Try This Makeup Tutorial for Almond Eyes

Achieving perfectly blended eyeshadow and super-sharp winged eyeliner can definitely be a challenge, but if you have almond eyes, you’ve got an advantage. By now, you probably know that how you apply eye makeup varies depending on eye shape. For anyone with almond-shaped eyes who needs a little help in this arena, we’re sharing exactly how to apply eye makeup—from shadow to eyeliner to mascara—for your best look yet. Not quite sure if you’re in possession of a pair of almond eyes? No problem, we’re covering that, too.

WHAT ARE ALMOND EYES?

OK, but what are almond eyes, really? No, they’re not eyes with a warm-toned brown hue that resembles the color of your favorite low-cal snack—although those are nice, too—they’re eyes with an oval shape that are slightly upturned at the outer corner. If you think that’s you, congrats! Almond eyes are often considered the “ideal” eye shape thanks to their feminine look—and their ability to pull off almost any eye makeup look. That’s the dream!

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOU HAVE ALMOND EYES?

No, no, you don’t have to go holding almonds over your eyes to determine whether or not you have almond eyes. In reality, it’s a lot simpler than that. Break out a mirror, and start studying your eyes. The biggest giveaway will be the whites of your eyes. If you can’t see any white above or below the iris, then there you go—you’re the proud owner of a pair of almond eyes.

HOW DO YOU APPLY MAKEUP TO ALMOND EYES?

Here’s what you really want to know. Follow these five steps to create the perfect eye makeup look for almond eyes.

Step #1: Prime your lids

No matter your eye shape, there’s no excuse to skip primer. Come on, you can’t put in all that effort, only for your eye makeup to not last through the day. Smooth on a thin layer of primer to ensure the eyeshadow and eyeliner to come will stay put.

Step #2: Apply eyeshadow

Not everyone is suited to a smoky eye, but lucky you—you are. Almond eyes look especially great with eye shadows that get smoky in the outer corner. Try using the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Pocket Palette Eye Shadow in Silver Couture to create a classic smoky eye with minimal effort. Seriously, there are easy-peasy instructions right on the back of the palette.

Step #3:  Don’t forget to highlight

If you want your eyes to appear brighter, break out the highlighter. Swipe a shimmering powder below your brow bone and around the inner corner of your eyes to instantly brighten up any look, as well as make eyes look bigger.

Step #4: Line along lashes

Too much dark eyeliner can make eyes look smaller. Unless that’s the look you’re going for, stick with just a thin line right along your upper lash line. It’ll help lashes look thicker, without having to go overboard on eyeliner. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner, pressing the pencil’s tip against lashes for the finest line possible.

Step #5: Sweep on mascara

You can’t complete an eye makeup look without a coat or two of mascara. Reach for the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous X Fiber Mascara. This isn’t your regular old mascara. To use, start by applying the black lash primer on one end. Then, flip the tube over and start brushing on the fiber-infused mascara. Be sure to coat lashes on both sides for super-bold lashes.

HOW DO YOU DRAW A CAT EYE ON ALMOND EYES?

Everyone wants to master the cat eye, and those with almond eyes are no exception. Thankfully, adding a flick to your eyeliner isn’t particularly problematic when you have almond eyes. All it takes is following these steps, plus a bit of practice.

Step #1: Start thin

Don’t dive right into thick eyeliner. It’s best to start small, using a liquid liner to paint a thin line. If your liner starts to look a little too dramatic, grab a cotton swab dipped in micellar water to touch up.

Step #2: Thicken up

Begin to build your eyeliner up, thickening the line toward the outer half of your eye. Go as big or as bold as you want!

Step #3: Wing it

Carefully create a short, diagonal line going up from the outer corner of your eye. Then, turn it into a small triangle. Fill in, using your eyeliner to smooth out any harsh lines.

Editor’s tip: Still nervous about conquering winged eyeliner? The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner is about to be your best friend. To use, position the open part of the included stencil at the outer edge of your eye, laying it flat against your skin. Then, fill in the stencil to draw your wing before removing the stencil from the outer corner of your eye. Continue the line across your eyelid, and you’re all done!

Did you get this far, only to realize you aren’t even an almond-eyed gal? Go ahead and find out if your eyes are hooded, instead. We answer all your questions in our article, Makeup Tutorial For Hooded Eyes | The Expert Guide.