While you may think eye makeup application is a bit of a no-brainer, did you know that changing your technique based on your eye shape can make a world of difference? Just like jeans meant for your body type can offer a more flattering look, the same is true when it comes to coordinating your eye makeup with your eye shape. Sure, you could layer on eye shadow and eyeliner in the most obvious way, but when you know your eye shape and apply accordingly, they’ll pop like never before. Sounds pretty eye-catching, right? To help you perk up your peepers for their best look yet, we’ve created this super-comprehensive guide—soon enough you’ll know your eye shape and how to accent it like a pro!

HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR EYE SHAPE

Before you switch up your eye makeup technique, you’ll need to determine which eye shape you have. How you apply makeup to almond-shaped eyes might differ from how you apply makeup to downturned eyes. Not sure which eye shape you have? Consult the list below.

Almond eyes. Think: oval-shaped eyes with slightly upturned outer corners that look like—you guessed it—almonds. Known for being super-symmetrical, you can think of almond eyes as the universal shape that pairs well with just about everything.

Round eyes. Look in the mirror. What do you see? If you can see your whole iris without any of it being covered up by your top lid then say hello to your big, beautiful round eyes.

Upturned eyes. These are almond eyes with a twist. Instead of having slightly upturned corners, upturned eyes take it up a notch for a more noticeable angle, which makes the lower lid appear larger than the upper.

Downturned eyes. These are the opposite of upturned eyes—meaning the corners drop down for an upper lid that appears larger than the lower.

Monolid eyes. Just think of these as creaseless beauties.

Hooded eyes. Ever wondered why you can’t fully see your crease? When you have hooded eyes, the skin extending from your brow bone sags just a tad to conceal your crease.

Now that you have a better idea of your eye shape, it’s time to learn what you can do to really enhance them. Grab your favorite liquid liner and eye shadow palette and follow along!

THE BEST EYE SHADOW TECHNIQUE FOR YOUR EYE SHAPE

Eye makeup is huge right now and there’s never been a better time to play around with your makeup and enhance the most captivating feature on your face. There’s nothing quite like the right eye shadow technique and a little lid contouring to really accentuate and flatter your eye shape. See below for tips on applying eye shadow to each eye shape, then get to work on highlighting your beautiful eyes!

THE BEST EYE SHADOW FOR ALMOND EYES

You’re one lucky woman! With your slightly lifted, super-symmetrical eyes, just about any shade and style will look fabulous. Don’t know where to start? Try a classic nude smoky eye that uses a medium matte brown on your lid paired with a slightly darker shade blended into your crease. Use the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Quads in Cupa Joe to bring this look to life. When fully blended, this look will open up your eyes and accentuate your almond shape.

THE BEST EYE SHADOW FOR ROUND EYES

Contouring your peepers it the key to creating a stunning, defined end look. All you have to do is apply a medium to dark shade over the center of your lid, followed by highlighting your inner and outer corners with a lighter shade. This will draw attention to the center of your eye for an ultra-flattering look. Use the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Quads in Army Brat to put a colorful twist on an otherwise simple look.

THE BEST EYE SHADOW FOR UPTURNED EYES

Complement your upturned eyes with the help of a little dark shadow or liner placed on the outer corner of your lower lash line. Next, apply a medium-toned shadow on your lid before topping things off with a subtle highlight on your brow bone—all using the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Pocket Palette Eye Shadow in Boudoir Charme. Just don’t be too heavy-handed with your highlight, as you want it to have the same (subtle) effect that light bouncing off your skin naturally creates.

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