Facial Recognition Using Eigenfaces Algorithm or Model in OpenCV with Python. Eigenfaces is an algorithm or model which is used to recognize faces in an image. Eigenfaces can be defined as an appearance-based method that extracts the variation in facial images and uses this information to compare images of individual faces.The Eigenfaces algorithm relies on the underlying assumption that not all facial details or features are equally significant. For example, when we see faces, we mainly notice prominent and distinct facial details, such as the nose, eyes, cheeks, or lips.