How Do I Tell Which Side of My Face Is Better? Finding Your Most Photogenic Angle

October 2, 2025 •

2 min read

Studies suggest that most people have some degree of facial asymmetry, meaning no face is perfectly identical on both sides. The key to answering "How do I tell which side of my face is better?" is understanding the interplay between your natural features, emotional expressiveness, and external factors like lighting.

Quick Summary

Determining your best side involves a blend of self-evaluation, psychological factors like expressiveness, and practical techniques related to photography. Explore your facial asymmetry and use deliberate practice with lighting and angles to discover which side you and others find most appealing for photos and interactions.

Key Points

Facial Asymmetry is Normal: Almost all faces are slightly asymmetrical; this is a completely natural human trait and not a flaw.
Test with a Back Camera: Use your phone's back camera for a less distorted and more accurate representation of your face for self-assessment.
Mirror and Paper Test: Cover one half of your face at a time with a piece of paper in the mirror to compare and contrast the two sides objectively.
Lighting and Angles are Key: The way light hits your face and the angle of the camera can influence your perceived appearance more than any natural asymmetry.
Emotional Expression Matters: The left side of the face is often considered more expressive, which can be perceived as more attractive.
Embrace Your Uniqueness: The goal is not to find a "flaw" but to understand your features and find the angles that highlight the expressions and character that you love.

The Science Behind Your "Best Side"

Many people believe they have a "good side," but this is influenced by facial asymmetry and perception of emotion. The left side of the face, controlled by the right brain hemisphere, is often seen as more expressive due to its role in processing emotions, potentially making it appear more attractive. However, your "best" side also depends on presentation and viewing conditions.

Practical Methods for Self-Assessment

To evaluate your features and find your favored side, use techniques that offer a perspective beyond your mirror reflection.

The Camera and Mirror Technique

This technique helps you see your face as others do. Take a straight-on photo with your phone's back camera at eye level. Mirror the photo in an editing app to compare your left and right sides in isolation. Look for differences in features like eyebrows, eyes, or jawline.

The Paper Test

The paper test provides a quick, in-the-moment comparison. Stand in front of a mirror and use a piece of paper to cover one half of your face at a time. Study the exposed side and compare your impressions. Some find the side with more "upturned" features, like the corners of the mouth and eyes, to be more appealing.

The Crucial Role of Lighting and Angles

Lighting and camera angle significantly impact how your face is perceived.

Lighting Techniques

Side lighting enhances contours, while diffused natural light minimizes harsh shadows. Avoid direct overhead light, which can create unflattering shadows.

Camera Angles

A 3/4 angle can be dynamic and help balance features. Experiment with a slight head tilt or chin position. Holding the camera slightly above eye level and angling it down can define the jawline.

Comparison of Self-Assessment Methods


Method	Pros	Cons	Best For
Camera/Mirror Flip	Objective comparison; shows you how others see you; repeatable.	Can be surprising and may require an app.	Detailed analysis of feature symmetry.
Paper Test	Quick and easy; provides immediate feedback.	May not be as objective as a photo analysis.	Fast visual comparison for quick insight.
Selfie Practice	Allows experimentation with lighting and angles; very accessible.	Distortion from front camera can be misleading.	Finding your most photogenic pose.

Beyond Aesthetics: The Power of Expression

A genuine smile or expressive eyes are crucial to perceived attractiveness. The left side may appear more vibrant due to its link to emotional processing. Understanding your expressions is key to finding your best side.

Enhancing Your Features

Enhance your features with makeup and styling. Use contouring to emphasize cheekbones or style your hair to frame your face. For personalized advice, consult a professional. More information on facial aesthetics is available on sites like Healthline's article on facial asymmetry.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Individuality

There's no single "better" side. Your face is unique due to genetics and experiences. Discovering your best angles is about self-appreciation. Using these techniques helps you present yourself effectively, but true confidence comes from embracing your unique asymmetry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While some studies suggest a left-side bias due to its connection with the brain's emotional center, this is not a universal truth. Many people find their right side more appealing, and the 'better' side can also depend on lighting and expression.

What you see in the mirror is the reverse of what others see. Your brain becomes accustomed to this reflected image. Photos, especially those taken with the back camera, show you as others see you, which can feel unfamiliar and surprising at first.

Take a photo straight on with your back camera. Use an editing app to split your face down the middle and mirror each half. This creates two artificially symmetrical faces for comparison, revealing your natural asymmetries.

Diffused natural light is often the most flattering and revealing. Stand near a large window, or face the sun on a slightly overcast day to see how light and shadow play across your features without harsh lines.

Yes, absolutely. A genuine smile can completely change a facial expression and may look more flattering on one side due to how the muscles engage. Posing with a slight head tilt or jaw thrust can also alter the perceived symmetry and angles.

Professional photographers often look for slight facial asymmetries, study the person's expressions, and test different angles and lighting setups. They aim to create balance and use perspective to their advantage, often highlighting the side with more expressive features or more balanced proportions.

In most cases, no. Mild facial asymmetry is completely normal and is often a defining part of your unique appearance. However, if you notice a sudden, dramatic change or drooping on one side, it could be a sign of a serious medical condition and you should consult a doctor.