LookslateTake the quiz

Makeup for your eye shape

By Lookslate · Updated

Eye shape changes where eye makeup shows best. Almond eyes suit almost any placement; round eyes look longer with depth and liner focused on the outer corner; deep-set eyes need lighter lids and depth just above the crease; downturned eyes lift with an upward outer corner; close-set eyes open up with brightness at the inner corner; wide-set eyes balance with depth toward the inner third. Hooded eyes and monolids have their own guides.

How to find your eye shape

Look straight into a mirror with your face relaxed, or at a photo taken straight on. Check a few things: whether you see a crease and how much lid shows, whether the iris shows white above or below it, whether the outer corner sits higher or lower than the inner corner, and how far apart the eyes are compared with the width of one eye. Many eyes combine two shapes, such as almond and hooded; use the tips for each.

Almond eyes

Slightly longer than they are tall, with the outer corner level or a little lifted. Almost any technique works: a winged liner, a smokey eye or a soft wash all sit well. Use the shape to choose a look rather than to correct anything.

Round eyes

White often shows above or below the iris. To elongate, focus depth and liner on the outer third and extend them slightly outward, and concentrate mascara on the outer lashes. Liner all the way around tends to make the eyes look rounder.

Deep-set eyes

Set further back under a prominent brow bone, so the lid sits in shadow. Use light or shimmering shades on the lid to bring it forward, blend medium depth just above the crease rather than deep into it, and keep liner thin. Skip shimmer on the brow bone, which is already prominent; if you want a highlight there, use a soft matte shade.

Downturned eyes

The outer corner sits lower than the inner corner. Lift it by angling the outer shadow and any wing upward toward the tail of the brow, and avoid heavy liner or shadow along the outer lower lash line, which pulls the eye down. Curl the outer lashes.

Upturned eyes

The outer corner sits higher than the inner corner. To balance, add a little definition along the outer lower lash line and keep wings short and close to the lash angle.

Close-set and wide-set eyes

  • Close-set (less than one eye width apart): keep the inner corner light and bright and build depth toward the outer corner.
  • Wide-set (more than one eye width apart): bring a little depth toward the inner third of the lid and line close to the inner corner, keeping the outer corner soft.

Hooded eyes and monolids

If a fold of skin covers part of the lid when your eyes are open, see the hooded eyes guide. If there is no visible crease, see the monolid guide. For the basic method behind all of these tips, see how to apply eyeshadow.

How this connects to Lookslate

The Lookslate quiz does not ask about eye shape. Eyeliner Focused and Smokey Eyes both adapt to every shape with the placements above. For colors, see the eye color guide.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know my eye shape?

Look straight into a mirror with a relaxed face. Check whether you see a crease and how much lid shows, whether white shows above or below the iris, whether the outer corner is higher or lower than the inner corner, and how far apart your eyes are compared with one eye width.

What eyeliner suits round eyes?

Liner focused on the outer third, extended slightly outward, elongates round eyes. Lining all the way around tends to make them look rounder.

How do I make downturned eyes look lifted?

Angle the outer shadow and any wing upward toward the tail of the brow, avoid heavy liner on the outer lower lash line and curl the outer lashes.

What eyeshadow is best for deep-set eyes?

Light or shimmering shades on the lid bring it forward; blend medium depth just above the crease and keep liner thin.

Looks to try

Soft Glam

Soft glam is a polished but gentle look: an even, luminous base, warm-brown and rose eyeshadow blended until no edge shows, fluttery lashes, diffused rosy blush and a satin pink-nude lip.

How to do Soft Glam makeup

All faces shown are AI-generated fictional models, not real people.

Related guides

  • Makeup for hooded eyesHow to apply eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara on hooded eyes: work with your eyes open, blend above the fold, keep liner thin and lift the outer corner.
  • Makeup for monolidsHow to do makeup for monolids: a lash-line-up eyeshadow gradient, liner that thickens toward the outer corner, tightlining and curled waterproof lashes.
  • How to apply eyeshadow, step by stepHow to apply eyeshadow step by step: the shades and brushes you need, transition shade, lid, outer corner, blending, and adjusting for your eye shape.