People have been arguing about Lana Del Rey’s eyes since the "Video Games" era.
Back in 2012, the internet was convinced she had a "done" face, but the focus was usually on her pout. Now, in 2026, the obsession has shifted. If you spend five minutes on TikTok or Pinterest, you’ll see thousands of creators trying to replicate that specific, heavy-lidded gaze that defines the "Lana Del Rey core" aesthetic. It's not just about the makeup. It’s about the color, the shape, and that weirdly hypnotic "sad girl" expression that seems impossible to fake.
Honestly, even die-hard stans get the basics wrong.
The Great Eye Color Debate: Blue, Green, or Hazel?
If you ask a casual fan what color her eyes are, they’ll probably say blue. It makes sense. Her music is literally drenched in the color—Blue Banisters, Blue Jean Night, "Blue Velvet." But if you actually look at high-definition photos from her recent 2024 and 2025 appearances, or catch a glimpse of her during a front-row fan interaction, the reality is a bit more complex.
Lana Del Rey has hazel-green eyes.
They’re chameleons. Depending on the lighting, her irises can look like a murky sea-foam green or a deep, golden-flecked hazel. She even admitted in an interview at the Ivor Novello Awards that she used to buy green contact lenses that looked like "cat eyes" just to make her natural green pop even more.
It’s the Tyndall effect in action. Her iris structure has a specific density of collagen that scatters light. When she’s under harsh stage lights, they look almost translucent and light. In the moody, shadowed lighting of a music video like "Candy Necklace," they look nearly dark brown.
That "Sultry" Shape: Genetics vs. Technique
There’s a lot of noise about whether Lana has had a "fox eye" lift or blepharoplasty. Fans often point to her Lizzy Grant days, claiming her eyes looked rounder then.
Lana actually addressed this recently. In late 2025, she shut down surgery rumors on Instagram, clarifying that she’s never been under anesthesia or the knife. She did, however, admit to a "liquid nose job" (filler to build up the bridge). As for the eyes? That signature "bedroom" look is largely a mix of natural hooded lids and some of the most strategic makeup in the industry.
Her makeup artist, Etienne Ortega, has basically mastered the art of the "sunken" eye. They don't try to hide her natural hooded shape; they lean into it.
How the Signature "Lana Eye" is Built
It’s not just a cat-eye. It’s a structural overhaul of the face.
- The Cut Crease Illusion: Most people just slap on liner. Lana’s team uses a dark brown or ashy matte shadow to carve out a "new" crease slightly above her actual eyelid fold. This makes the eyes look massive and deep-set, reminiscent of 60s icons like Priscilla Presley.
- The Waterline Trick: She almost always wears a white or pale cream pencil on her lower waterline. This opens the eye up, counteracting the heaviness of the thick lashes.
- The "Droopy" Wing: Unlike the sharp, upward "feline" flick popular in the 2010s, Lana’s liner often follows the natural downward curve of her upper lid before flicking out. This creates that "sad," melancholic look that is her entire brand.
The Lash Evolution of 2026
We’ve moved past the "Born to Die" era of strip lashes that looked like they were made of plastic.
In 2026, the "Lana look" has evolved into something softer but more technical. She’s been opting for individual clusters that are longest at the outer corners. It’s about weight. The lashes are heavy on the ends to "pull" the eye down and out, creating a sleepy, siren-like silhouette.
If you're trying this at home, don't go for the "Manga" lash or the "Bratz" look. You want "pin-up" lashes. They should be straight and dense rather than curly and wispy.
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The Psychological Impact of the "Lana Stare"
Why are we so obsessed with her eyes specifically?
It’s the "Scorpio Rising" energy (for the astrology fans out there). There’s a stillness to her gaze that feels very Old Hollywood. While other pop stars are high-energy and "on," Lana’s eyes always look like she’s just woken up or is about to go to sleep.
It’s a power move. By keeping her eyes partially hooded and her gaze steady, she creates a sense of intimacy and mystery. It’s why her album covers—from the defiant look on Born to Die to the soft, maternal gaze on her more recent work—work so well. She’s looking at you, but she’s not giving you everything.
How to Actually Recreate the Look (Actionable Steps)
If you want the Lana Del Rey eyes, you have to stop trying to make your eyes look "perfect" and start making them look "moody."
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- Ditch the Shimmer: Stick to matte, cool-toned browns and greys. Shimmer reflects light and makes hooded eyes look smaller. You want shadows to create depth.
- Master the "Double Wing": Follow the Priscilla Presley method. Use a pencil to mirror your upper wing on the bottom lash line, but keep it soft and smudged.
- Focus on the Bridge: Use a bit of highlighter or light concealer right between your eyes, near the bridge of your nose. Lana’s filler (which she admitted to) makes this area more prominent, which changes how the eyes are framed.
- Lower Lash Mascara is Mandatory: To get that doll-like, "Clockwork Orange" but pretty vibe, you need to clump your lower lashes slightly. Use a pair of tweezers to pinch 2-3 lashes together while the mascara is wet.
The real "Lana Del Rey eyes" secret isn't a specific product. It’s the contrast between the sharp, aggressive eyeliner and the soft, hazy blending of the shadows. It's a mix of "don't touch me" and "stay forever."
Start by finding a matte taupe shadow that matches your natural skin's shadow tone. Build the "fake" crease first. Once you have the depth, the rest—the liner, the lashes, the contact lenses—is just set dressing for the drama.