The Wide-Eyed Wonder Taking Over Social Media
The doe eye trend is a rounded, wide-eyed look that gives the illusion of bigger eyes, and Gen Z has turned this beauty aesthetic into their signature statement. With millions of views flooding TikTok and Instagram, young influencers showcase their innocent, doll-like gazes that perfectly capture the essence of youthful allure. But here’s the million-dollar question: Are they achieving these mesmerizing results through strategic makeup and skincare, or are more Gen Z-ers turning to lower blepharoplasty eyelid surgery for permanent results?
The trend represents more than just an aesthetic choice—it marks a generational shift in beauty standards. Unlike millennials who favored dramatic winged eyeliner and smoky eyes, Gen Z finds that when it comes to eye makeup, anything goes. Eyeshadow is considered “old-fashioned,” but if worn, it has to stand out. This generation seeks authenticity while embracing both minimalist and maximalist approaches to beauty.
Understanding the Doe-Eye Aesthetic
What Makes Eyes Look “Doe-Like”?
By making the eyes appear bigger and rounder, the doe eye trend creates a youthful, innocent effect. Think Twiggy in the 1960s, with her simple yet bold eye makeup that placed an emphasis on voluminous lashes and the wide-eyed effect. The look focuses on creating an open, alert appearance that radiates freshness and vitality.
The technique involves several key elements that work together harmoniously. To achieve this eye look, you may want to add bigger or longer lashes and white liner on the waterline, which will give more of a circle effect to the eye. This look does not need a wing effect and can also be achieved by smudging your eye shadow under the eye, highlighting in the corner of the eye and brow, and adding lashes that are longer toward the center of the eye rather than the end.
Gen Z’s Approach to Eye Enhancement
Today’s generation approaches beauty with unprecedented creativity and accessibility. Gen Z makeup trends in 2025 emphasize natural, inclusive, and sustainable beauty, driven by a shift toward skincare-focused routines and minimalist application. Key trends include bold yet natural finishes (e.g., “cloud skin”), resurgence of eye makeup, and a preference for multi-use, eco-friendly products.
The trend has gained traction through social media platforms where tutorials demonstrate both temporary and permanent solutions. Young beauty enthusiasts experiment with everything from strategic concealer placement to advanced surgical options, blurring the lines between what’s achievable through makeup versus medical procedures.
The Skincare and Makeup Method
Building the Perfect Canvas
Creating doe eyes starts with impeccable skincare. Gen Z prioritizes skin health, understanding that a smooth, hydrated under-eye area provides the ideal foundation for any look. The skin flooding trend has been all over social media, with Gen Zers layering multiple skincare products on top of one another to give the skin deep, intense hydration. Skin flooding is effective alongside makeup trends like minimalism and mermaidcore as it gives skin a beautiful, wet-looking glow.
Essential skincare steps include:
- Hydrating eye serums with hyaluronic acid
- Caffeine-infused treatments to reduce puffiness
- Vitamin C brighteners for dark circles
- Retinol alternatives for skin tightening
- Peptide-rich creams for elasticity
Makeup Techniques That Transform
The makeup approach requires precision and the right products. To fake the illusion of bigger eyes, apply light-colored eyeliner to the waterline to instantly make your eyes appear larger, brighter and more refreshed. This simple technique creates immediate visual impact.
Professional makeup artists recommend focusing mascara application on the center lashes rather than extending to the outer corners. This concentrates volume where it matters most for the doe-eyed effect. Concentrate the mascara on the center of the lashes, and add a coat to the lower lashes for more eye expression.
When Skincare Isn’t Enough: Enter Lower Blepharoplasty
Understanding Lower Blepharoplasty
A lower blepharoplasty is a cosmetic under-eye surgery or lower-eyelid surgery that improves the appearance of the lower eyelids and surrounding area. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty creates a more youthful, refreshed look by removing lower eyelid bags and lessening the appearance of the tear trough. The goal of the lower eyelid procedure is to make the eyes look smoother and more youthful by reducing wrinkles, fat bulges, and loose or sagging skin.
For Gen Z individuals dealing with genetic under-eye bags or premature aging, lower blepharoplasty offers a permanent solution that makeup cannot achieve. The procedure addresses structural issues that contribute to tired-looking eyes, creating a naturally refreshed appearance that aligns with the doe-eye aesthetic.
The Benefits Beyond Beauty
One of the primary benefits of lower blepharoplasty is the improved overall appearance of the eyes. By reducing under-eye bags and puffiness, this procedure can transform the eye area, providing a more rejuvenated and vibrant look. Additionally, the elimination or significant reduction of dark circles under the eyes helps combat signs of fatigue and aging, contributing to a more youthful and rested appearance.
The surgery delivers results that complement the doe-eye trend by:
- Creating smoother under-eye contours
- Eliminating shadows that make eyes appear smaller
- Providing a lifted, open appearance
- Enhancing the natural eye shape
- Offering permanent improvement
Recovery and Results
Modern techniques ensure minimal downtime. Expect to stay home from work and limit your activities for several days after surgery to allow your eyelids to heal. While many patients return to work 1 to 2 weeks after blepharoplasty, it may take several weeks for your swelling to subside completely. You should be able to see your final results from cosmetic eyelid surgery in about 4 to 6 weeks following your surgery.
The Hybrid Approach: Combining Methods for Optimal Results
Why Gen Z Chooses Both
Smart Gen Z beauty enthusiasts recognize that the best results often come from combining approaches. They might undergo lower eyelid surgery to address structural concerns while maintaining a dedicated skincare routine and makeup regimen for daily enhancement. This comprehensive strategy ensures both immediate and long-lasting results.
Lower blepharoplasty combined with ancillary procedures (CO2 laser, RF Microneedling, chemical peels) can also address the texture of the skin underneath the eyes, providing additional benefits that enhance the overall doe-eye effect.
Making the Right Choice
Factors to consider when choosing between skincare/makeup versus surgical options:
- Age and skin elasticity: Younger individuals might achieve desired results with non-invasive methods
- Genetic predisposition: Hereditary under-eye bags often require surgical intervention
- Lifestyle factors: Busy schedules might favor permanent solutions
- Budget considerations: Initial investment versus ongoing product costs
- Personal philosophy: Preferences regarding natural aging versus intervention
Professional Consultation: Your Path to Perfect Doe Eyes
Before committing to any approach, professional consultation remains essential. Board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in eyelid surgery can assess whether you’re a candidate for lower blepharoplasty or if non-surgical alternatives might achieve your desired results.
During consultation, experts evaluate:
- Skin quality and elasticity
- Fat pad positioning
- Muscle tone
- Bone structure
- Overall facial harmony
The Future of the Doe-Eye Trend
Evolving Techniques and Technology
As technology advances, new options emerge for achieving the doe-eye look. From innovative skincare ingredients to refined surgical techniques, the possibilities continue expanding. Gen Z’s openness to both traditional and cutting-edge approaches drives innovation in the beauty industry.
Sustainability and Ethics
Almost 2 in 3 (67.7%) view sustainability as important when choosing their beauty and grooming products and more than half (56.2%) are likely to pay more for a product that is sustainable or ethically sourced. This consciousness extends to surgical choices, with many seeking surgeons who prioritize ethical practices and minimal environmental impact.
Conclusion: Your Personal Doe-Eye Journey
The doe-eye trend represents more than a passing fad—it reflects Gen Z’s approach to beauty that values both authenticity and enhancement. Whether achieved through meticulous skincare routines, expert makeup application, or lower blepharoplasty surgery, the goal remains the same: creating eyes that appear bright, youthful, and captivating.
For those considering surgical options, lower blepharoplasty in Raleigh offers a permanent solution to achieve the coveted doe-eye look. The procedure addresses underlying structural issues that makeup cannot fix, providing lasting results that enhance your natural beauty.
Remember, the best approach combines professional guidance with personal preference. Whether you choose temporary enhancement through skincare and makeup or opt for the permanence of surgical intervention, the doe-eye trend offers multiple pathways to achieving your ideal aesthetic. Consult with qualified professionals to determine which method aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and vision for your beauty journey.
