Eye Shapes

The eyes are one of the most defining features of the face. They express emotion, create balance, and often form the first thing people notice about you. Understanding your eye shape can help you make the most of your natural features, whether through make-up, styling, or even aesthetic treatments.

We explore the different types of eye shapes, how to recognise your own, the best make-up techniques for each shape, and the options available if you wish to enhance or alter the appearance of your eyes.

How to Identify Your Eye Shape

Every person’s eye shape is unique, but most fall into certain categories based on the eyelid crease, the proportion of the eye, and the angle of the outer corner. Identifying your eye shape is straightforward if you know what to look for.

Start with a clean, make-up free face and stand in front of a mirror with natural light. Look at whether you have a visible crease in your eyelid. A deep crease usually indicates an almond or round eye shape, while a crease that is hidden or absent suggests a hooded or monolid eye.

Next, imagine a horizontal line running through the inner and outer corners of your eye. If the outer corner sits higher than this line, you may have upturned eyes. If it sits lower, you are likely to have downturned eyes. If the corners are aligned evenly, your eyes may be almond or round, depending on the width and height of the visible eye.

Finally, check the space between your eyes. If the distance is greater than the width of one eye, they are considered wide-set. If the distance is smaller than the width of one eye, they are close-set.

Common Types of Eye Shape

Monolid Eyes

Monolid eyes have little to no visible crease in the eyelid. This shape is most commonly seen in East Asian populations but can occur in anyone. The smooth surface of the lid creates a clean canvas for bold make-up looks.

Hooded Eyes

Hooded eyes are characterised by excess skin that folds down over the crease, making the lid appear smaller. This can be a natural feature or something that develops with ageing as the skin loses elasticity.

Almond Eyes

Almond eyes are one of the most balanced and symmetrical shapes. They are slightly pointed at the outer corners and wider in the centre, resembling the shape of an almond. Almost every make-up style suits almond eyes, making them very versatile.

Round Eyes

Round eyes are large and open, with visible white around the top and bottom of the iris. This shape gives a youthful and wide-eyed appearance, often referred to as a “doe-eyed” look.

Upturned Eyes

With upturned eyes, the outer corners tilt upwards higher than the inner corners. This creates a naturally lifted, cat-like look that many people seek to recreate with eyeliner.

Downturned Eyes

Downturned eyes have outer corners that sit lower than the inner corners. This can sometimes create a tired or sad expression, though the right make-up techniques can completely transform their look.

Wide-set and Close-set Eyes

In addition to the shape of the lids, the spacing of the eyes also influences appearance. Wide-set eyes sit further apart than average, while close-set eyes are positioned more closely together. Both can be balanced with clever make-up placement.

Make-Up Tips for Different Eye Shapes

The key to make-up is to work with your natural eye shape rather than against it. Here are some tailored tips for each type of eye shape.

Monolid Eyes: Use shimmering or metallic shadows along the lash line and blend upward to create depth. Thick eyeliner or a bold wing works well to define the eye. Always curl lashes and use plenty of mascara or false lashes for extra lift.

Hooded Eyes: Opt for thicker eyeliner on the upper lash line to prevent it from being hidden under the fold. Winged liner is especially flattering, as it helps lift the outer corners. When applying eyeshadow, blend it slightly above the natural crease to make the lid appear larger.

Almond Eyes: This versatile shape suits almost any style. A soft smoky eye works beautifully, as do winged liners and graphic shapes. For a natural day look, apply a light shade across the lid and a darker shade in the outer crease.

Round Eyes: To elongate round eyes, use eyeliner that extends outwards into a cat-eye flick. Avoid heavy shading on the upper crease, as this can make the eyes look smaller. Instead, focus colour on the outer half of the lid.

Upturned Eyes: Balance the naturally lifted shape by applying eyeliner to both the upper and lower lash lines. A subtle winged liner enhances the cat-eye effect.

Downturned Eyes: Brighten the inner corner with light shades and use darker shadows on the outer third of the eye, blended upward to lift the appearance. A winged eyeliner angled upwards can counteract the downturned tilt.

Wide-set Eyes: Bring focus inward by applying eyeliner closer to the inner corners and blending darker shadow toward the nose bridge. Filling brows slightly closer together can also help balance spacing.

Close-set Eyes: Apply eyeliner and eyeshadow outward, extending colour beyond the outer corner to create the illusion of wider spacing. Highlighter in the inner corner also opens up the eyes.

Can You Change Your Eye Shape Without Surgery?

While make-up can create the illusion of different eye shapes, it does not physically alter the structure of the eye. Eyelash curling, clever shadow placement, and eyeliner tricks are the most effective non-surgical ways to temporarily change how your eyes appear.

Skincare may also help to some degree, as maintaining good skin elasticity can reduce drooping or hooding with age. However, to make permanent changes to the shape of your eyes, surgical procedures are required.

Surgical Options to Enhance Eye Shape

There are several surgical and non-surgical treatments available for people who wish to alter or rejuvenate their eye shape.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery): Blepharoplasty is one of the most common procedures performed at CLNQ. It removes excess skin and fat from the upper or lower eyelids, improving hooded eyes and giving a fresher appearance.

Upper Eyelid Surgery: Often performed under local anaesthetic, this involves carefully removing sagging skin to open up the eye area. It is a popular option for patients with heavy or drooping eyelids at CLNQ.  We offer blepharoplasty Manchester and Cheshire by our team of expert plastic surgeons.

Lower Eyelid Surgery: This addresses puffiness or bags under the eyes by removing or repositioning fat.

Non-Surgical Options: Treatments such as Morpheus8 radiofrequency microneedling and CO₂ laser resurfacing can tighten the skin around the eyes without surgery. These procedures stimulate collagen production, helping to reduce sagging and fine lines.

Injectables: Botox can lift the brows slightly, while dermal fillers can restore volume loss in the under-eye area. These are temporary but effective for subtle reshaping.

Ptosis Surgery: For patients with significant eyelid drooping that affects vision, ptosis correction surgery can lift the lid to restore function and appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply make-up for different eye shapes?

Each eye shape requires a tailored approach. Hooded eyes benefit from winged liner and shadows above the crease, while round eyes look best with elongated eyeliner. See the detailed make-up section above for full guidance.

Can I change my eye shape naturally?

No, you cannot physically change your eye shape without surgery. However, make-up, lash styling, and skincare can create the illusion of a different shape.

What surgical options are available to change eye shape?

Blepharoplasty is the most common option for reshaping the eyes, along with non-surgical tightening treatments and injectables. More advanced procedures such as ptosis repair may also be used when required.

Does eye shape change with age?

Yes, eye shape can change subtly with time. As skin loses elasticity, the eyelids may begin to droop, creating a hooded appearance. Treatments and make-up adjustments can help maintain a youthful look.

Summary

Your eyes are unique, and understanding your eye shape is the first step in highlighting their beauty. Whether you want to master make-up techniques, create the illusion of a new look, or explore aesthetic treatments, there are plenty of ways to enhance your eyes.

At CLNQ, we offer a range of advanced non-surgical and surgical procedures to rejuvenate the eye area. From subtle enhancements to transformative surgeries, treatments are tailored to your individual needs.

If you are considering improving the appearance of your eyes, book a consultation with our experienced team to discuss the options most suitable for you.