Hey Lykkers! Ready to make the most out of your eye makeup? The trick is in knowing your eye shape and applying your shadows accordingly.


The right placement can totally transform your look – whether you want to enhance your natural features or add a little drama to your gaze. Here's a guide to help you master the art of eye shadow application for every eye shape, so you can rock your makeup with confidence.


Almond Eyes – The Perfect Canvas


If you have almond-shaped eyes, consider yourself fortunate. This eye shape is naturally well-balanced, with the lid, socket, and brow area all in harmonious proportion. The great news? Almost any makeup style suits you! From dramatic smokey eyes to soft, shimmery shades, you have the freedom to experiment. Play with color placement, whether it's bold pops on the eyelid or delicate tones in the crease. With almond eyes, the possibilities are limitless!


Wide-Set Eyes – Bringing Balance


Wide-set eyes can sometimes make the distance between them look greater than average. But don't worry, a few strategic touches can do wonders! The key is to bring the focus inward. Start by applying a medium shade on the inner corner of the eyes, working your way across the lid. This helps make your eyes appear closer together. Avoid lighter shades on the inner corner, as they can accentuate the wide-set nature.


Close-Set Eyes – Opening Up the Gaze


For those with close-set eyes, it's all about creating the illusion of space. If your eyes are closer than one eye's width apart, darker shades on the inner corner can emphasize the closeness. Instead, try applying light shades to the inner corners and darker shades to the outer edges. This technique will make your eyes appear wider apart, giving you a more balanced look.


Charlotte Creates Her Signature Smokey Eye - Everyday Makeup Tutorial | Charlotte Tilbury

Video by Charlotte Tilbury Beauty


Round Eyes – Define with Subtlety


Round eyes are striking with their bold, wide-open shape. While you have a lot of room to work with, it's best to avoid harsh eyeliner on the bottom. It can exaggerate the roundness. Instead, focus your attention on the top – play with various textures like matte or shimmer, or add depth to the crease. Subtle shadowing on the outer corner adds dimension without making the eyes appear too round.


Downturned Eyes – Lift with Liner


Got downturned eyes? No problem! The trick is to create the illusion of a lifted eye by applying makeup in an upward direction. For eyes that naturally dip at the outer corners, use a liner or shadow to sweep upward from the outer edges. A quick tip: use a triangle sponge to gently lift the outer corner after applying color. Instant lift and a stunning result!


Upturned Eyes – Softening the Shape


Upturned eyes are the opposite of downturned ones, with the outer corners naturally curving upwards. To balance this, steer clear of liner that extends too far upward as it can exaggerate the upturned shape. Instead, blend shadows into the outer corner for a rounded, soft look. Dark shades at the lower outer corner can help to slightly neutralize the upturn, while medium shadows on the lid keep everything balanced.


Prominent Eyes – Define with Depth


Prominent or "bulging" eyes have a pronounced lid and deep-set socket, making them naturally stand out. To highlight the beauty of this shape, apply a medium to dark tone on the lid, with lighter shades reserved for the crease. The goal is to bring the attention to the lid and create depth in the crease, balancing the pronounced look with a seamless blend.


Big Eyes – Accentuate with Drama


Big eyes? You're in luck – bold makeup looks are perfect for this shape. Start by applying medium shades all around the eye, following the lash line above and below. Add a darker shadow to the outer corners to create a smoldering, smokey eye. This will help define the shape without overwhelming it. Big eyes can handle a little drama!


Deep-Set Eyes – Brighten and Balance


Deep-set eyes come with a beautiful, natural depth but can sometimes appear shadowed. The key here is to avoid heavy dark shadows in the crease, as they can make the deep socket look even more pronounced. Instead, opt for medium tones that blend from the lid into the crease. This will brighten up the eyes and create balance without exaggerating the natural depth.


Small Eyes – Open and Define


Small eyes can feel a bit tricky when it comes to makeup, but with the right approach, they can truly pop. Avoid lining the entire eye with dark liner as it can close the eyes in even more. Instead, apply light to medium shades around the eye, and focus your liner on the upper lid only. This will open the eyes up and create a fresh, awake look.


Hooded Eyes – Lift and Brighten


Hooded eyes, where the crease folds over the lid, often require a little extra work. Many people try to hide the hood by applying dark colors to the crease, but this can actually emphasize the fold. Instead, focus on applying a neutral to darker tone on the lid, then smudge it upwards, stopping about half an inch from the brow. Highlight the inner corners to open the eyes, and top it off with plenty of mascara for that lifted effect.


Makeup is all about enhancing your natural features, and eye shape plays a huge role in how you apply your eye shadow. Each shape has its own unique beauty, and with these tips, it's possible to make your eyes stand out even more! So, which eye shape do you have, and which technique are you excited to try?