Makeup is nothing short of an art form, and with any art, understanding your canvas is a must. When it comes to eye makeup, your eye shape is your canvas, and knowing your eye shape is the first step to creating stunning eye makeup looks.
Much like how different face shapes suit different hairstyles, different eye shapes call for specific makeup techniques. If you haven’t already, now is the time to identify your eye shape and learn how to enhance it! In this blog, we highlight different eye shapes and how to do eye makeup with the right technique.
Types of Eye Shapes and How to Identify Them
Before enhancing your eye shape, you’ll need to determine what it is. Here are some of the most common eye shapes and simple ways to help determine your eye shape.
Hooded eyes
Hooded eyes have a unique fold of skin that partially or fully covers the eyelid, creating a “hooded” appearance. Due to this hood, the eyelid often appears a bit smaller and hides some of the eye makeup when the eyes are open. Celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Blake Lively, and Taylor Swift have hooded eyes.
Almond eyes
Almond eyes are usually oval, with the outer corners slightly lifted, resembling almonds. This eye shape is versatile and can pull off various makeup looks. Megan Fox and Kim Kardashian also have almond-shaped eyes.
Round eyes
Round eyes are large and wide, with a visibly noticeable crease and a more circular shape. If you have one, you’ll be able to see the whites at the top or bottom of the iris. Round eyes often give a youthful and expressive look. People with round eyes, like Katy Perry and Mary Kate-Olsen, tend to have eyes that appear bigger and more open.
Downturned eyes
Downturned eyes have outer corners that tilt downward, creating a more relaxed or sleepy appearance. This eye shape can benefit from makeup techniques that lift the eyes. Anne Hathaway and Marilyn Monroe are two stars nailing their downturned eye makeup look every time.
Upturned eyes
Upturned eyes have outer corners that tilt upwards, giving a naturally lifted, cat-eye appearance. This eye shape is ideal for winged eyeliner and other techniques that accent its natural lift. Celebrities like Margot Robbie and Kendall Jenner have upturned eyes.
Monolids eyes
Monolids eyes, common among East Asian individuals, lack a distinct crease between the eyelid and the brow bone. This eye shape provides a smooth, flat canvas for makeup. Lucy Liu and Sandra Oh are well-known personalities known for having a monolid eye shape.
Right Makeup Technique for the Right Eye Shape
Each eye shape has unique characteristics, and knowing how to work with those can make a world of difference in your overall look.
Makeup for hooded eyes
If you have hooded eyes, you might notice that your upper eyelids cover the crease when your eyes are open, hiding your hooded eye makeup entirely. So, the task is to make your eyes pop and flaunt your eye makeup. To do so, apply a light, neutral shade all over the eyelid to create a base.
Next, focus on the outer crease by applying a darker shade to contour this area, creating an illusion of depth that makes your eyes appear larger. Also, adding bold colors to your waterline, under the bottom lid, or under your brow bone helps shift attention away from the hood. False lashes that are longer in the center can also do the trick. Such simple tips can help you make the most out of your hooded eyes.
Makeup for almond eyes
Almond eyes are one of the most versatile shapes for makeup, effortlessly nailing various eye makeup styles from bold to subtle. One effective way to enhance their allure is by experimenting with your eyeliner. A classic black eyeliner delivers a striking look, while a pop of color can introduce an element of fun and creativity.
Also, try to use lighter shades of eyeshadows to enhance your almond-shaped eyes even more. Feel free to explore different colors, but remember to blend well for a seamless transition. Another tip is to highlight the inner corners of your eyes with a touch of highlighter; this simple addition is enough to brighten up your entire look.
Makeup for round eyes
Round or doe eyes are known for their wide and open appearance, giving them a youthful look. The key to making the most of this eye shape is elongating it, making it appear a little less round. To do so, use eyeliner only for the top lash line and extend it slightly past the outer corner, creating the illusion of longer, more oval-shaped eyes.
When it’s time to apply eyeshadow, focus on the outer corners by applying darker shades and blending them inward. This technique helps you elongate the shape of round eyes. If you plan to use mascara, apply it to the outer lashes to stretch their appearance even further.
Makeup for downturned eyes
If your eyes have a slight downward angle at the outer corners, you have downturned eyes, which can create a soft and gentle look. To enhance this eye shape, consider applying eyeliner primarily on the upper lash line, extending it slightly upward at the outer corners to help lift the appearance of your eyes. Additionally, brightening your waterline with white or nude eyeliner can create a more open look, countering the downward slope.
When it comes to lashes, focus on your upper lashes by applying mascara generously and using a lash curler for added lift. Be mindful not to overdo it on the lower lashes, as too much mascara can emphasize the downward angle. This makeup technique can help you achieve a beautifully balanced look that highlights the unique shape of your downturned eyes.
Makeup for upturned eyes
To recognize an upturned eye, check whether your eyes have a natural lift at the outer corners. If yes, your eyes are upturned, a shape perfect for trying various eye makeup styles. Start with a soft eyeliner on the lower lash line to enhance your upturned eyes. Grab a soft pencil or gel eyeliner to accentuate the upward shape without making your eyes appear too small.
Next, focus on the outer corners by applying darker eyeshadow shades and blending them inward. This technique highlights the natural lift of your upturned eyes. Lastly, don’t hesitate to use bold mascara or false lashes, as both can significantly enhance your look, making your eyes even more captivating.
Makeup for monolid eyes
Monolid eyes lack a defined crease that can be highlighted with the right eye makeup techniques. One effective method is using cream eyeshadow, which adds dimension to the eyes. A darker shade applied along the lash line and blended upwards can create a stunning effect.
Additionally, focusing on the lower lash line by adding a touch of eyeliner can help define the shape of your eyes, making them appear larger and more expressive. Applying eyeliners to monolids can do wonders on various styles, from bold, thick lines to elegant winged tips.
Understanding your eye shape before trying out stunning eye makeup looks can truly help to enhance your natural eye beauty. By following these tips and techniques, you can elevate your eye makeup routine and achieve beautiful results every time.
Experiment with different eye makeup looks and have fun exploring the endless possibilities of makeup for your unique eye shape. So, go ahead and try these makeup tricks for your particular eye shape and let your eye catch everyone’s attention.
