A system and method for facial analysis to detect asymmetric expressions is disclosed. A series of facial images is collected, and an image from the series of images is evaluated with a classifier. The image is then flipped to create a flipped image. Then, the flipped image is evaluated with the classifier. The results of the evaluation of original image and the flipped image are compared. Asymmetric features such as a wink, a raised eyebrow, a smirk, or a wince are identified. These asymmetric features are associated with mental states such as skepticism, contempt, condescension, repugnance, disgust, disbelief, cynicism, pessimism, doubt, suspicion, and distrust.