Eyeliner is one of the most versatile makeup tools in any beauty enthusiast’s arsenal. It can completely transform the appearance of your eyes, enhancing their shape and adding depth and drama. However, the key to perfect eyeliner is understanding your unique eye shape and using techniques tailored to it. Whether you have almond, round, hooded, or monolid eyes, the right technique can make all the difference.
In this post, we’ll explore the best eyeliner techniques for various eye shapes, including essential tips and tricks, along with what to do and what to avoid.
1. Almond Eyes
Best Technique: Winged Liner
Directions:
- Start by lining your upper lash line with a thin, defined line.
- Gently extend the liner upwards at the outer corner, creating a wing that follows the natural curve of your lower lash line.
- Fill in the wing, making it as bold or subtle as you prefer.
- For extra definition, line your waterline with a black or brown pencil.
Tips:
- Almond eyes are already balanced, so you can play with various eyeliner shapes, from dramatic wings to simple lines.
- Try a cat-eye effect for a bold, lifted look.
Do’s and Don’ts:
- Do experiment with different wing angles to see which enhances your eye shape best.
- Don’t overdo the thickness of the eyeliner; a sharp wing will do the trick without overwhelming the natural shape of your eye.
2. Round Eyes
Best Technique: Tightlining and Cat Eye
Directions:
- Begin by tightlining your upper waterline. This makes your lashes appear thicker and adds definition without taking away from the roundness of your eyes.
- Use a slightly thicker eyeliner on your upper lash line, tapering it into a soft wing at the outer corner.
- Ensure the wing is slightly angled to elongate your eyes, creating a more almond-like appearance.
Tips:
- Soft, elongated wings help add depth and length to round eyes, making them look more almond-shaped.
- Focus on keeping the inner corners free of too much liner to avoid emphasizing the roundness.
Do’s and Don’ts:
- Do tightline your waterline for an ultra-defined look that accentuates your eyes.
- Don’t make the eyeliner too thick, as it can make your eyes appear smaller.
3. Hooded Eyes
Best Technique: Thin Line with a Defined Flick
Directions:
- Start by applying a thin line of eyeliner along your upper lash line, staying as close to the lashes as possible.
- Extend the liner slightly at the outer corner with a small, upward flick to open up the eye. Avoid going too thick on the top lid to prevent the liner from disappearing under the hood.
- You can also apply a touch of eyeliner to the lower lash line, but keep it soft and smudged to avoid a heavy look.
Tips:
- A thin line prevents the eyeliner from being lost in the crease or hood of the eyelid.
- Opt for waterproof eyeliner to avoid smudging throughout the day.
Do’s and Don’ts:
- Do use a pencil or gel liner for precise application.
- Don’t apply heavy liner on the top lid; this will make your eyes appear even more hooded.
4. Monolid Eyes
Best Technique: Graphic Liner and Double Liner
Directions:
- Start with a thin line of eyeliner along the upper lash line. Instead of a wing, go for a bold graphic look by extending the liner slightly beyond the corner of the eye and creating a small flick.
- To make the eyes appear larger, you can also apply a second line of eyeliner just above the first, following the natural curve of your eye.
- Experiment with bold colored liners or even eyeliner stickers for added drama.
Tips:
- A double liner effect can create depth and dimension, making monolid eyes pop.
- Consider using liquid eyeliner for sharp, clean lines that stay put all day.
Do’s and Don’ts:
- Do explore bold eyeliner shapes, such as graphic lines, to add more visual interest to your eyes.
- Don’t apply thick eyeliner across the entire upper lash line; it can overpower monolid eyes and make them appear smaller.
5. Downturned Eyes
Best Technique: Upturned Wing
Directions:
- Start by applying eyeliner along your upper lash line, keeping the line thin near the inner corner and gradually thickening it as you move toward the outer corner.
- Create a wing that lifts slightly at the outer corner to counterbalance the natural downward angle of your eyes.
- For added definition, line the outer half of your lower lash line with a soft brown or black pencil.
Tips:
- The key is to lift the outer corner of the eyeliner to visually raise the eyes.
- Focus on keeping the inner corners light to avoid dragging the eyes down.
Do’s and Don’ts:
- Do experiment with subtle, upward wings for a lifted appearance.
- Don’t apply heavy eyeliner on the lower lash line; it can emphasize the downturned shape.
6. Close-Set Eyes
Best Technique: Inner Corner Highlight with Extended Liner
Directions:
- Begin by lining your upper lash line with a thin, precise line.
- At the outer corners, extend the liner slightly beyond the lash line, creating a small wing.
- To make your eyes appear wider, apply a subtle highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes.
Tips:
- The goal is to push the focus toward the outer corners, creating the illusion of more space between the eyes.
- Use a soft eyeliner on the lower lash line to avoid drawing attention inward.
Do’s and Don’ts:
- Do create a subtle wing to elongate the outer corners.
- Don’t line the inner corners too heavily as it will make your eyes appear closer together.
No matter your eye shape, the right eyeliner technique can accentuate your natural beauty and make your eyes pop. From winged liners for almond eyes to soft flicks for hooded eyes, there’s a perfect technique for everyone. Always consider the natural shape and size of your eyes, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles to find what works best for you.
Remember to choose formulas that suit your needs—whether it’s waterproof, long-lasting, or easy to smudge—and practice your technique to create a look that’s uniquely you!
Happy lining! ✨
Last updated on: December 30, 2024