First let’s establish something important: all eye shapes are beautiful and one is NOT superior to any other. Using makeup is all about enhancing what you have to bring out your eyes’ natural gorgeousness and eyeliner is one of the craftiest tools you can have in your kit.
With that truth out of the way, let’s get down to business. All too many eyeliner tips fail to take into account the reality that not everyone’s eye shape is going to benefit from the same winged eyeliner tricks. Does that mean you can never wear a cat’s eye? Not at all! Instead, think of subtle changes as the ones that can have the most impact. Oscar Velazquez, a professional makeup artist with over a decade of experience, and Makeup Artist Elaina Badro set the record straight on the most flattering eyeliner technique for each eye shape.
Almond Eyes
Almond eyes have a slightly upswept outer corner and a balanced, tapered shape, Velazquez says, and are greatly enhanced when you use more eyeliner than you might for other shapes. “Apply liner from the inner corner of the eye and drag out,” Badro says. “Typically with almond eyes, when you apply the liner, allow it to get gradually thicker.”
Another tip recommended by Velazquez is to apply eyeliner to the lower lash line, focusing on the outer two-thirds to maintain the almond shape.
Close-Set Eyes
Close-set eyes have a narrower space between them, and to create the illusion of more space and balance, Velazquez recommends applying eyeliner from the middle of the upper lash line, gradually thickening it towards the outer corner. “Avoid lining the inner corner or extending the liner too far towards the inner tear duct,” Velazquez notes.
Badro also suggests applying a shimmer in a lighter tone at the inner corners of the eye to allow the space to open up between the eyes.
Deep-Set Eyes
Deep-set eyes have a more prominent brow bone, and the eyes appear set back. To enhance deep-set eyes with eyeliner, apply a medium to thick line along the upper lash line to define the eyes. “Consider a winged or cat-eye liner shape to create the illusion of lifted and elongated eyes,” Velazquez says. “Avoid applying liner to the lower waterline or extending the lower lash line too heavily, as this can make the eyes appear smaller.”
Downturned Eyes
An eye shape that looks how it sounds, downturned eyes have a slightly drooping outer corner. “To lift and emphasize downturned eyes apply eyeliner along the upper lash line, starting from the inner corner and gradually thickening it towards the outer corner,” Velazquez suggests. “Extend the liner slightly upwards and outwards at the outer corner to create a lifting effect.”
According to Badro, eyeliner on downturned eyes should be more of a "upturned winged look." “Do this by creating a wing effect at the end of the outer corner of the eye,” Badro says. “The dropshadow and/or liner beneath the bottom lash line should connect in an upwards appearance.”
Hooded Eyes
Hooded eyes are defined by a fold of skin that partially or entirely covers the eyelid. With this eye shape, less really is more. “Keep eyeliner on hooded eyes at a minimum from the inner corner,” Badro instructs. “Drag the liner outwards and create a wing. Avoid applying eyeliner in the waterline on hooded eyes.”
Another hooded eye trick is to consider tightlining the upper waterline to add depth and intensity to the lash line without loading the lid with liner, according to Velazquez.
Round Eyes
Round eyes have a more circular shape, with a visible iris all around. To elongate and accentuate round eyes, Velazquez says to apply eyeliner along the upper lash line, gradually thickening the line towards the outer corner of the eye. “Extend the eyeliner slightly beyond the outer corner in a subtle wing or flick to create the illusion of length — apply a thin line to the lower lash line, starting from the outer corner and tapering it off towards the center of the eye.”
Whatever their unique shape, there’s an eyeliner trick that will make your beautiful eyes stand out.
