Eyes come in different shapes, sizes, and eye colours, and we want to celebrate all of them. That’s why knowing your eye shape can make all the difference when choosing your makeup.
Whether you’re opting for a sultry cat eye, a smokey eyeshadow or a grungy mix – knowing your eye shape helps you find makeup techniques that highlight your natural features. There are several types of eye shapes, so let’s uncover the best makeup styles for each shape.
What is my eye shape?
Curious to know how to find your eye shape? Almond eyes have a slight upward lift at the outer corners and tend to suit a wide range of looks. Hooded eyes have a fold of skin that can make the eyelid less visible when open. Round eyes appear more circular, often with a visible white space around the iris. And downturned eyes have outer corners that slope gently downwards.
If you're unsure where your eyes fit, relax your face in front of a mirror. Pay attention to the lid space, the crease, and the tilt of the outer corners. Once you have that nailed down, makeup for eye shapes becomes much easier to experiment with.
Perfecting eye makeup for hooded eyes?
You might notice that your carefully blended eyeshadow on hooded eyes disappears when your eyes are open. But that doesn't mean bold looks are off-limits.
The trick lies in placing colour slightly above your natural crease so it remains visible. Matte transition shades work beautifully here, helping you fake depth where your lid hides it. Adding shimmer to the centre of your mobile lid helps bounce light and bring attention forward.
When it comes to eyeliner for hooded lids, the look benefits from simplicity and precision:
- Tightlining the upper lash line can make lashes appear fuller without taking up lid space
- Waterproof formulas like Epic Ink Liner or Epic Wear Liquid Eyeliner prevent smudging and stay put all day
- A small wing at the outer corner, angled slightly upward, creates a lifting illusion without overwhelming the lid
Best eyeliner for round and almond eye shapes
Round eyes are naturally expressive. To bring a bit of elongation, try applying a liner that starts thin near the inner corner and gradually thickens as it extends outwards. A soft flick adds just the right amount of drama. Keep the lower lash line minimal to avoid exaggerating the roundness. An eyeliner for round eyes like Epic Smoke Liner offers a gently diffused finish that's easy to control.
Have an almond eye shape? Then the makeup world is your oyster. This shape suits a wide variety of looks, from classic winged liner to more experimental trends. Keeping the liner even across the lid accentuates the natural balance of your eyes. Try tapping shimmer onto the centre of your eyelid to give the illusion of width.
Want to switch things up? Browse our coloured eyeliner guide or dive into trending eye makeup looks for new ideas.
Lifting downturned eyes with the right makeup
Downturned eyes often give a soft, doe-eyed appearance, but if you're looking to create a lifted look, your makeup can surely help shape that illusion.
The key to a great downturned eye makeup is to concentrate colour and shape upward. A sharp wing on the upper lash line that flicks slightly upward helps tilt the eyes visually. Combine this with curling mascara to brighten and open the look. And for the lower lash line? Keep it soft and light. This prevents dragging the eyes downward, keeping everything fresh and lifted.
Beginner tips for using eyeliner based on eye shape
Getting your eye shape makeup using an eyeliner right starts with understanding the natural lines of your face. Think of your lower lash line as a guide - extend an imaginary line upwards to determine your wing angle. This technique helps create symmetry, no matter your eye shape.
To keep things easy:
- Use a pencil liner to sketch the shape first before layering liquid on top
- Adjust your wing depending on your eye type: above the fold for hooded eyes, out and slightly upward for round eyes, even thickness for almond, and lifted tips for downturned eyes
Looking for a do-it-all product? Epic Ink Liner is a reliable pick for beginners and pros alike.
Getting to know your eye shape is a game-changer. It helps you pick techniques that really work and lets your makeup feel more intuitive. Whether you're exploring almond eyes makeup, fine-tuning eyeliner for round eyes, or finding new ways to highlight your hooded eye shape, the key is experimenting and enjoying the process.
There are no rules – only options. So grab your favourite liner, play with colour, and see what looks make you feel like the best version of yourself.
Find your perfect eyeliner in the NYX range
