Can your facial features reveal your true personality and character?

We all know first impressions count, but what if we could take it further and analyse someone’s facial features to understand their personality and character? Turns out, there is an ancient practice called physiognomy, or face reading, which has roots in both Eastern and Western cultures. 

“Physiognomy serves as a form of fate prediction or character analysis by interpreting an individual’s facial features to gain insights into their personality, emotions, and potential future experiences,” explains Linglin Chang, a Singapore face and palm reader who has been practising for nearly 16 years.

Here’s how it works: Physiognomy is often used to understand personalities, with the aim of identifying emotions or improving communication. The practice is based on the belief that certain facial features and shapes correspond to specific character traits.

By observing non-verbal cues, physiognomy can offer guidance on how to communicate more effectively with different individuals. It could also be applied diagnostically in traditional medicine – through the observation of the skin, eyes, tongue, and pulse – to assess internal health.

Linglin suggests that physiognomy can be a useful tool in practical settings such as the workplace or dating, as it provides a way to understand an individual’s core characteristics without the need for overly intrusive personal questions – particularly in the early stages of getting to know someone.

She cautions, however, that physiognomy should never be judged solely on the appearance of a single feature, nor should any one trait be seen as the defining indicator of a person’s entire destiny.

“Physiognomy requires multiple features to be analysed together as a whole, rather than separately. No single feature should ever be taken as a sole indicator or a full determinant of a person’s destiny.

“That’s why it is unwise to assume that so-called ‘less auspicious’ features will inevitably lead to a worse fate, or that ‘auspicious’ features will guarantee a good one.

“Ultimately, the greatest creator of luck is a positive mindset, strengthened by discipline and the right values,” she says.

Below, Linglin reveals how studying certain facial features can provide clues to a person’s character.

Are there features that reveal the most about a person?

I always begin with the eyes. They’re the first intuitive connection and often reveal the most about someone’s personality. Other features – the ears, cheekbones, face shape, and lips – serve as supporting indicators. Because of this, readings cannot be done if the eyes are covered or closed.

Can certain shapes or sizes hint at qualities like honesty, empathy, or confidence?

In physiognomy, eyes reflect vitality and inner character. Ears show how someone receives and processes information, while lips point to emotional expression and communication style. Below is a condensed guide to key features.

EYES

Big eyes
Cheerful, sociable, and trusting.

• Men: Flexible, quick-thinking, kind, strong communicators.
• Women: Charming, artistic, creative.

Small eyes
Calm, careful, emotionally controlled; methodical planners. May appear introverted.

Bright, clear eyes
Decisive, intelligent, vital.

Shining, moist eyes
Auspicious, regardless of shape.

Arched brows + bright eyes
Traditionally linked to prosperity.

Droopy or tired eyes
Associated with low energy or diminished vitality.

Mono-lids
Rational, logical, good with finances; sometimes stubborn.

Double-fold lids
Bold, emotional, flexible, occasionally impulsive.

Hooded eyes
Practical and careful, though sometimes indecisive or reserved in romance.

EARS

Big, fleshy ears
Confidence, ambition, responsibility; often attract strong support.

Small, thin ears
Lower vitality, fewer social connections; may struggle with decisiveness.

High-set ears
Quick reflexes, intelligence, innovation; thick earlobes enhance good fortune.

Low-set ears
Slower reflexes and stamina; linked to modest opportunities.

LIPS

Full lips
Empathy, expressiveness, confidence; can be impulsive.

Full lower lip
Fun-loving, energetic, spontaneous; drawn to creative fields.

Full upper lip
Charismatic, humorous, relationship-oriented.

Thin lips
Reserved, selective, determined.

Defined cupid’s bow
Eloquent, quick-witted, productive.

Which features are often misunderstood?

Moles, especially hairy ones, are often misread. Folklore once linked them to wealth and luck, but modern face reading focuses on placement, not appearance:

• Mole on the ear: Intelligence, quick wit, unique talents.
• Mole around the lips: Sensitivity, diplomacy, refined taste and love for food.

What should we keep in mind so we don’t fall into stereotyping or snap judgments?

Firstly, we should never make assumptions about an individual’s life trajectory or character based solely on a single facial feature or a generic face reading. 

Secondly, it is important not to assume that every feature reflects a person’s natural appearance from birth – as cosmetic surgery or corrective procedures may alter the face in ways that make readings less accurate. Face reading should ideally be based on one’s original features. 

Thirdly, we should not believe that changing our facial features will automatically change our lives or destiny. True transformation comes from cultivating a positive mindset, working hard, and aligning ourselves with the right moral compass.

To book an appointment with Linglin, check out her Instagram (@ling.the.palmist)