How to Do Eye Makeup Based on Your Eye Shape

While you may think eye makeup application is a bit of a no-brainer, changing your technique based on your eye shape can make a world of difference. Just like jeans meant for your body type can offer a more flattering look, the same is true when it comes to coordinating your eye makeup with your eye shape. Sure, you could layer on eyeshadow and eyeliner in the most obvious way, but when you know your eye shape and apply accordingly, your eye shape willl pop like never before. 

To help you perk up your peepers for their best look yet, we’ve created this super-comprehensive guide — soon enough you’ll know your eye shape and how to accentuate it like a pro.

How To Determine Your Eye Shape

Before you switch up your eye makeup technique, you’ll need to determine which eye shape you have. How you apply makeup to almond-shaped eyes might differ from how you apply makeup to downturned eyes. Not sure which eye shape you have? Consult the list below.

Almond eyes: Oval-shaped eyes with slightly upturned outer corners that look like — you guessed it — almonds. Known for being super-symmetrical, you can think of almond eyes as the universal shape that pairs well with just about everything.

Round eyes: If you can see your whole iris without any of it being covered up by your top lid then say hello to your big, beautiful round eyes.

Upturned eyes: These are almond eyes with a twist. Instead of having slightly upturned corners, upturned eyes take it up a notch for a more noticeable angle, which makes the lower lid appear larger than the upper.

Downturned eyes: These are the opposite of upturned eyes — meaning the corners drop down for an upper lid that appears larger than the lower.

Monolid eyes: Also called epicanthal folds, monolid eyes, have no fold or crease on the upper eyelids.

Hooded eyes: Ever wondered why you can’t fully see your crease? When you have hooded eyes, the skin extending from your brow bone hangs low just a tad to conceal your crease.

The Best Eyeshadow Technique For Your Eye Shape

There’s nothing quite like the right eyeshadow technique and a little lid contouring to really accentuate and flatter your eye shape. Now that you have a better idea of your eye shape, it’s time to learn what you can do to really enhance them. Check out our tips for  applying eyeshadow to each eye shape, then get to work on highlighting your beautiful eyes.

The Best Eyeshadow For Almond Eyes

With these slightly lifted, super-symmetrical eyes, just about any shade and style will look fabulous. If you Don’t know where to start Try a classic nude smokey eye that uses a medium matte brown on your lid, paired with a slightly darker shade blended into your crease. Use the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche La Palette Nude to bring this look to life. When fully blended, this look will open up your eyes and accentuate your almond shape.

The Best Eyeshadow For Round Eyes

Contouring your peepers is the key to creating a stunning, defined look. Use the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Pocket Palette Eye Shadow in Haute Hazel to put a colorful twist on an otherwise simple look. Apply a medium to dark shade over the center of your lid, followed by highlighting your inner and outer corners with a lighter shade. This will draw attention to the center of your eye for an ultra-flattering look. 

The Best Eyeshadow For Upturned Eyes

Complement your upturned eyes with the help of a little dark shadow or liner placed on the outer corner of your lower lash line. using the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Pocket Palette Eye Shadow in French Biscuit apply a medium-toned shadow on your lid before topping things off with a subtle highlight on your brow bone. Just don’t be too heavy-handed with your highlight, as you want it to have the same (subtle) effect that light bouncing off your skin naturally creates.

The Best Eyeshadow For Downturned Eyes

There are two things to keep in mind if you have downturned eyes: First, don’t blend eyeshadow too far above the crease because it can look messy on your eye shape. Second, the best way to perk up downturned eyes is to shade them with natural colors like the L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Amber Rush to brighten and open the eyes.

The Best Eyeshadow For Monolid Eyes

A great way to add dimension to your eyes is to apply a gradient effect on your lids. The L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche La Palette Nude has 10 shades in different finishes so you have a variety of options for creating that ombré effect. Start with darker colors near your lash line and gradually work upward into a more shimmery tone under the brow. Just remember to blend between color transitions.

The Best Eyeshadow For Hooded Eyes

To trick your eyes into looking like they have more lid space to work with, keep your brows well maintained with the L’Oréal Paris Unbelieveabrow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel and carry your eyeshadow, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Grand Bleu all the way up to your brow bone.

The Best Eyeliner Technique For Your Eye Shape

Whether you want to wear it alone or layered with eyeshadow, the right eyeliner technique is a fabulous final touch for flattering your gaze. So, before you go ahead and line your lids, take a peek at which liner technique is best suited for your eye shape.

The Best Eyeliner For Almond Eyes

By now you know that your eye shape can pair well with various looks. But, if you want to really accentuate your shape, look no further than a classic cat eye or wing-tip. Starting thinner towards the inner corner and gradually getting thicker towards the outer corner of your eye, this liner technique helps highlight your gorgeously upturned shape. Use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible The Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner in Black to create the look.

The Best Eyeliner For Round Eyes

The key to applying eyeliner to make your eyes pop is to emphasize the outer corners with winged eyeliner that extends past the eyelid. We recommend starting your line at the highest peak of your eye and working your way outwards to balance your rounded features. Use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner in Black to create your sharpest wing before sweeping on a coat of L’Oréal Paris Air Wear Air Volume Mega Mascara Waterproof, Lightweight.

The Best Eyeliner For Upturned Eyes

Upturned eyes look best when the upper lid is exaggerated with eyeliner. Wonder which specific technique to employ for a gorgeous gaze? Try a little nude liner along your lash line and inner corners to give the appearance of big, bright eyes. Use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Nude.

The Best Eyeliner For Downturned Eyes

Add a little 45-degree flick at the end of your lash line if you’re going for a lifted look. If you want to rock something a little less dramatic than a cat eye, use a liner like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Easy-Glide Mechanical Eyeliner, Waterproof  to lightly blend out a thin line that adds just enough definition to your upper and lower lash lines.

The Best Eyeliner For Monolid Eyes

Tightline, tightline, tightline. When you apply your eyeliner as close to your lash line as possible, you’ll be able to define your eye shape while making your lashes appear fuller at the same time. Use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Black  for this technique.

The Best Eyeliner For Hooded Eyes

Eyeliner for hooded eyes can be a little tricky, due to the way your upper lid drops over your crease. To avoid any unwanted smudges or transfer, be sure to keep your eyes open when you line them. This is especially important when trying to achieve a thick, bold wing (the most complementary liner for your shape). 

If you close your eye to create the wing, there’s a good chance that when you open your eye, the tail end will be hidden in the fold. To avoid that Just trace close to your bottom lash line with the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Satin Glide Eyeliner with Mineral Pigments starting around the middle of your eye for an upside down definition that looks positively radiant on hooded eyes.

Next: How to Create the Perfect Smokey Eye Based on Your Eye Shape

Edited by: Témi Adebowale, Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Digital Tech: Katy Andrascik, Photo Assistant: Sam Kang, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Stylist: Melina Kemph, Wardrobe Assistant: Kayla Martinez, Model: Juli Deng