How to Choose the Perfect Eyeliner Style for Your Eye Shape

If you’ve been using the same eyeliner technique for years, it’s time to break free from that routine. Not only does the right eyeliner define your eyes, but it can also make you look more awake (insert praise hands emoji here), make your eyes appear larger, and even enhance their natural shape. I spoke to celebrity makeup artist Alexandria Gilleo, known for creating gorgeous looks on soccer stars Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris, as well as author Gabby Bernstein, to get the liner tips that will make every eye shape look, as she puts it, 'lifted and gifted,' adding, 'There are no hard rules in makeup, so have fun experimenting with different looks.'

1. Monolid Eye Shape

Monolid eyes are characterized by the absence of a visible crease in the eyelids.

Eyeliner look you’ll adore: Winged

'A winged eyeliner style works wonders to elongate the eyes and add definition,' explains Gilleo. She recommends drawing a fine line along the upper lash line and slightly extending it upwards towards the outer corner. 'Then, flick it out towards the edge of the eye,' she advises.

2. Hooded Eye Shape

For those with a hooded eye shape, the area above the crease is more pronounced, creating a 'hood' that covers part of the lower lid.

Eyeliner look you’ll adore: Tightline 

'Hooded eyes have an extra layer of skin that partially covers the eyelid, so tightlining—the technique of lining the waterline—defines the eyes without taking up too much space,' says Gilleo. Draw a delicate line along the upper waterline, right beneath the lashes.

3. Upturned Eye Shape

An upturned eye shape is easily recognizable—the outer corners of your eyes lift slightly, giving them a natural, lifted appearance.

Eyeliner look you’ll love: Dramatic flick 

'Enhance the natural lift of your eyes by creating a bold wing with a sharp flick,' suggests Gilleo. 'Line your upper lash line, extending it just past the outer corner, and then flick it upward at a more defined angle.'

4. Downturned Eye Shape

A downturned eye shape is essentially the reverse of an upturned eye, with the outer corners of your eyes angling downward instead of upward.

Eyeliner look you’ll love: Cat eye 

'Enhance and balance downturned eyes with a cat-eye design,' recommends Gilleo. 'Begin by drawing a line along the upper lash line, thickening it towards the outer corner. Then, extend the line slightly past the outer corner and angle it upward for a gentle flick.'

5. Round Eye Shape

As the name implies, round eyes are more circular compared to other shapes. Those with round eyes typically lack strong outer corners.

Eyeliner look you’ll love: Smudged

'To soften and elongate round eyes, go for a smudged liner look,' suggests Gilleo. 'Draw eyeliner along both the upper and lower lash lines, then use a smudging brush or cotton swab to blur the lines for a more diffused, softer effect.'

6. Almond Eye Shape

Almond-shaped eyes are more oval, resembling the shape of the beloved nut, with well-defined outer corners.

Eyeliner look you’ll love: Thin liner with a wing

'Almond eyes can suit many eyeliner styles, but a sleek thin liner with a wing enhances their natural form,' Gilleo says. Draw a fine line along the upper lash line, finishing with a delicate wing at the outer corner.

7. Close-Set Eye Shape

Close-set eyes are positioned noticeably closer together compared to the typical eye spacing of most people.

Eyeliner look you’ll love: Double winged liner

'To give the illusion of wider-set eyes, try a double-winged liner,' advises Gilleo. Begin by lining the upper lash line, then extend the wing outward past the outer corner. Next, add a shorter wing at the inner corner, angling it toward the nose,' she suggests.

8. Wide-Set Eye Shape

Wide-set eyes are spaced further apart than the average eye distance.

Eyeliner look you’ll love: Intensified inner corners

'To accentuate the natural width of wide-set eyes, focus on the inner corners,' suggests Gilleo. Start by applying a fine line of eyeliner along the upper lash line, gradually thickening it towards the inner corner. Then, extend the line slightly past the inner corner to draw the focus inward,' she explains.

9. Deep-Set Eye Shape

Deep-set eyes are positioned deeper into the eye socket than average eyes.

Eyeliner look you’ll love: Smoky

'Deep-set eyes look great with a smoky effect that enhances their depth,' says Gilleo. 'Apply a darker eyeliner shade along the upper lash line, then gently blend it using a smudging brush or cotton swab. For a more dramatic effect, also line the lower lash line and smudge it,' she adds.