How to Choose the Right Eyeliner for Your Eye Shape

Quick Answer

To choose the right eyeliner for your eye shape, identify whether you have hooded, round, almond, monolid, or downturned eyes, then select a formula and application technique that enhances your natural shape. For hooded eyes, opt for a smudge-proof pencil or gel and apply with your eyes open. For round eyes, use a liquid liner to elongate the outer corner.

Eyeliner can transform your look, but the wrong style can make your eyes appear smaller or unbalanced. The key is understanding your eye shape and choosing a formula and technique that flatters it. Whether you have hooded, round, almond, or monolid eyes, this guide will help you pick the perfect eyeliner and apply it like a pro.

We'll walk you through the most common eye shapes, the best eyeliner formulas for each, and step-by-step application tips. You'll also learn common mistakes to avoid, so you can achieve a polished look every time.

Identify Your Eye Shape

Before you pick a liner, determine your eye shape. Stand close to a mirror and look straight ahead. Notice if you have a visible crease (almond, round) or if your crease is hidden when your eyes are open (hooded). Check if your outer corners point upward (upturned) or downward (downturned). Also note if you have a monolid, where no crease is visible.

Once you know your shape, you can tailor your liner placement. For example, hooded eyes benefit from a thin line that doesn't take up the limited lid space, while round eyes can handle a slightly thicker line to add definition. Almond eyes are versatile and can pull off most styles.

Choose the Right Eyeliner Formula

Eyeliner comes in pencils, gels, liquids, and pens. Pencils are great for smudging and a soft look, ideal for hooded eyes or beginners. Gel liners offer more precision and are long-wearing, perfect for round eyes that need a defined line. Liquid liners provide the sharpest line, best for almond eyes or dramatic looks.

If you have oily lids or watery eyes, look for waterproof or smudge-proof formulas. A pencil like the Luxury Mascara's companion liner might work, but always check for long-wear claims. For hooded eyes, a pencil that sets quickly is key to prevent transfer.

Eyeliner Application Tips for Each Eye Shape

For hooded eyes, apply liner with your eyes open to see the actual lid space. Draw a thin line along the upper lash line, and avoid thick wings that can get lost in the fold. Instead, try a subtle wing that points slightly upward to lift the eye.

For round eyes, elongate the shape by extending the liner slightly beyond the outer corner. Use a liquid or gel liner to create a clean flick. For almond eyes, you can experiment with various styles, but a classic cat-eye looks especially flattering.

Step-by-Step: Choose and Apply Eyeliner for Your Eye Shape

1. Determine your eye shape: Look straight into a mirror and observe your crease, outer corner direction, and lid space. This is the foundation for all liner decisions. Checkpoint: Write down your eye shape before moving on.
2. Select the right formula: For hooded eyes, choose a smudge-proof pencil or gel. For round eyes, a liquid or gel liner gives precise control. Almond eyes can use any formula. Checkpoint: If you have oily lids, prioritize waterproof options.
3. Apply with a technique that flatters: For hooded eyes, keep your eye open and draw a thin line. For round eyes, extend the line outward. For almond eyes, try a winged look. Checkpoint: Always check the line with your eye open to ensure it's visible.

Products That Help

• Luxury Mascara: This 4-in-1 eye awakening mascara curls, volumizes, lengthens and sets lashes into place for all day wear. While not an eyeliner, pairing the right mascara with your liner enhances your eye shape. The ergonomic brush coats each lash, adding volume that complements your liner work.
• Boyd's Eyeshadow Crease Brush: This brush is perfect for defining and contouring eyes, with dyed-tip goat hair for seamless blending. Use this brush to smudge pencil liner along the lash line for a soft, diffused look that flatters hooded or round eyes, creating a seamless transition.

Choosing the right eyeliner for your eye shape is about enhancing your natural features. Start with the correct formula and apply with a technique that works for you. With practice, you'll master the perfect line that makes your eyes pop.