22 Facial Expressions
7 basic Micro-expressions
https://www.scienceofpeople.com/microexpressions/
Fake Happiness Expressions True Happiness Expressions
Smiles on the left are an attempt to fake happiness without raised cheek and creased corners of eyes.
Happiness Micro-expression Corners of the lips are drawn back and up. Mouth may or may not be parted, teeth exposed. A wrinkle of ‘smile line’ runs from outer nose to outer lip. Cheeks are raised.
Lower eyelid may show wrinkles. Crow’s feet near the outside of the eyes.
Sadness Micro-expression
Inner corners of the eyebrows are drawn in and then up. Skin below the eyebrows is triangulated, with inner corner up. Corner of the lips are drawn down. Jaw comes up. Lower lip pouts out.
Disgust Micro-expression
Eyes are narrowed. Eyebrows pulled down. Upper lip is raised. Upper teeth may be exposed. Nose is wrinkled. Cheeks are raised.
Surprise Micro-expression
The eyebrows are raised and curved. Jaw slack. Horizontal wrinkles show across the forehead. Eyelids are opened, white of the eye showing above and below. Mouth is hung open and teeth are parted.
Contempt/Hate/Disapproval Micro-expression
One side of the mouth is raised. One eyebrow may pull upwards. Head may be tilted back slightly making gaze follow down the nose.
Anger Micro-expression
The eyebrows are lowered and pulled closer together. Vertical lines appear on forehead. Eyes are in hard stare or bulging. Lips are pursed, with corners down, or in a square shape as if shouting. Nostrils may be dilated. Lower jaw juts out.
Fear Micro-expression
Eyebrows are raised and drawn together, usually in a flat line. Wrinkles in the forehead are in the centre between the eyebrows, not across. Upper eyelid is raised, but the lower lid is tense and drawn up. Eyes have the upper white showing, but not the lower white. Mouth is open and lips are slightly tensed or stretched and drawn back.
Describing Confused State
eyebrows may be drawn together with vertical wrinkle appearing on the forehead, mouth may be pulled in tightly, corners of mouth may point downward, glancing around in different directions, mouth may hang open loosely, or may open and close several times (especially before speaking), may swallow excessively, may fidget or touch face
Context Is Crucial
Many emotion beats can be caused by multiple emotions. Ensure that your context provides clear direction for readers.