Mastering Eyeliner for Every Eye Shape: Expert Tips and Techniques
Unlock flawless eyeliner looks for every eye shape, from almond to monolids, with makeup artist-backed techniques and pro tips.
Every person’s eyes are uniquely beautiful, yet figuring out the most flattering eyeliner technique can be confusing. The shape, set, and structure of your eyes play a crucial role in how makeup looks—and expert techniques tailored to your unique features will highlight and accentuate your natural beauty. In this guide, we break down the most common eye shapes and deliver professional tips for perfecting your eyeliner look, whether you prefer a subtle enhancement or a dramatic cat eye.
Why Eye Shape Matters in Makeup
The structure of your eye determines how eyeliner, eyeshadow, and mascara perform on your lids. Applying a universally flattering, symmetrical eyeliner may not give everyone the same effect—what works for almond eyes may not bring out the best in monolids or downturned shapes. Understanding your eye shape is the first step to mastering makeup that complements your features and creates the illusion you want.
How to Determine Your Eye Shape
- Look straight ahead in a mirror with relaxed eyes.
- Observe the placement of your eyelid crease, the amount of visible lid space, and if the corners of your eyes angle up or down.
- Note if your eyes appear wide-set (farther apart), close-set (closer together), deep-set, or prominent.
- Compare your features to the descriptions below to find your closest match—most people have a combination, so consider your most prominent features.
Jump to Your Eye Shape
Almond Eyes
Almond eyes have an oval shape with tapered corners, resembling the shape of an almond. When looking straight ahead, the top and bottom of your iris are partially covered by the lids. Almond eyes are among the most symmetrical and versatile, able to pull off nearly any eyeliner look.
Best Eyeliner Tips:
- Trace your lash line with a creamy pencil for smooth application.
- Smudge gently for a softened, dreamy effect.
- To enhance shape, build thickness towards the outer third of your eye.
- Cat-eyes and graphic wings look especially flattering, so experiment with bold shapes.
Downturned Eyes
With downturned eyes, an imaginary horizontal line across your eye’s center will reveal that the outer corners dip lower than the inner corners. This shape creates a gentle, romantic look but may sometimes require visual lifting.
Best Eyeliner Tips:
- Focus eyeliner on the upper outer corners to lift the eyes.
- Create a thin line along the upper lash and flick it upward just before the outer corner.
- A classic winged liner can instantly elevate and balance your gaze.
- Avoid extending liner too far downward, as this can exaggerate the natural slope.
Wide-set Eyes
If the distance between your eyes is greater than the width of one eye, you likely have wide-set eyes. Carefully placed liner can visually bring the eyes closer together for balance.
Best Eyeliner Tips:
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- Begin liner at the innermost corner and extend across the lash line.
- Keep the thickness steady—avoid flaring out at the ends.
- Add a subtle highlight to the inner corner to enhance closeness.
- Experiment with connecting liner in a tight line along upper and lower lashes at the inner corner.
Asymmetrical Eyes
Many people have minor differences between their left and right eyes. Asymmetrical eyes can be balanced with clever makeup placement.
Best Eyeliner Tips:
- Adjust liner thickness: slightly thicken the line on the smaller or less prominent eye.
- Match the angle and length of your wing to create symmetry.
- Use concealer to clean and perfect uneven edges for a balanced look.
Round Eyes
Round eyes appear large and open, with visible white above or below the iris when looking straight ahead. The corners are softly curved rather than pointed.
Best Eyeliner Tips:
- Start your liner just before the inner corner and thicken toward the outside.
- For a sultry effect, try a wing that extends slightly outward (not dramatically upward) to elongate the eye shape.
- Smudge liner along the lower lash line to create a larger, softer appearance.
- Apply liner to the waterline to emphasize or minimize the roundness.
Big Eyes
Described as “doe-eyed,” big eyes typically have a more pronounced, open look.
Best Eyeliner Tips:
- Define your entire lash line for a balanced look.
- Experiment with thicker liner to anchor prominent eyes.
- For dramatic nights, add a smokey shadow along the lower lash line.
- Try a full, bold cat-eye or a dramatic wing to complement the size.
Small Eyes
Small eyes are defined by less visible lid area. To make your eyes appear larger and brighter, light application is key.
Best Eyeliner Tips:
- Avoid thick liner, as it can shrink the look of your eyes.
- Use a thin, precise line close to the lashes.
- Highlight the inner corners with pearly shadow to open up the eyes.
- White or nude liner on the lower waterline makes eyes appear wider.
Monolids
Monolids have little or no visible eyelid crease, resulting in a smooth, flat surface from the lash line to the brow.
Best Eyeliner Tips:
- Thicker liner helps define the shape—thin lines may disappear when eyes are open.
- Try softly blended shadows in place of crisp lines for dimension.
- Wing eyeliner outward and slightly upward just past the outer corner to elongate the eyes.
- Use waterproof or longwear gel liners to prevent transfer onto the lid.
Hooded Eyes
With hooded eyes, a pronounced fold partially covers the movable lid, hiding liner and shadow when open. Creating definition and lift is the goal.
Best Eyeliner Tips:
- Use tightlining (lining the upper waterline) for subtle definition.
- Keep liner thin at the inner corner and gradually thicken as you reach the outer third of your lash line.
- Apply winged liner just above the crease at the outer corner to create the illusion of lifted eyes—draw while eyes are open to check placement.
- Avoid thick liner across the entire lid, which can make eyes look smaller.
Close-set Eyes
If your eyes are less than one eye width apart, they are close-set. Strategic liner can visually separate and balance them.
Best Eyeliner Tips:
- Focus liner and shadow on the outer half of the eyes to elongate.
- Extend your wing outwards or upwards to draw attention out and away from the center.
- Avoid heavy liner on the inner corners to prevent crowding.
- Use a shimmering highlight on the inner corners to brighten and separate.
Deep-set Eyes
Deep-set eyes sit further back in the skull, resulting in a prominent brow bone and more shadow above the lid. The aim is to make the lash line stand out.
Best Eyeliner Tips:
- Use a thicker, smudged liner to bring definition to the lash line.
- Apply lighter shades above the crease to lift your brow bone visually.
- Avoid heavy liner on the lower lash line, which can make eyes appear more recessed.
- Opt for volumizing mascara to further draw focus to your lashes.
Comparison Table: Eye Shapes & Top Eyeliner Techniques
| Eye Shape | Defining Features | Top Eyeliner Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Almond | Oval, tapered corners, partially hidden iris | Follow eye’s curve, thicker at outer corner; versatile looks |
| Round | Large, visible white around iris | Wing outward to elongate, soft blending |
| Downturned | Outer corners lower than inner corners | Upward wing to lift, avoid heavy outer corner |
| Hooded | Fold covers lid, little visible space | Thin inner corner, thickening outward, wing above crease |
| Monolid | No crease, flat lid surface | Thick liner, wing out, soft shadow blending |
| Wide-set | Eyes farther apart than one eye’s width | Start liner at inner corner, avoid outer extension |
| Close-set | Eyes closer together than one eye’s width | Focus on outer corners, avoid inner corner liner |
| Deep-set | Eyes set deeper, prominent brow | Thick/smudged liner, light above crease |
| Big | Large, prominent, noticeable lid space | Thicker lines, bold wings, full lower lash |
| Small | Minimal lid space, eyes look petite | Thin liner, white inner rim, bright inner corners |
| Asymmetrical | Lids/corners not identical | Adjust thickness for balance, match wings |
General Eyeliner Tips for All Eye Shapes
- Always start with clean, primed lids for long-wear and smooth application.
- Use short, light strokes to build your line for better control.
- Rest your elbow on a table to steady your hand.
- Layer pencil, gel, or liquid formulas to customize the intensity and finish.
- Cotton swabs and concealer are excellent tools for cleaning up mistakes and sharpening lines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I determine my exact eye shape?
A: Stand in front of a mirror at eye level. Observe your eye’s crease, the visibility of your eyelid, and the position of your outer corners. Compare these observations to the descriptions above to determine your primary eye shape.
Q: Can I wear a winged liner if my eyes are hooded or monolid?
A: Absolutely. The key is to adjust the placement and thickness. For hooded eyes, start with the wing slightly above the crease when your eyes are open. For monolids, angle the wing outward to elongate the eye.
Q: What should I do if my eyes are asymmetrical?
A: Balance the appearance by adjusting the eyeliner’s thickness and wing length on each eye. Step back and check for symmetry as you build the look.
Q: Does eyeliner color matter for different eye shapes?
A: While shape is the focus, color can enhance your natural eye color and complement your skin tone. Classic black creates contrast, while brown is softer. Experiment with shades for fun or special occasions.
Q: Are there products better suited for certain eye shapes?
A: Yes, cream or gel liners work well for hooded and monolid eyes to prevent smudging, whereas pencils and pens offer more control for precise looks on almond or deep-set eyes.
Expert Advice for Flawless Liner Application
- Don’t be afraid to practice—eyeliner can be tricky, but skill improves with experience.
- Always check your liner with eyes open and relaxed, especially for hooded or asymmetrical shapes.
- If in doubt, keep the liner thin. Thicker lines can always be added, but can be difficult to remove or correct.
- Pair your liner with strategic shadow placement and mascara to create an overall balanced effect.
With these tailored techniques and a bit of experimentation, you can enhance every unique eye shape and rock any eyeliner style you desire.
References
- https://houseoflashes.com/a/blog/what-are-the-different-eye-shapes-and-why-do-they-matter
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a25394115/different-eye-shapes/
- https://www.ipsy.com/blog/what-is-my-eye-shape
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/makeup/a31953/contouring-tricks-for-eyes/
- https://www.eyeko.com/blog/press/cosmopolitan-1-eyeliner-5-different-celebrity-eye-looks/
- https://www.2020mag.com/article/cosmopolitan-match-eyewear-wnx
- https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/article/74/7/1875/2962395
- https://openyls.law.yale.edu/bitstreams/22bc1837-8196-4197-9db3-dc7362dfee15/download
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