Why Eye Shape Matters When It Comes To Make-Up

Ever tried to recreate an eyeliner technique from a YouTube tutorial and noticed that it just doesn’t look the same on you? That mainly happens because of differences in eye shapes. Make-up isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Learning about your eye shape can help you decipher what make-up flatters it the most or how to adapt particular looks to fit your own eyes.  

There are so many different eye shapes in the world. And if you observe, you will notice that most people’s eyes are not identical to each other. But broadly, we can slot most shapes into one of these six categories. Here’s how to determine your eye shape and how to make the most of it.

Almond-shaped eyes

The shape

As the name suggests, this shape resembles an almond. It’s almost oval, with tapered, sometimes pinched edges.

The technique

If you have almond-shaped eyes, consider yourself fortunate. There is almost no make-up look or style that doesn’t suit this shape. You will most likely have enough lid space to play around with everything from intense smokey eyes to experimental graphic liner and everything in between.

To accentuate the shape, apply your eyeliner along the upper lash line, making sure it’s thinnest near the tear duct and thickest at the outer corner.

Clarins Graphic Ink Eyeliner, £22

Round eyes

The shape

Round eyes may not resemble a circle, but they tend to be less elongated than other eye shapes. You may notice that the height and width are almost similar. You will also have a lot of visible white space in the eyes.

The technique

It’s easy to create a doe-eyed look with this shape. First, line the outer third of both top and bottom waterlines and apply loads of mascara. Since round eyes naturally look quite big and open, you could also easily get away with dark kohl in the waterline without the risk of making your eyes appear smaller.

If you want to elongate the eyes, apply a light shade of eyeshadow across the lids and a darker shade along the outer corner of the eye, in a sideways V shape, blending it well into the crease.

Monolids

The shape

Monolid eyes don’t have a visible crease. Instead, they tend to transition straight from lid to brow bone.

The technique

There’s so much room to experiment here because of the smooth transition from lash line to brow bone. Use the space to smoke out your liner or create graphic shapes. When using eyeshadow, sweep some along the lower lash line to create a balanced look.

Creasing is quite common with this eye shape. To avoid that, make sure you always use an eye primer first. Choose a waterproof eyeliner whenever possible.

Hooded eyes

The shape

If the skin under your brow touches or reaches very close to your lash line, leaving you with little visible lid space when your eyes are open – you have hooded eyes. 

The technique

The first rule for hooded eyes is to keep your eyes open and look straight in the mirror when you’re applying any eye makeup. This is especially important when using eyeliner or blending your eyeshadow into the crease. It will ensure your hard work is seen when your eyes are open.  

When using eyeshadow, instead of defining the crease of the eye, place the darker shades close to the upper lash line, blending out in an upwards direction. 

For a detailed look at how to do eyeliner for hooded eyes, read: The Best Eyeliner Tips for Hooded Eyes 

Upturned eyes

The shape

This is very similar to almond-shaped eyes, but the outer edges tilt slightly upwards, or the outer corner of the lower lash line extends and lifts higher than in other eye shapes.

The technique

Instead of defining the eye socket, try adding some extra definition close to the lash line. This will accentuate the feline shape of this eye. You also can’t go wrong with winged eyeliner or eyeshadow applied in a winged shape.

Downturned eyes

The shape

In downturned eyes, the lash line slopes downwards so that the outer corners of the eyes are slightly lower than the inner corners.  

The technique

Trace your eyeliner along the lash line to accentuate this shape, following its natural shape. You can build a little thickness along the outer corner and finish with loads of mascara. It’s also a good idea to focus most of your make-up on the upper lid and leave the lower lid bare or subtly defined.

If you want to create a lifted look, blend your eyeshadow upwards in a winged shape. Make sure you curl your lashes and concentrate your mascara in the centre of the eye to balance the shape. You could also stick on some individual falsies. 

 

FINAL WORD:

When it comes to caring for your eyes, make sure you choose the correct cleansers and make-up especially recommended for sensitive types, or else all your handy work won’t really rock if they are sore and red.

 

Next read: How To Do Eyeliner: A Make-Up Artist’s Tricks