How to Do Eye Makeup for Different Types of Eyes
When it comes to how to do eye makeup, the key to achieving a flawless look isn't just about picking the right eyeshadow palette or mastering the perfect smokey eye makeup - it starts with knowing your eye shape. Understanding your types of eyes is crucial because different eye makeup looks flatter in different shapes. You wouldn’t contour your face without knowing its structure, right? The same principle applies to eye makeup for almond eyes, hooded eyes, round eyes, and more.
So, before diving into dramatic 70s eye makeup, bold 80s eye makeup, or a classic cat eye makeup, take a moment to determine: what is my eye shape? This will ensure your eye makeup enhances your natural features rather than working against them. Whether you want to make your eyes appear wider, create the illusion of a lifted eye, or simply find simple eye makeup tricks tailored to your look, this guide is here to help.
In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll cover the eight main types of eyes and the best eye makeup tips for each. Plus, we’ll show you how to tweak makeup for hooded eyes, perfect smokey eye makeup for round eyes, and choose the best techniques for different shapes of eyes.
Let’s get started! Here’s how to know your eye shape and the best eye makeup ideas to enhance it.
How to determine your eye shape
There are eight main types of eyes, and you may fit into more than one category (for example, you could have almond + wide-set eyes or round + close-set eyes). Identifying your eye shape will help you choose the most flattering eye makeup looks, from simple eye makeup to dramatic smokey eye makeup.
Below, we break down how to apply eye makeup for each shape, along with expert tips to help you make your eyes look huge with makeup, create the perfect cat eye makeup, and more.
Almond Eyes
How to know if you have almond eyes
Almond eyes have an elongated shape that tapers at the corners, resembling the shape of an almond. They are considered one of the most versatile eye shapes because they can carry almost any eye makeup look. Key features of almond eyes include:
- An oval shape that is wider than it is a tall slight upward lift at the outer corners
- A well-defined crease, but a slightly smaller lid space
If you can see a bit of your iris above and below your eyelids but the whites of your eyes are not as visible as in round eyes, you likely have almond-shaped eyes.
Best eye makeup for almond eyes
Almond eyes can rock any eye makeup look, but they are especially stunning with smokey eye makeup or cat eye makeup. To enhance their natural shape:
- Use a medium-toned eyeshadow to define the crease and deepen the outer corners.
- Apply darker shades to the outer V to add depth and dimension.
- Blend lighter shades toward the inner corner to brighten the eyes.
Tips to apply makeup for almond eyes
When it comes to eye makeup looks for almond eyes, you've pretty much won the genetic lottery—this shape can rock almost any style! However, almond eyes look especially stunning when paired with a soft-winged liner and a well-blended smokey eye makeup.
To enhance the natural lift of almond eyes, apply deeper eyeshadow shades to the outer corners and blend seamlessly into the crease. Then, grab your Curved Eyeliner Brush to create the ultimate cat eye makeup look. Need help nailing that perfect flick?
Check out our step-by-step tutorial: How to Do Winged Eyeliner. And if you’re still perfecting your liner skills, our Liner Designer Cat-Eye Makeup Tool will be your best friend for achieving a precise, symmetrical wing - every time.
Almond eye makeup match: Eva Longoria
Round Eyes
How to know if you have round eyes
Round eyes are naturally large and open-looking, with a noticeable amount of white space visible around the iris. Defining characteristics include:
- Equal width and height
- A prominent crease
- A noticeable curve along the lash line
If your eyes look more circular rather than elongated, you likely have round-shaped eyes.
Best eye makeup for round eyes
To elongate round eyes, focus on techniques that create definition and add dimension:
Use smokey eye makeup to add depth and reduce roundness.
Extend eyeliner outward to create a cat eye makeup effect.
Apply shimmer to the center of the lid to make the eyes pop.
Tips to apply makeup for round eyes
Contour the Crease – Using a matte shadow, deepen the crease to create more definition.
Elongate with Eyeliner – A cat eye makeup look helps round eyes appear more almond-shaped.
Avoid Too Much Liner on the Bottom – Keeping the lower lash line softer prevents the eyes from looking too round.
Round eye makeup match: Zooey Deschanel
Hooded Eyes
How to know if you have hooded eyes
Hooded eyes have excess skin that folds over the crease, making the lid appear smaller. This can make eye makeup application more challenging because:
The crease is not visible when the eyes are open.
The eyelid space is minimized.
Makeup tends to smudge due to the skin touching.
If your eyelids disappear when you open your eyes, you likely have hooded eyes.
Best eye makeup for hooded eyes
To enhance hooded eyes, it's essential to apply makeup in a way that creates the illusion of more lid space:
Smokey eye makeup works well by bringing depth above the natural crease.
Avoid thick eyeliner, as it can make lids look even smaller.
Use waterproof formulas to prevent smudging.
Tips to Apply Makeup for Hooded Eyes
Prime and Set – Always use an eyeshadow primer to prevent creasing.
Lift the Crease – Apply eyeshadow slightly above the natural crease to create the illusion of a larger lid.
Focus on the Lash Line – Tightlining the upper lash line defines the eyes without taking up lid space.
Hooded eye makeup match: Camilla Belle
Monolid Eyes
How to know if you have monolid eyes
Monolid eyes do not have a visible crease, creating a smooth transition from the lash line to the brow bone. Key characteristics include:
A flat lid space with no natural crease.
Minimal definition between the eyelid and brow bone.
A naturally lifted outer corner.
Best eye makeup for monolid eyes
To enhance monolid eyes, focus on the definition:
A smokey eye makeup technique with gradient shading adds dimension.
Thin, precise eyeliner along the lash line defines the eyes.
Avoid heavy shimmer on the lid, as it can make the eyes look puffy.
Tips to apply makeup for monolid eyes
Use a Sticky Base – A primer or slightly damp concealer helps powder eyeshadows stick better.
Define the Lash Line – A dark liner close to the lashes makes eyes appear larger.
Blend Upward – Focus darker shades on the outer corners and blend upwards.
Monolid eye makeup match: AWKWAFINA
Upturned Eyes
How to know if you have upturned eyes
Upturned eyes have a natural lift at the outer corners, giving them a cat-like appearance. This shape is often confused with almond eyes, but the key difference is the angle at which the outer corners tilt upward. Features of upturned eyes include:
A lifted outer corner that sits higher than the inner corner.
A natural cat eye makeup effect without makeup.
A lower lash line that appears more extended than the upper lash line.
If your eyes have a noticeable upward tilt and the outer corners seem more prominent, you likely have upturned eyes.
Best eye makeup for upturned eyes
To balance upturned eyes, makeup should enhance the lifted shape without making the eyes look too sharp. The best techniques include:
Smokey eye makeup works beautifully by concentrating darker shades on the outer corners.
A cat eye makeup look enhances the natural lift and elongates the eyes.
A soft gradient eyeshadow effect balances the sharpness of the upturned shape.
Tips to apply makeup for upturned eyes
Blend Your Outer Corner – Use a deep eyeshadow shade on the outer corners and blend outward for a seamless lift.
Balance the Lower Lash Line – Smudge a darker shade along the lower lash line to create symmetry.
Use Winged Eyeliner Wisely – Instead of an exaggerated flick, opt for a subtle, extended cat eye makeup to complement the natural lift.
Upturned eye makeup match: Kendall Jenner
Downturned Eyes
How to know if you have downturned eyes
Downturned eyes have an outer corner that dips slightly lower than the inner corner. This shape creates a soft, dreamy look but can sometimes make the eyes appear droopy. Characteristics of downturned eyes include:
A downward tilt at the outer corners.
An upper lid that looks longer than the lower lid.
A natural eye shape that benefits from lifted eye makeup looks.
If the corners of your eyes angle downward rather than up, you likely have downturned eyes.
Best eye makeup for downturned eyes
The goal with downturned eyes is to create an illusion of lift and openness. The best eye makeup tips include:
A cat eye makeup look with a winged liner that angles slightly upward.
Smokey eye makeup that is concentrated on the upper lid rather than the lower lash line.
Curling the lashes to help open up the eyes.
Tips to apply makeup for downturned eyes
Use an Upward Flick with Liner – Draw your eyeliner slightly higher than your natural lash line to create lift.
Apply Eyeshadow in an Upward Motion – When blending, sweep your eyeshadow up and out rather than following the natural downward shape.
Skip Heavy Liner on the Bottom Lash Line – Keep the lower lash line minimal to avoid emphasizing the downturn.
Downturned eye makeup match: Katy Perry
Close Set Eyes
How to know if you have close set eyes
Close set eyes have a smaller-than-average gap between them, typically less than one eye width apart. This shape benefits from eye makeup looks that create the illusion of more space. Key features include:
A narrow space between the inner corners.
More room on the outer edges of the eyes.
Makeup that enhances the outer part of the eye creates balance.
If your eyes appear closer together than the average width of an eye, you likely have close set eyes.
Best eye makeup for close set eyes
To create the illusion of wider eyes, focus on eye makeup tips that draw attention outward:
Apply smokey eye makeup on the outer corners to create width.
Use lighter shades on the inner corners to brighten and open the eyes.
Avoid applying dark eyeliner all the way to the inner corners, as this can emphasize the closeness.
Tips to apply makeup for close set eyes
Highlight the Inner Corners – A touch of shimmer or highlighter in the inner corners makes the eyes appear more open.
Focus on Outer Eyeshadow Placement – Keep darker shades toward the outer corners and blend outward.
Use Winged Liner Starting from the Middle of the Lid – This prevents the eyes from looking too close together.
Close set eye makeup match: Regina King
Wide Set Eyes
How to know if you have wide set eyes
Wide set eyes have a greater-than-average space between them, typically more than one eye width apart. This shape benefits from eye makeup looks that bring attention inward. Key features include:
A noticeable space between the eyes.
A balanced look when focusing on the inner lid rather than the outer corners.
The ability to handle bold inner-eye makeup techniques.
If the space between your eyes is wider than the width of one eye, you likely have wide set eyes.
Best eye makeup for wide set eyes
To create the illusion of eyes being closer together, use eye makeup tips that focus on the inner corners:
Apply darker eyeshadow toward the inner corners.
Use eyeliner on the entire lash line rather than just the outer edge.
Avoid winged eyeliner that extends too far outward, as this can make the eyes look even farther apart.
Tips to apply makeup for wide set eyes
Use Darker Tones on the Inner Lid – Applying a medium-to-dark shade on the inner lid draws attention inward.
Line the Entire Lash Line – A fully lined eye creates a more centered appearance.
Avoid Over-Highlighting the Inner Corners – Too much shimmer can exaggerate the wide-set look.
Wide-set eye makeup match: Amanda Seyfried
No matter your eye shape, choosing the right eye makeup techniques can completely transform your look. Whether you want to create a sultry smokey eye makeup, a sharp and defined cat eye makeup, or a subtle simple eye makeup look for everyday wear, understanding your eye shape is the first step to flawless application.
By applying eye makeup for almond eyes, round eyes, hooded eyes, monolids, upturned eyes, downturned eyes, close-set eyes, and wide-set eyes correctly, you can enhance your natural beauty rather than working against it. From how to make eyes appear wider to techniques that help make eyes look huge with makeup, the right application makes all the difference.
FAQ: Eye Makeup Tips for Every Eye Shape
How to make your eyes look huge with makeup?
To make eyes look huge with makeup, apply a light shimmer on the inner corners, use nude eyeliner on the waterline, and blend eyeshadow upwards to create depth. Avoid dark liner on the lower lash line and curl lashes for an open-eye effect.
How to know your eye shape?
To determine your eye shape, check if your outer corners tilt up (upturned) or down (downturned), see if you have a visible crease (almond or round), and measure the space between your eyes (close set or wide set).
How to apply eye makeup?
Start with primer, apply a neutral transition shade in the crease, use darker shadows on the outer corners, blend well, and finish with eyeliner and mascara. Adjust techniques based on your eye shape for the best eye makeup looks.
What eye shape do I have?
Your eye shape is based on your crease visibility, outer corner tilt, and overall eye width. Common types of eyes include almond, round, hooded, monolid, upturned, downturned, close set, and wide set.
What is my eye shape?
To find your eye shape, look at the width, crease, and angle of the outer corners. If your eyes are elongated with a crease, you have almond eyes; if they are round with visible whites, you have round eyes.
What is the best eyeliner style for my eye shape?
Almond eyes: Cat eye makeup enhances the natural shape.
Round eyes: Winged liner elongates the eyes.
Hooded eyes: Thin liner prevents eyes from looking smaller.
Monolid eyes: Smudged liner adds definition.
Upturned eyes: Soft smudging enhances the lift.
Downturned eyes: A winged flick creates a lifted effect.
How to do smokey eye makeup for my eye shape?
For smokey eye makeup, blend dark shadow on the outer corners for almond and upturned eyes, keep color above the crease for hooded eyes, and focus on the center lid for round and monolid eyes.
How to make your eyes appear wider?
To make eyes appear wider, use light eyeshadow on the inner corners, a soft smokey effect on the outer edges, and a thin, upward-winged liner. Avoid dark liners on the inner corners.
What are the different shapes of an eye?
The different shapes of the eye include almond, round, hooded, monolid, upturned, downturned, close-set, and wide-set. Each eye shape benefits from specific eye makeup tips for enhancement.
How to do simple eye makeup for everyday looks?
For simple eye makeup, apply a neutral eyeshadow, define the crease lightly, use a thin eyeliner, and add mascara for a polished look. Keep colors soft and blended for an effortless finish.
What are the best eye makeup tips for beginners?
Always start with primer.
Use light-to-dark shades for blending.
Follow your eye shape for eyeliner application.
Blend well to avoid harsh lines.
Curl lashes and apply mascara for definition.
What are the most popular eye makeup trends?
Current eye makeup trends include smokey eye makeup, graphic eyeliner, 70s eye makeup, 80s eye makeup, and bold, colorful eye makeup looks. Experimenting with different styles helps enhance your eye shape.
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Check back in with The Blend often for more tips on how to do eye makeup, or brush up on those skills now with these key tips:
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