8 Stunning Under-Eye Tattoo Ideas With Meanings

Under-eye tattoos are the latest trend among fans of minimal and edgy tattoo statements. They have also thoroughly excited most tattoo enthusiasts due to the unique personal stories and meanings they can hold. The placement under the eyes highlights the connection between the wearer and their vision, representing an inner power and serves as a source of creativity.

While these tattoos look utterly stunning, the under-eye area has thin and delicate skin that is also jam-packed with multiple nerve endings, making it a painful tattoo placement choice. This realization raises brows and doubts about getting the undereye area tattooed. However, the very possibility of pain could be thrilling to some, as getting a tattoo on the face implies high visibility, becoming an unforgettable part of your identity and leaving quite an intense first impression. It can also be seen as a sign of rebellion. No matter the design used, an under-eye tattoo is sure to garner mixed reactions and if you are up for it, we have some ideas up our sleeves. Scroll through this collection of quirky and meaningful under-eye tattoos that will make you get one for yourself right away. These are some of the most beloved under-eye tattoo styles, each offering a unique combination of symbolism and aesthetic beauty. Keep reading.

8 Under-Eye Tattoo Ideas

An under-eye tattoo is a strong physical identity marker, creating an intense first impression. If you are considering getting one, then you must ensure that you pick a good design. Check out this carefully curated list of under-eye tattoo ideas to get creative inspiration for your own tattoo!

1. Teardrop Tattoo Under The Eye

One of the most popular designs doing the rounds is the under-eye teardrop tattoo. Although a teardrop under the eye can make you appear in an eternal state of sadness, it will hardly look out of place. This tattoo also has some affiliation to prison tattoos and may symbolize an attempted or completed murder, revenge, or a long sentence. However, generally, it expresses a sense of loss or grief for an irreversible incident in the wearer’s life.

2. Heart Under-Eye Tattoo

If you want a cute little icon under your eye, you should go for a heart! Get the tiniest tattoo design which is not overwhelming on the face but rather draws admiring gazes. There are so many styles you can illustrate them in, such as outline, solid fill, intricate patterns, dotted shading, and more. Black outline, though basic, gives you the scope to experiment with pastel colors later on. Moreover, the minimalistic design doesn’t feel overwhelming. You can also try a watercolor fill or background that gives you a slight perpetual blush.

3. Small Under-Eye Tattoo

Choose from a wide range of elements for your small under-eye tattoo, from individual letters of the alphabet as shown in the image above, unique symbols from science, hieroglyphic script, numerals, or any foreign script. Even basic shapes can help you represent yourself based on your personal beliefs. A simple letter can convey many things such as the start of your name, the name of someone you love, or a word that holds deep meaning for you.

4. Cross Under-Eye Tattoo

A symbol of a cross is most commonly perceived as a religious symbol. So, when a rebellious stance like getting the undereye tattooed is met with a religious symbol, it may further amplify the non-conforming nature of the wearer. This makes the symbol more of an aesthetic, than a religious symbol. Or, it may symbolize that the wearer is still fearful of a divine force and wears the symbol for protection or as a sign of devotion. Additionally, this tattoo has some gang affiliation in the Western world.

5. Broken Heart Tattoo Under The Eye

A broken heart tattoo is bound to raise questions no matter where it is placed. Placing it under the eye makes it the first thing to capture an onlooker’s attention. Try a slightly unique design with a clean crack in the middle different from regular broken heart icons. Though minimalistic, this heart packs a punch with a fine outline, gradient shading, and a rough crack passing through it. The few stray dots around look like tiny shattered shrapnel-like pieces flying out of the heart as it cracks. If you would like to make a bolder statement, throw in some color or opt for a comic-style illustration in the design.

6. Star Under-Eye Tattoo

Stars are a very popular shape for tattoos, permanent or temporary, done in the general eye area. The fact that the eyes are often compared to stars in romantic prose and poetry does not escape us. You can opt for a single star shape or go for a smattering of them in different sizes, even trying out favorite or zodiac constellations. The fun part is that they can also quite efficiently mask the presence of any bothersome pigmentation spots, making them look part of the art.

7. Triangle Tattoo Under The Eye

A triangle can host a range of symbolic meanings depending on what its corners point at or if they have additional elements accompanying them. Apart from the meaning, a triangle simply makes for a pretty-looking tattoo too. This abstract smattering of triangles, some with a solid fill while others are just outlines, creates an intriguing work of art that can start conversations or simply endow the wearer with a mysterious air.

8. Lightning Bolt Under Eye Tattoo

You will be surprised to learn of the many impressive symbolisms a tiny lightning bolt icon can hold. As a naturally occurring phenomenon, it can represent a connection or attachment to raw, unfiltered nature. Due to its unpredictable, powerful, and often destructive nature, accompanied by roaring thunder, it can stand for the rebellious or nonconforming philosophies of the wearer. It can also be a prayer for more light, power, or illumination in times of darkness or storms.

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Anastasiia GatskoProfessional Tattoo Artist & Piercer

 

Anastasiia Gatsko is a professional tattoo artist and piercer with over five years of hands-on experience. She began her journey in tattooing with Permanent Makeup, which shaped her skills and perspective. Anastasiia combined her passion for art with formal business education and started G Tattoo & Piercing in Toronto, Ontario.

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Aparna HarryBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Aparna Harry is a beauty and lifestyle content writer with over three years of experience in writing for different genres. She has a master’s degree in English Literature from The English And Foreign Languages University and a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Mysore.

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Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

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Joyce JoysonBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Joyce Joyson is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over a year of experience crafting short-form content for the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle niches. She has a triple majors bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science, and Geography from IIS University and a master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kristu Jayanti College.

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