The Ultimate Guide to Identifying your Eye Shape

If you’ve watched your favorite beauty blogger’s eyeshadow tutorial for the tenth time, followed each tip and trick to the T, only for the end result to look more mediocre than wow, the chances are, you’re not catering to your eye shape.

Just like enhancing your body with silhouettes that suit your frame and make you feel confident, understanding your eye shape is just as essential. From deep set eyes and hooded eyes to almond shaped eyes and beyond… one size, or should we say shape, doesn’t fit all.

To help you understand your eyes and figure out which eye shape you were blessed with, we’ve rounded up all the deets. Plus, some makeup tips you need to know for taking your eyes to new extremes.

Mirrors at the ready.

Determining your eye shape

Say bye to the nights spent trying to manipulate your eye makeup, enhance the natural curves of your eyes, and utilise the makeup tools and application tricks that will make them stand out. From monolids and hooded eyes to downturned, upturned, almond shaped eyes and more, we’re about to explain all.

ALMOND UPTURNED DOWNTURNED HOODED MONOLID ROUND BIG SMALL

ALMOND EYES

If your eyes slightly point upwards at the ends, with a wider centre where the iris touches the top and the bottom of your eyelid, you have almond eyes.

These are the most common eye shape and are easily adaptable to a whole world of eye makeup looks. Figure out if you have almond shaped eyes by examining your irises. If the iris touches the top and the bottom of your eyelid, you have almond eyes. Almond shaped eyes often taper upward slightly to a point at the outer eye.

Lucky you! Almond eyes are one of the most common so if you’ve got them, you’re blessed with versatility. Elevate your look with smoked out cat eyes and lashes of your choice - a huge range of falsies will work for you, so enjoy.

The best lashes for almond eyes

As the most universal eye shape, you’re going to be able to throw on just about any pair of lashes and look like a 10/10. Since you don’t really have any restrictions in terms of volume, length or shape, you’re basically free to choose lashes that complement whatever makeup look you’re trying to achieve. And if you really want to make the most out of your eye shape (we see you, showing the rest of us up!), the smokey cat-eye is the perfect look for you.

Beyoncé, Selena Gomez and Mila Kunis have almond-shaped eyes.

our lash picks

AMY LASH

$8.00

4.9

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars

12 Reviews

Wispy, natural eyelash with an invisible band

ATHENA LASH

$15.00

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

1 Review

Natural wispy eyelash for small eye shapes and for wearing under glasses

LAUREN LASH

$10.00

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

1 Review

Natural, wispy eyelashes for small or hooded eyes

NIKKIA LASH

$10.00

4.4

Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars

5 Reviews

Wispy, natural eyelash for everyday wear

ASHLEIGH 2.0 LASH

$8.00

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

4 Reviews

Fluffy faux mink eyelash with flexible cotton band for comfortable wear

ZAHRAH LASH

$12.00

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

2 Reviews

NATALIE LASH

$10.00

4.8

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars

6 Reviews

Natural eyelash with a thin, comfortable band

ELLA LASH

$10.00

4.5

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

2 Reviews

View All

upturned EYES

If you’re unsure about your eye shape, try picturing a straight line going directly from the top of your nose, though your pupil and towards your temple. If the outer corners of your eyes are above the line, then you’ve got upturned cat eyes.

Are your outer corners higher than your inner corners? Not sure? It’s time to use your imagination. Picture a straight line going across your eyes, and if your outer corners draw upwards above the line, you’ve got an upturned eye aka the Bella Hadid of all eye shapes - cat eyes!

For a fierce and feline finish, try a flared lash that’s heavier on the outer corners. Thank us later.

The best lashes for upturned cat eyes

When it comes to finding the best lashes for cat eyes, you’ve officially got the suits-anything-and-everything eye shape going on. To exaggerate your upturned eyes, we recommend going for winged lashes that fan out with the most volume and length on the outer ends. If you’re looking for a soft and subtle look, try balancing out your eye shape with a style featuring evenly distributed lashes across the whole lash.

Kendall Jenner, Rihanna and Taylor Swift all have upturned eyes.

our lash picks

ZAHRAH LASH

$12.00

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

2 Reviews

Cruelty free faux mink eyelash with thin, comfortable band

JESSICA LASH

$12.00

Faux mink cruelty free eyelash with thin comfortable band

HANNAH LASH

$12.00

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

2 Reviews

THE VOLUME SET

$35.00

4.0

Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars

1 Review

Eyelash multipack with wispy, voluminous lashes

THE GLAMOUR SET

$35.00

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

1 Review

downturned EYES

When the eyes tilt in a downturned direction, it can give the appearance of large upper lids. Still unsure? Take a peek in the mirror and focus on drawing an imaginary line straight across your eye lid. Would the outer corners dip below the line? If it’s a yes, then you’ve got downturned eyes.

This one should be easy to figure out. Essentially, the outer corners of downturned eyes are lower than the inner corners. If your outer top eyelid dips downwards to meet your lower lash line, this one’s for you. With this shape, it’s important to lift, brighten and open the eyes, as some makeup looks can cause a droopy looking appearance.

Give your outer corners a helpful all-over lift with ultra-low volume, criss-cross designs. The wispier the better.

The best lashes for downturned eyes

If you’re looking for the best lashes for downturned eyes, it’s important to note that the wrong lashes can give the appearance of an almost droopy look. Since downturned eyes are characterised by outer corners that tilt down, make sure you avoid lashes that are too heavy – especially at the ends. Choose wispy, natural-looking lashes that feature the longest lashes in the centre, as this will give your outer corners a subtle, all-over lift.

Katie Holmes, Anne Hathaway and Charlize Theron have downturned eyes.

our lash picks

ZAHRAH LASH

$12.00

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

2 Reviews

GEORGIA LASH

$12.00

3.0

Rated 3.0 out of 5 stars

1 Review

ATHENA LASH

$15.00

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

1 Review

LAUREN LASH

$10.00

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

1 Review

JESSICA LASH

$12.00

GEMMA LASH

$12.00

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

1 Review

HANNAH LASH

$12.00

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

2 Reviews

hooded eyes

Hooded eyes have a crease with a prominent brow bone. As the skin of the brow bone conceals the crease of the eye, the full eyelid isn’t completely visible when the eye is open.

With hooded eyes, the skin of the brow bone hangs over the eyelid, and conceals the crease of the eye. It’s important to choose lashes designed specifically for hooded eyes in order to enhance them. Although many people are born with hooded eye shapes, age and loss of skin elasticity can result in different eye shapes taking on a slightly more hooded appearance over time.

Draw focus upwards, apply eyeshadow vertically to minimise puffy hoods, and intensify and broaden your eye shape with curled, wispy lashes.

The best lashes for hooded eyes

Hooded eyes give us sultry vibes – so make the most of them! Wearing the wrong type of lashes can really pull hooded eyes down, making them appear a lot smaller than they really are. Some of the best lashes for hooded eyes curl directly above the pupil to really open the eye at the centre, but you can also opt for fluffy-looking lashes that taper out slightly on the ends. Enhance your look by picking styles that feature a wispy mix of longer and shorter lashes to create the illusion of depth.

Blake Lively, Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone have hooded eyes.

our lash picks

Faux mink eyelash for small or hooded eyes

NATASHA LASH

$12.00

Natural eyelashes with flexible, invisible band

AMELIA LASH

$15.00

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

1 Review

NATALIE LASH

$10.00

4.8

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars

6 Reviews

APRIL LASH

$15.00

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

2 Reviews

NIKKIA LASH

$10.00

4.4

Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars

5 Reviews

LAUREN LASH

$10.00

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

1 Review

Soft natural eyelashes for everyday wear

THE NATURAL SET

$35.00

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

7 Reviews

Natural eyelashes for small eyes and wearing under glasses

THE PETITE SET

$35.00

4.6

Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars

7 Reviews

View All

monolid eyes

Most commonly found among Asian eyes, the skin on monolids (or epicanthic folds as they're medically termed) covers the entire upper eyelid. If you don’t have a visible crease line, you’ve got monolid eyes, and there are certain types of lash styles that’ll suit you.

The skin on monolids (or epicanthic folds as they're medically termed) completely covers the upper eyelid altogether. So, if you don’t have a visible crease line, you’ve got monolid eyes.

Monolids are a beautiful open canvas, so make the most of them! Here, you want to curl, lift and enhance your natural lashes, and add dimension with multi-dimensional criss-cross designs that really open the eye. Winged liner is your perfect match.

The best lashes for monolid eyes

Often, monolid eyes have straighter lashes, which is why we’re all for ultra-curled, fluttery lash goodness. To create the illusion of a more open, elongated eye shape, criss-cross lashes and multi-layered styles with longer lashes that taper on the outer corners will really enhance your look. Avoid super dense lashes that weigh your eyelids down, and keep it light, airy and curly to subtly emphasise your lash line.

Lana Condor, Sandra Oh and Lucy Liu have this eye shape.

our lash picks

AMY LASH

$8.00

4.9

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars

12 Reviews

AMELIA LASH

$15.00

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

1 Review

APRIL LASH

$15.00

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

2 Reviews

Natural eyelash for small eyes and wearing under glasses

MELANIE LASH

$10.00

NIKKIA LASH

$10.00

4.4

Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars

5 Reviews

LAUREN LASH

$10.00

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

1 Review

Natural, wispy eyelashes with invisible bands

THE NATURAL SET 2.0

$35.00

4.5

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

2 Reviews

NATALIE LASH

$10.00

4.8

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars

6 Reviews

View All

round eyes

If you can see the whites of your eyes below your iris when you look straight ahead into the mirror, then yes, you’ve got round eyes!

Can you see the whites of your eyes below your iris when you look straight ahead into the mirror? If you can, then you have open, round eyes with head-turning depth. Did someone say eye goals? We think so.

Enhance the depth of your eyes with soft, fluttery lashes and avoid OTT heavy lashes as they could overwhelm your lash line and make your eyes look flatter and smaller than they really are.

The best lashes for round eyes

Because of the head-turning dimension of your eyes (jealous, much), the best false lashes for round eyes will enable you to enhance this depth even further. Look to uber-curled lashes that taper out on the outer corners and wispy, ethereal styles that will open out your eyes and provide that fluttery goodness. Avoid overly dense lashes as they could overwhelm your eyes and make them look smaller or flatter than they are.

Ashley Olsen , Katy Perry and Zooey Deschanel all have round eyes.

our lash picks

AMY LASH

$8.00

4.9

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars

12 Reviews

MELANIE LASH

$10.00

NIKKIA LASH

$10.00

4.4

Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars

5 Reviews

Cruelty free lash with a thin, flexible band

CHLOE LASH

$10.00

4.3

Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars

4 Reviews

NATALIE LASH

$10.00

4.8

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars

6 Reviews

NATASHA LASH

$12.00

Natural, wispy eyelash with a flexible band

SAMANTHA LASH

$8.00

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

1 Review

APRIL LASH

$15.00

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

2 Reviews

View All

big eyes

Bigger eyes have a lower lid and tend to project from the eye socket that sits deeply in the face. Belle of the ball, anyone?

Got big, round eyes, you probably already know it! If your eyes appear noticeably large, you’ve technically got ‘protruding eyes’. This eye shape is generally characterised by dominant eyes that project from the eye socket… and kind of gives us Disney princess vibes.

Luckily for those of you blessed with big eyes, you don’t need much extra help when it comes to making your eye makeup POP. Super long and thick lashes and heavy shadow aren’t your friend, so keep it soft, wispy, and magical.

The best lashes for protruding eyes

Take note when we say that every eye shape is different, so what looks super chic on someone with small round eyes might not work for someone with eyes as big and bright as yours. The best lashes for big eyes are lightweight, wispy and romantic, and not just because your dominant eyes give off Disney princess vibes wherever you go. Avoid overly long and thick lashes, because with you, less is more.

Amanda Seyfried , Alexandra Daddario and Penélope Cruz have protruding eyes.

our lash picks

ASHLEIGH 2.0 LASH

$8.00

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

4 Reviews

AMY LASH

$8.00

4.9

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars

12 Reviews

NIKKIA LASH

$10.00

4.4

Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars

5 Reviews

APRIL LASH

$15.00

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

2 Reviews

THE NATURAL SET

$35.00

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

7 Reviews

MELANIE LASH

$10.00

Natural, wispy eyelashes with flexible, comfortable bands

THE WISPY SET

$35.00

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

2 Reviews

THE NATURAL SET 2.0

$35.00

4.5

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

2 Reviews

View All

small eyes

Simply, small eyes tend to be tinier than the rest of your facial features, and you might even have a smaller space between the ends of your lashes and brow bone.

Small eyes are typically tinier than the rest of the features on your face. You might even notice a smaller space between the ends of your lashes and brow bone too.

Avoid eye ‘shrinkage’ and get doe-eyed in a hot minute by skipping eyeliner and always, we repeat always, trim your lashes to fit your face. Lash strip overhang is a no-go when it comes to accentuating small eyes.

The best lashes for small eyes

When it comes to finding the best strip lashes for small eyes, there are a few tips and tricks to help you avoid the dreaded eye ‘shrinkage’. Small eyes can get unavoidably overwhelmed with false lashes, so ALWAYS trim your falsies to suit your face. Customisation is key to nailing your aesthetic, and let’s face it, lash strip overhang is the ultimate no-no for small, hooded or monolid eyes.

Chrissy Teigen, Kristen Bell and Jennifer Aniston have small eyes.