I remember the first time I tried to pull off a winged liner look—I thought I’d nailed it until I looked in the mirror and saw that each eye looked completely different! After trying just about every trick in the book, I finally realized the problem: I wasn’t considering my eye shape. Once I figured that out, my makeup game changed. Understanding your eye shape and knowing how to bring out its natural beauty is truly a game-changer, especially when it comes to eyeliner.
Let’s dive into how to find the perfect eyeliner style for you, based on your eye shape. No more guessing; I’ll walk you through it step by step, and I’ll share some products that are just too good to miss!
Figuring Out Your Eye Shape
Okay, first things first: let’s identify your eye shape. This is key to making sure your eyeliner brings out the best in your eyes. Here’s a little breakdown:
- Almond-shaped eyes: Oval eyes with slightly upturned corners.
- Hooded eyes: The eyelid folds over the crease, covering a lot of the lid.
- Downturned eyes: Almond-shaped but with a downward tilt at the outer corners.
- Upturned eyes: Similar to almond eyes, but with a more lifted outer corner.
- Round eyes: Larger eyes with a visible white area around the iris.
- Small eyes: Smaller in size and benefit from techniques that make them look larger.
Take a look in the mirror and see which description matches yours, then scroll down to find your perfect eyeliner look and product recommendations!
Almond-Shaped Eyes: Effortless Elegance
If you have almond-shaped eyes, they’re already super symmetrical, so you can pull off almost any eyeliner look! Lucky you—this shape is versatile, and almost every style flatters it.
How to Apply Eyeliner for Almond Eyes:
Start with a thin line at the inner corners and make it thicker as you move outward. You can even line your lower lash line if you want a more defined look. To create a soft, smoky effect, slightly smudge both the top and bottom outer corners. For this, I love the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Never-Fail Eyeliner (available on Amazon) with its built-in smudger, which makes blending super easy.
Hooded Eyes: Bold Definition
If your eyelids seem to “hide” the lid space when your eyes are open, you might have hooded eyes. You want an eyeliner style that won’t disappear or smudge onto your lid.
How to Apply Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes:
A thick, bold wing is your best friend! It will add definition and make your eyes pop. To keep things in place, reach for a waterproof formula like the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Liquid Eyeliner (available on Amazon) —it’s designed to last all day without budging. And if you want a little extra eye-opening effect, try tightlining the upper lash line and add a few coats of mascara.
Downturned Eyes: Lift and Brighten
If your eyes tilt slightly downward at the outer corners, you have downturned eyes. The goal here is to create a lifted, bright-eyed look.
How to Apply Eyeliner for Downturned Eyes:
A gentle upward flick at the outer corner does wonders for creating lift. To make this easy, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible The Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner (available on Amazon); its precise applicator is ideal for achieving a clean flick that looks natural and lasts.
Upturned Eyes: Balance and Symmetry
Upturned eyes have a beautiful natural lift. To bring a balanced look, you’ll want an eyeliner style that harmonizes the upper and lower lids.
How to Apply Eyeliner for Upturned Eyes:
Thinly line both the upper and lower lash lines, then apply a slightly thicker line at the outer corner of the lower lid. This helps create symmetry. A pop of color looks amazing on upturned eyes—try L’Oréal Paris Matte Signature Liquid Dip Eyeliner, Waterproof in Blue (available on Amazon) for a bit of fun!
Round Eyes: Elongate and Define
If you’ve got round eyes, they’re usually larger and have that “doe-eyed” look, which is so charming! The goal here is to elongate and balance the eye shape.
How to Apply Eyeliner for Round Eyes:
A cat eye style works wonders here! It lengthens the eye and balances out the roundness. My go-to product for this look is the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner (available on Amazon). If you want to add a bit of drama, smudge some black eyeliner along the top and bottom lash lines.
Small Eyes: Bigger, Brighter Eyes
If you’ve got smaller eyes, the goal with eyeliner is to make them look bigger. Avoid heavy lines on the waterline, as this can make eyes look smaller.
How to Apply Eyeliner for Small Eyes:
Try a nude liner on the lower waterline to open up your eyes and make them look larger. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Nude (available on Amazon) is perfect for this. Insider tip: steer clear of black eyeliner on your waterline, as it can make eyes look more closed off.
Final Thoughts
Remember, makeup is about experimenting and having fun, so try these looks, mix things up, and see what feels best for you. Whether you’re looking for a soft, natural vibe or a bold, dramatic flair, there’s an eyeliner style out there that’s perfect for you—no matter your eye shape.
Why not expand your knowledge even further by reading another makeup/beauty article here on Pink Femme? You can find them either via the menu at the top of the page or by clicking this link that will take you to the list of all the beauty articles.
When it comes to my choices for makeup and beauty products, I only use L’Oréal Paris (Available on Amazon). I have really sensitive skin and never once have I had any negative reaction to any L’Oréal product. Keep up to date with all my latest femme news with the fabulous Pink Femme Newsletter. Each Monday you’ll receive an email from me that will include a chapter from the novel that I am currently writing. I will also alert you to interesting information from articles that have not yet been published on Pink Femme. The Pink Femme Newsletter is the only place to see chapters from the novels before they are published. Sign up today: PINK FEMME NEWSLETTER.