How To Apply Eye Makeup According To Your Eye Shape

Implementing makeup tricks catered towards your eye shape is one of the most effective ways to amplify your natural beauty. Let’s talk about how to identify your eye shape, and go through the best eye makeup techniques for your unique features. 

Identifying Your Eye Shape

In order to identify your eye shape, you’ll want to look at your eyes with a relaxed, neutral facial expression. Smiling, frowning, furrowing your brows, or any other expressions or microexpressions can shift your eye shape. A neutral expression will give you the most accurate read. 

As you look at your eyes in the mirror, see which of these categories they fit into: 

Almond Eyes: If you have a visible eyelid crease, you may have almond eyes. The inner and outer corners also taper to a point for an elongated look, and the outer corners are subtly upturned. You also won’t be able to see the whites of the eyes above or below the iris. 

Round Eyes: Like almond eyes, round eyes have a visible crease. However, with this eye shape you also typically see the white of your eyes below or on top of the iris. 

Hooded Eyes: With hooded eyes, some skin from the brow bones hangs over the eyelids. The inner corner of the lid may still be visible, but typically, the outer half will be covered by this skin. 

Monolid Eyes: This refers to an upper eyelid shape that doesn’t have a visible crease line between the lash line and the skin underneath the brow. 

Downturned Eyes: If the outer corners of your eyes point downward, you have downturned eyes. These outer corners will be lower than the inner corners. 

Eye Makeup Techniques for Each Eye Shape

Here’s how to do your beauty routine like a pro. Below, our top makeup tips by eye shape to help you enhance your natural beauty. 

Almond Eyes

Winged eyeliner flatters almond-shaped eyes, enhancing their natural lift and adding definition. Start with a sleek wing that follows the eye's upward tilt, opening the shape. Define the outer corners to elongate the eyes or try smudging along the upper lash line for a soft, smoky effect. These techniques highlight the unique symmetry of almond eyes.

As far as eyeshadow goes, you can balance your natural features by applying a light shade all over the lid. Next, diffuse a darker color into the outer corners of the eyes, blending it towards the crease to enhance your eye shape. Finish off your look with a coat of mascara, and you have the perfect go-to almond eye makeup look.

Round Eyes

Play up the round shape of your eyes for a show-stopping look or give the eyes a more elongated appearance that mimics the almond shape. 

To elongate, apply darker eyeshadow to the outer corners of the eyes and blend it out, creating a v-shape. Complete the look with a coat of mascara, but only on the top lashes. 

Alternatively, you can accentuate your round eye shape by blending a lighter shade all over the lids, and tightlining with a dark eyeliner for the full effect. For the finishing touch, apply mascara to both the top and bottom lashes to amplify the roundness of the eye.

Hooded Eyes

There are so many looks you can do to make your eyes really pop, but first we like to start by applying a primer all over the lids. This simple step helps lock your makeup in place, keeping it flawless for longer.

Since the crease tends to disappear when your eyes are open, you can use eyeshadow to create the illusion of a crease. Try using a slightly darker shade just above where your crease would naturally be, and blend it out toward the outer corners for a soft, lifted effect.

Another trick? Tightlining your upper lash line. This subtle move adds more depth to your eyes and makes your lashes look fuller and maximize lid space. Finally, give your upper lashes some love with a few coats of mascara to really lift and open up your eyes. It’s all about creating that beautiful definition.

Monolid Eyes

Eyeshadow can be used to add more dimension to monolid eyes. Shimmery shadows are particularly gorgeous, as their light-reflecting properties give the eyes a more lifted appearance. 

Swipe a lighter shade all over the lid. Then, work a darker shade into the outer corner of the eye, blending it upwards. Apply the lightest shade to the inner corners of the eyes to brighten. 

The right eyeliner can also help this eye shape pop. Smudge it on the upper outer corners for sultry definition.

Downturned Eyes

If you have downturned eyes, the right makeup techniques can really make a difference in lifting your eye shape and creating a more open look. Eyeliner is your best friend here. Start by applying a darker liner along your lash line and take it slightly beyond the outer corner. To give your eyes a little lift, finish off with a subtle upward flick.

When it comes to eyeshadow, reach for lighter shades on your lids and blend them up toward your brow bones—this helps draw the attention upwards. Shimmery shadows are stunning on this eye shape and can really make your eyes pop. You can also add a touch of a darker shade to the outer corners, but make sure to blend it upwards to keep that lifting effect.

Additional Tips for All Eye Shapes

Regardless of your eye shape and size, there’s a few tips and techniques we swear by for everyone. 

Focus on Blending: Be sure to take your time blending your eyeshadow in for a seamless look. 

Choose the Right Products: The highest-quality products lead to optimal results. From long-wear eyeliners to super blendable eyeshadows, stock up your toolkit with high-performance makeup. 

Improve Makeup Longevity: In addition to using a primer, improve the staying power of your entire makeup look by spritzing your face with a setting spray at the end of your routine. 

Knowing what makeup looks best with your eye shape can truly change your beauty game. Take your makeup artistry to the next level by working with your eye shape to enhance what you’ve already got.