While there is beauty in every race, Eurocentric beauty standards seem to dominate. So, what are the common European facial features?
Europe is a huge continent, so their facial features can vary greatly. However, most Europeans have long, narrow noses, prominent cheekbones, hooded and almond-shaped eyes, and thin lips. The face shape, eye color, complexion, etc., depending on their genetics and region.
Overall though, facial harmony is more important than having regional features. Consider one of our custom facial reports if you’re interested in an in-depth analysis of your facial structure.
Typical European Facial Features
Of course, not every European will look the same. Europe is a huge continent, meaning people will vary in looks based on where they live and their genetics, which we will get more into later. For now, here are the most common facial features found in Europeans.
Eyes
Most Europeans have hooded, deep-set, or almond eyes. Most of the European celebrities we see have large almond eyes, which look like cat eyes.
Surprisingly, not all Europeans have large eyes. Many Europeans can have small eyes. However, it may not look the same as most East Asian eyes because they usually do not slant.
For instance, let us look at Blake Lively. She has small, hooded eyes, but they do not look like most East Asian’s eyes.
As for eye color, it can significantly vary. It can range from dark brown to light blue. Light eye colors are common, as you may see many Europeans with light brown and hazel eyes.
Nose
Most Europeans have a prominent nose with a narrow bridge. Most Europeans have longer, slightly wider noses than most races.
Again, the nose shape will vary based on their region and genetics. For instance, Mediterannean Europeans often have larger nasal bridges with a drooping tip. However, some Europeans can have smaller noses, similar to the snub nose shape.
Europeans often have larger, narrower noses because of the climate. Studies show that people have narrower nasal cavities when they live in a cold-dry climate (Zaidi et al., 2017).
Lips
It is extremely common for Europeans to have thin lips. There is some speculation that Europeans have thin lips because of the Ice Age.
They frequently pulled their lips into their mouth and tightly clenched their lips. Many people believe that could cause small lips to develop.
Eyebrows
As for eyebrows, it can vary greatly. Most Europeans can have thick, bushy eyebrows, and they can be either arched, round, or straight. However, it is also common to see thin, sparse eyebrows.
Face Shape, Jaw, and Chin
When it comes to this, it can greatly depend on the region and genetics. However, people from the same country often share similar face shapes.
For instance, most Germans have square face shapes with prominent jaws, similar to the picture above. On the other hand, most Spaniards have oval and oblong faces with round, tapering chins.
Cheekbones
Many Europeans have high cheekbones. While many people presume that Asians have high cheekbones, they are usually wide and not high, creating a prominent look. Cara Delevingne is an excellent example of European high cheekbones.
Depending on their genetics, fat percentage, etc., Europeans often have cheek hollows at a younger age. Another excellent example of a person with cheek hollows at a young age is Johnny Depp.
Differences in Location
While most Europeans can share similar facial features, they can also look vastly different. For instance, a Mediterranean European can look extremely different from a Scandinavian. Here is a quick look at some regions and their facial features.
Scandinavian Facial Features
The three Scandinavian countries are Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Many people adore Scandinavian facial features and consider them to be perfect. Of course, that is a matter of preference.
Most Scandinavians have narrow, straight noses. They often have pointy chins and large foreheads.
Many Scandinavians have small cheeks. Cheekbone heights can vary, but many may not have prominent cheekbones.
What makes Scandinavians stand out is their “light appearance.” They often have light brown and blond hair, pale skin, and light eyes that can be blue, grey, and green.
Slavic Facial Features
Slavic countries include Ukraine, Russia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Macedonia, Bulgaria, etc. There are three major subgroups for Slavs: West Slavs, East Slavs, and South Slavs.
Since there are so many different countries, they often look similar but have slightly different facial features. For instance, West Slavic people often have wider jaws.
Common Slavic features include high cheekbones, pointy chins, and slightly narrow eyes. Many Slavic people have round faces, but of course, that will vary.
Mediterranean Facial Features
Mediterranean countries include Spain, Morocco, Syria, Turkey, Greece, etc. What makes them unique to most Europeans is that they often have darker skin tones.
Mediterranean Europeans can range from light cream to dark brown. An olive complexion is extremely common for Mediterranean Europeans.
Many Mediterraneans have oval to oblong face shapes with prominent noses. They often have round to almond-shaped eyes that are usually brown.
Middle Eastern Facial Features
Middle Eastern people often have oval faces that are symmetrical and full. They usually have large, almond-shaped eyes with thick, arched eyebrows. Unlike most Europeans, Middle Eastern people often have full lips.
Many Middle Eastern people have prominent, straight noses. Additionally, they often have pointed chins with sharp jaws.
