Let’s be honest: when it comes to eye makeup, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Just like our personalities, our eyes come in all shapes and sizes, and finding the perfect eye makeup for your shape can feel like the ultimate beauty puzzle. But trust me, once you crack it, you’ll feel like a makeup artist every time you sit in front of your mirror. So, let’s break down the best flattering looks for different eye shapes—because every woman deserves to feel like she’s got it all figured out, especially when it comes to her eyes.
Almond Eyes: The Iconic All-Rounder 👁️
If you’ve got almond-shaped eyes, congratulations—you’ve won the eye shape lottery! Your eyes are naturally symmetrical and balanced, so you’ve basically got the makeup world’s permission to experiment. The goal here is to emphasize the natural shape without overcomplicating things.
Smokey eye, but make it chic: The classic smokey eye will always be a winner for almond eyes. Try a deep charcoal or soft brown for a sultry look, and don’t forget the eyeliner to really make those eyes pop. Add a touch of shimmer to your lids for extra drama, and you’re good to go.
But if you’re looking for something lighter, a soft gradient with matte shades can bring out the natural beauty of your eyes. “Sometimes, the simplest looks make the most impact,” says makeup artist Hannah Steele.
Round Eyes: Defined and Bold 👁️
Round eyes are a feature that often comes with a youthful, doe-eyed charm. But if you want to elongate them and add more depth, try winging that eyeliner! A cat-eye shape works wonders for round eyes, giving them a more elongated look.
Bold eyeliner is your best friend here: Start with a thin line along the lash line and build it up as you go. You can even extend the line into a sharp wing for that dramatic cat-eye look. The key is to make sure the eyeliner is thick enough to give definition but not so thick that it hides the natural roundness of your eye.
Add a little warmth with eyeshadow: Shades like copper, bronze, and deep purples work magic on round eyes, drawing attention to their natural beauty while defining their shape.
“The eyes are the window to the soul, and makeup just makes the view a little more fun.”
Hooded Eyes: Bring on the Drama 👁️
Hooded eyes can sometimes feel like a challenge when it comes to eye makeup. You’ve got that lovely natural lid fold that can cover your crease, so eyeshadow can seem a bit trickier. But the right tricks can help your eyes pop without all the frustration.
The secret: focus on the outer corner. Apply a neutral matte shade in the crease to create depth, then deepen the outer corner with a darker shade. This gives your eyes dimension and opens them up. Be sure to blend the shadows well—harsh lines won’t do any favors for hooded lids.
Get that winged eyeliner: For hooded eyes, a thin, sharp line works wonders. Try a gel liner that won’t smudge, and create a slight flick at the outer corners to elongate your eyes.
A little highlighter under your brow bone will help lift your eyes and give them that wide-awake look we’re all after.
Monolid Eyes: Make ‘Em Pop 👁️
Monolid eyes, often seen in Asian beauty, are stunningly unique and beautiful. With no visible crease, the trick here is to focus on creating dimension and definition without overwhelming your eyes with too much product.
Focus on tightlining and layering your shadows. Use a pencil liner close to your lashes to create definition, then blend a soft brown or peachy eyeshadow into your lids for a natural look.
Try a soft cut crease: This technique involves using a lighter eyeshadow on the lid and a darker shade in the crease (which is more like an illusion since you don’t have a natural crease). It creates the look of a deeper eye shape while still being soft and flattering.
Downturned Eyes: Lift and Brighten 👁️
Downturned eyes can sometimes feel like they’re drooping at the corners, but with the right makeup, you can make them look lifted and youthful. The key is to avoid heavy, straight eyeliner and instead go for a look that lifts the outer corners of your eyes.
Lift with your eyeliner: Instead of a straight across eyeliner, try winging it upward at the outer corners. The result? Instantly lifted eyes.
Use lighter eyeshadows on the inner corner: This brightens the eyes and gives them a more awake appearance. Pair it with a matte brown or taupe on the outer corners to add depth and make the eyes appear larger.
“Makeup isn’t a mask; it’s a way to express yourself. Each eye shape has its own magic.”
Small Eyes: Open ‘Em Up 👁️
Small eyes might seem delicate and hard to work with, but with a few tricks, you can make them look larger and brighter.
Start with a nude liner in your waterline. This simple trick instantly makes your eyes look bigger. Combine it with a soft, neutral eyeshadow palette—think light shades on the lid and darker shades along the lash line for definition.
Lift with mascara: Don’t skip on the mascara! Go for a voluminous formula and focus on the outer corners to create the illusion of larger eyes.
Final Thoughts
No matter your eye shape, there’s a makeup look that will flatter and highlight the natural beauty of your eyes. The best part? Makeup is meant to be fun, and it’s your personal way of expressing who you are. Whether you’re rocking a bold winged eyeliner or a soft, shimmering shadow, your eyes are your story, and every woman deserves to feel confident and beautiful.
So, go ahead, try these tricks out, and let your eyes be the star of your beauty routine. Your eye shape isn’t a challenge; it’s your canvas.