An interpretation of Emoji facial expressions and their correspondence to Facial Action Coding System action units & facial muscles. Learn more about Emoji design here.
***Due to the simplicity of Emoji design, the flat-bottom eyes shown here, in the AU7 – lid tightener, can also function as AU6 – cheek raiser depending on the context. Learn more about cheek raiser vs. lid tightener.
AU9 – nose wrinkler***
levator labii superioris alaeque nasi***
***There are currently no noses in the smiley set (EXCEPT for “lying face” and “disguised face”). Instead, Emoji representing facial expressions typically involving AU9 – nose wrinkler rely on prop imagery (e.g. facial tissue & vomit) to compensate for their lack of noses. Learn more about nose wrinkler here.
AU10 – upper lip raiser***
levator labii superioris
***There are three main facial actions that drive upper teeth exposure via upper lip elevation: nose wrinkler, upper lip raiser, and nasolabial furrow deepener. The square-like shape in this Emoji expression most closely matches the features of upper lip raiser.