Last updated: March 2026
What Is Eye Shape?
Eye shape refers to the natural structure of your eyes — almond, round, hooded, monolid, downturned, upturned, deep-set, or close/wide-set — which determines the most flattering eyeshadow placement and liner techniques.
Identifying your eye shape is one of the most useful things you can do for your makeup. Techniques that look stunning on almond eyes can look completely different on hooded or monolid eyes. For example, a classic winged liner may disappear on hooded eyes unless you adjust the angle and thickness. Round eyes benefit from elongating techniques, while almond eyes can handle almost any style. The main eye shapes are: almond (oval with a visible crease), round (wide open with visible white above and below the iris), hooded (the crease is hidden when eyes are open), monolid (no visible crease), downturned (outer corners point down), upturned (outer corners point up), deep-set (eyes sit deeper in the socket), and close-set or wide-set (distance between eyes relative to face width).
Tips
- Look straight at a mirror with your eyes relaxed to determine your eye shape. If you can't see your crease, you likely have hooded or monolid eyes.
- Hooded eyes: place shadow above the natural crease so it's visible when eyes are open.
- Round eyes: extend shadow and liner outward to elongate.
- Deep-set eyes: use lighter shades on the lid to bring eyes forward.
See it in action
Tutorials that use or demonstrate this technique: