4 Beginner Eye Makeup Tutorials Based on Your Eye Shape

Improving your eye makeup application can be tricky, no matter your eye shape. However, not knowing what your eye shape is can make it even more difficult. For example, someone with hooded eyes may not apply eyeliner the same way as someone with almond-shaped eyes because of the natural folds in their lids. Every eye shape requires different techniques to enhance the look of their eyes.

To help make things a little bit easier, we asked makeup artists to share a few simple eye makeup tutorials. Each three-step tutorial features a basic look, but you can swap in darker shadows, add fake lashes, or layer on mascara for a more dramatic and party-ready style. Once you perfect these expert-approved eye makeup looks, you'll be confident in your eye looks every day.

How to Apply Makeup on Monolids and Hooded Eyes

This eye shape is known for having little to no visible crease. Monolids have more lid space, while hooded shapes have less space but a more pronounced browbone.

"When looking straight ahead, if you don't see a crease at all between your eyelash line and brow, this is considered a monolid," Hurkman said. "If there is a crease and it's covering a bit of your eyelid near your lash line, this is considered a hooded eye."

Step 1: Apply a Light Shadow to Base

To apply makeup on monolids, begin by sweeping a light shadow across the base of the eye lid.

Step 2: Apply a Medium Shade to Add Dimension

"To make your eyes appear larger and more open, use concealer to cut the crease slightly above your natural crease," recommends Cara Lovello, a celebrity makeup artist. Next, apply a shimmery medium shade from the lash line up to the middle of the lid, where the crease would be.

Step 3: Define the Upper Lash Line

Use a dark pencil to define the upper lash line. Using a shadow in a similar shade, go over the pencil and blend upwards.

How to Apply Makeup on Downturned Eyes

If you're in this category, the outer corners of your eyes droop slightly. It can be subtle or more noticeable. To determine whether you have downturned or upturned eyes, she recommends envisioning an invisible straight line that connects the pupils.

"Notice where the end of your eye is in comparison to the 'line' connected to your pupil." Is the line at the same angle and level as your pupil, or is it lower? "If the corners of your eyes are higher than the pupil line, you have upturned eyes," Hurkman said.

Step 1: Dust Pearly Shade on Lid

Begin by applying a pearly shade across your entire eyelid. Concentrate on the brow bone as this pulls the attention upwards.

Step 2: Layer on Different Shades

Sweep a medium matte shade onto the lash line. Then, using a lighter matte shade, tap color onto the outer corner of the crease and blend.

Step 3: Apply a Dark Liner

Apply a dark liner to the eyelid, starting at the inner corner. Extend the line beyond the outer corner, flicking the line up and out at the end.

That said, if you want to use eyeliner to emphasize this eye shape, let the eyeliner follow the natural shape of your eye, rounding around to the lower lash line, and smoke that out with a pencil eyeshadow brush recommends Hurkman. "This will emphasize the ends of your eyes and will add a little bit of drama."

How to Apply Makeup on Almond Eyes

The most common of the bunch, almond eyes are elongated, with slightly upswept outer corners. "If you have the corners connected to the pupil line, you have almond eyes, and if you have eyes that are below the pupil line, you have a downturned eye shape," Hurkman said.

Step 1: Sweep on a Light Shadow

Begin by applying a light shadow all over the eyelid from the lash line to the brow bone.

Step 2: Apply a Medium Shade

To add dimension, apply a medium shade along the upper lash line. Subtly intensify the color at the outer corners for more drama.

Step 3: Tight-Line Upper and Lower Lashes

Finish by tight-lining the upper and lower lash lines with dark eyeliner. Start at the inner corner of your eye and draw to the outer corner, following the natural curve of your eye.

How to Apply Makeup on Rounded Eyes

Ever been told you have big eyes? Rounded eyes are your shape. With more white space around the pupils, you don't need much makeup to look awake.

Step 1: Dust Lid With Nude Shadow

Start by applying a nude shadow to the entire lid. This will neutralize any shadows or redness.

Step 2: Use Liquid Liner

Using a liquid liner, draw a thin line as close to the lashes as possible. Repeat on the bottom, if desired.

Step 3: Outline Your Waterline

Gently drag a flesh-tone pencil across the waterline. That's the fleshy part of the lower lid that sits between the lashes and the eye. This exaggerates the whites of your eyes and makes them appear brighter.