The 7 Universal Micro Expressions

Dr. Paul Ekman's research identified seven facial expressions that appear universally across cultures. These micro expressions last only 1/25 to 1/5 of a second and are nearly impossible to fake or suppress.

1. Happiness

Key Marker: Duchenne smile — crow's feet around eyes + raised cheeks

Watch For: Genuine smiles engage the orbicularis oculi (eye muscles). Fake smiles only use the mouth.

2. Sadness

Key Marker: Inner corners of eyebrows drawn up, lower lip pushed up

Watch For: The most difficult expression to fake. The inner brow raise is controlled by a muscle most people cannot move voluntarily.

3. Fear

Key Marker: Wide eyes, raised and drawn-together eyebrows, horizontally stretched lips

Watch For: Often confused with surprise. Fear pulls the brows together; surprise raises them evenly.

4. Anger

Key Marker: Lowered brows, tightened lower eyelids, pressed or thinned lips

Watch For: The jaw may jut forward. Nostrils may flare.

5. Disgust

Key Marker: Upper lip raised, nose wrinkled, cheeks raised

Watch For: Asymmetric disgust (one side only) often indicates contempt instead.

6. Surprise

Key Marker: Raised eyebrows (entire brow), wide open eyes, dropped jaw

Watch For: Genuine surprise lasts less than a second. If the expression lingers, it is likely performed.

7. Contempt

Key Marker: One-sided mouth raise (smirk)

Watch For: The only asymmetric universal expression. A strong predictor of relationship dissatisfaction in couples research.

Training Tips

Use slow-motion video to practice spotting micro expressions

Focus on one expression per week

Practice in mirror to understand the muscle movements