mastering these skills, you can cultivate a confident and engaging presence that will leave a lasting impression on everyone you interact with.

And if you want to up your eye contact game, check out other related content on Door2USA Prescription Glasses.

You can learn interesting eye-related contact, such as whether glasses make you attractive or why we roll our eyes.

Keep practicing, and soon, maintaining eye contact will become second nature!

References

• 'Tell Me All I Need to Know About Oxytocin', Psychol.
• 'Eye contact may make people more resistant to persuasion, ScienceDaily.

Ever had someone wink at you before? Or maybe you've given someone a cheeky wink?

Winking has long been a big part of basic body language. But really, what does it truly mean when someone winks at you, and does this cute gesture have a different meaning in other cultures?

Today, we're unpacking all that, along with some fun facts about winking you might not have known.

1. It could be a sign of romantic interest

A wink is most commonly associated with old-school flirting.

The most common interpretation of a wink is that it's a flirty gesture. After all, you see leading men and women do it in romance movies all the time.

For instance, one of the most iconic winks on film was done by none other than the legendary Elizabeth Taylor in 'Cleopatra.' In that scene, the queen winked to send flirty regards to her love interest Mark Antony, portrayed by Elizabeth's co-star and then-husband, Richard Burton. Talk about real-life chemistry!

Elizabeth Taylor infamously winked as Cleopatra in the 1963 movie of the same name. Source: Film Freedonia

So, it's pretty safe to say someone is interested in you romantically if you catch a wink from them.

But what should you do if you want to wink at someone for the same reason? Well, you have to consider the context. Doing it out of the blue might seem odd, and doing it with a stranger might feel unwelcome.

And of course, try not to overdo it. Too much winking might send the wrong message. If you're winking or blinking excessively and uncontrollably, it may be time to seek medical attention for a possible underlying eye condition.

2. Joking or teasing

A good punchline can get better with a well-timed wink.

A wink could also punctuate a joke or teasing statement. In a group setting, if a person jokes at someone else's expense, a playful wink can let them know that it's all done in pure fun.

Done right, a teasing wink can offset the joke, and let the other person know not to take it too seriously. Of course, whether they'd be a good sport about it or not is entirely up to them.

Similarly, you see actors and comedians wink in TV shows or movies to punctuate their punch lines. With good comedic timing, it can work seamlessly to let the audience in on the joke.

In this type of context, a wink doesn't necessarily mean that it's romantic. However, some people use it with double meanings. They might be flirting, and trying to get a rise out of you, at the same time.

3. Winking as a sign of trust

A wink can sometimes convey, 'Trust me, bro.' without needing a single word.

Sometimes, you don't need words to show solidarity. A friendly wink between close friends or loved ones can be all you need to show that you trust them implicitly.

It can be seen as a subtle gesture that says, 'I got your back, and you can rely on me.'

If you want a beautiful example of this, check out the recent Oscar-winning movie, Everything Everywhere All At Once.

Waymond Wang (Ke Huy Quan) winks at Evelyn Wang (Michelle Yeoh) to let her know he's got her back in 'Everything Everywhere All At Once'. Source: Youtube

In a scene where Waymond Wang, played by Ke Huy Quan, readies himself to fight off security guards, he shoots a reassuring wink at Evelyn — played by Michelle Yeoh — to let her know that everything will be okay.

Additionally, it can also be a quiet way to let someone you trust in on a secret. For instance, if you're telling a story to your friends, a little wink can signify, 'Hey, keep this a secret between us.'

4. A wink could suggest hidden motives

A little wink can have a hidden, and different, meaning behind it.

Speaking of secrets, a wink can also signify that there's something unspoken going on. There might be a mystery afoot, and the other person needs to be aware of it.

Alternatively, a wink like this might mean you only want to hint at a secret or a hidden motive, without giving the full story away. It's quite similar to the finger-to-the-lips gesture you might do when trying to sneak off somewhere.

Daniel Craig as James Bond never hesitates to give a suave, mysterious wink. Source: Youtube

A clear example of this is Daniel Craig as the debonair James Bond. In Skyfall for instance, he throws out a cheeky wink as a little flourish before he rescues his boss.

What does winking mean in different cultures?

In countries like Japan, winking may be considered too forward or suggestive.

Now, before you go ahead and wink at others, you need to ensure you're doing it in the right cultural and social settings first. While it's not a big deal in most countries in the West, it may be a different story in other cultures.

For instance, in more conservative parts of the world, like Japan or India, winking isn't seen as just harmless flirting. Some would consider it too forward or suggestive.

In Western Africa, winking takes on an entirely new meaning.

Africans may use winking as a parental gesture of subtle dismissal towards a child. For instance, if they have adult guests in the house, a parent might wink at a child to tell them to leave the room.

All in all, be aware of where and how you're winking if you want to steer clear of trouble and misunderstandings.

Bonus fun facts about winking

Before you go, here are a few fun facts about winking you might not have known.

1. Not everyone can wink

Contrary to popular belief, not everyone can wink. Some people can't do it voluntarily, which means they might have to practice it a couple of times first.

If this is you, don't feel too bad — even the great Rihanna can't do a proper wink.

2. Some can wink with one eye but not the other

In line with the no-winking club, some people can wink with one eye, but not the other. And that's completely normal!

When you wink, you might find it easier to do so with your non-dominant eye. Some people also do it almost subconsciously, especially children or adolescents who might be under stress.

3. Dogs and cats can wink, but they carry different meanings

Now, if you're a pet owner or just curious about animals, you might be intrigued by the fact that dogs and cats can wink too.

When a dog winks, it's usually a sign of submissiveness, a.k.a. they're not in the mood for a fight. If a puppy winks though, it can mean that they respect you.

On the other hand, a cat's wink is one of the highest compliments you can get from them. It's their way of saying 'I trust you and I'm comfortable with you'. If your cat winks at you while you're both chilling on the couch, it's their subtle way of saying 'I love you'.

Fun fact: If a cat winks slowly at you it means they trust and love you.

So what does it mean when someone winks at you?

It's all about context.

A cute, seemingly innocuous wink can have tons of interpretations, based on where you are and what situation you're in. It's all about knowing the context.

For instance, if you're just joking around with a group of friends, a cheery wink might help the joke to land. However, throwing out a wink in a serious environment like a corporate setting might backfire for you instead.

If you want more fun facts about your eyes, why not check out what heterochromia is or learn more about your retina?