What Is the Best Way to Apply Eyeliner for Your Eye Shape?

Eyeliner is a versatile makeup product that can enhance and define your eyes in various ways. However, applying eyeliner can be tricky, especially when considering different eye shapes. The way you apply eyeliner can significantly impact the overall look of your eyes. Understanding your eye shape and knowing the best techniques for applying eyeliner can help you achieve a flattering and polished look. In this article, we will explore the best way to apply eyeliner for your specific eye shape.

**Almond-Shaped Eyes**

Almond-shaped eyes are considered the most versatile eye shape, as they can pull off various eyeliner styles. To enhance almond-shaped eyes, start by lining the upper lash line with a thin line, gradually thickening it towards the outer corner. You can create a winged eyeliner look by extending the line slightly beyond the outer corner of the eye. Avoid lining the lower waterline completely, as this can make the eyes appear smaller. Instead, apply a thin line of eyeliner along the outer two-thirds of the lower lash line for a balanced look.

**Round Eyes**

For round eyes, the goal is to elongate and lift the eyes with eyeliner. Start by lining the upper lash line with a thin line, focusing on making the line thicker towards the outer corner of the eye. You can create a subtle wing at the outer corner to elongate the eyes further. To make round eyes appear more almond-shaped, avoid lining the lower waterline and instead apply eyeliner along the outer two-thirds of the lower lash line. This technique helps create the illusion of a more elongated eye shape.

**Hooded Eyes**

Hooded eyes have a fold of skin that droops over the crease, making the eyelid appear smaller. When applying eyeliner to hooded eyes, it’s essential to focus on creating the illusion of a more prominent eyelid space. Start by lining the upper lash line with a thin line, keeping the line close to the lash line to prevent it from disappearing when the eyes are open. Extend the liner slightly beyond the outer corner of the eye to lift the eyes. Avoid applying eyeliner to the lower waterline, as this can make the eyes appear even smaller. Instead, line the outer two-thirds of the lower lash line to balance the look.

**Monolid Eyes**

Monolid eyes lack a distinct crease, giving the eyes a more flat appearance. When applying eyeliner to monolid eyes, the goal is to create depth and definition. Start by lining the upper lash line with a thin line, gradually thickening it towards the outer corner. Extend the eyeliner slightly beyond the outer corner to elongate the eyes. To create the illusion of a crease, apply a soft, smudged line of eyeliner above the lash line and blend it outwards. Avoid lining the lower waterline completely, as this can make the eyes appear smaller. Instead, apply eyeliner along the outer two-thirds of the lower lash line to define the eyes.

**Upturned Eyes**

Upturned eyes have a natural lift at the outer corners, giving them a cat-eye appearance. When applying eyeliner to upturned eyes, the goal is to enhance the natural uplifted shape. Start by lining the upper lash line with a thin line, focusing on making the line thicker towards the outer corner of the eye. You can create a subtle wing at the outer corner to accentuate the uplifted shape. Avoid extending the eyeliner too far downwards at the outer corner, as this can drag the eyes down. For the lower lash line, apply eyeliner along the outer two-thirds to balance the look.

**Downturned Eyes**

Downturned eyes have a slight droop at the outer corners, giving them a more sad or sleepy appearance. When applying eyeliner to downturned eyes, the goal is to lift and uplift the eyes. Start by lining the upper lash line with a thin line, gradually thickening it towards the outer corner. Extend the eyeliner slightly upwards at the outer corner to create a lifted effect. Avoid extending the eyeliner downwards at the outer corner, as this can accentuate the downturned shape. For the lower lash line, apply eyeliner along the outer two-thirds to balance the look.

**Wide-Set Eyes**

Wide-set eyes have more space between them, requiring eyeliner techniques that bring the eyes closer together visually. Start by lining the upper lash line with a thin line, focusing on making the line thicker towards the inner corner of the eye. You can extend the eyeliner slightly towards the inner corner to help bring the eyes closer together. Avoid extending the eyeliner too far outwards at the outer corner, as this can widen the eyes further. For the lower lash line, apply eyeliner along the entire length to balance the look.

**Close-Set Eyes**

Close-set eyes have minimal space between them, requiring eyeliner techniques that create the illusion of more space. Start by lining the upper lash line with a thin line, gradually thickening it towards the outer corner. Avoid extending the eyeliner towards the inner corner, as this can make the eyes appear even closer together. Instead, focus on creating more volume at the outer corner to visually push the eyes apart. For the lower lash line, apply eyeliner along the entire length to balance the look.

**Tightlining and Waterlining**

Tightlining involves applying eyeliner to the upper waterline to define the eyes and make the lashes appear fuller. This technique works well for all eye shapes and can help create a more polished look. Waterlining, on the other hand, involves applying eyeliner to the lower waterline, which can make the eyes appear smaller. Be cautious when waterlining, as it may not be suitable for all eye shapes.

**Experiment and Practice**

Ultimately, the best way to apply eyeliner for your eye shape is to experiment with different techniques and practice to find what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to try new styles and adapt them to suit your unique features. Remember that makeup is a form of self-expression, so have fun with it and embrace your individual beauty.

Eyeliner can truly transform your look and enhance your natural features when applied correctly. By understanding your eye shape and employing the right techniques, you can create stunning eye makeup looks that flatter and accentuate your eyes. Whether you have almond-shaped, round, hooded, monolid, upturned, downturned, wide-set, or close-set eyes, there is a perfect eyeliner style waiting for you. So, grab your favorite eyeliner and brushes, and start experimenting to discover the best way to apply eyeliner for your unique eye shape.