Have you heard of the eye shape chart challenge?

It started as a viral TikTok trend during the mid-pandemic. The eye shape chart challenge got many people interested in where their peepers fall on the eye shape chart and what it means for eye makeup.

Did you know there are six different eye shapes and more than ten eye shape characteristics to know as a makeup artist?

There are many biological factors proposed for why people have different eye shapes. Ethnicity is a driving factor in eye shapes, as it is believed that our ancestors had to adapt their vision to certain climates, like harsh snow, deserts, and rain forests; over time, it changed the shape of the eyes of their descendants.

When it comes to beauty and makeup, we are less concerned about the history of our eye shape and more about what it means when choosing and applying makeup.

We see hot new makeup trends like smokey eyes, winged eyeliner, and egirl makeup and want to try them out, but there is no standard way of applying eye makeup that works for all eye shapes.

Eye shapes have different characteristics that need to be approached uniquely when applying certain aesthetics.

Several characteristics differ in eye shapes, such as:

• Presence of the crease
• Visibility of white on the eyeball
• Position of the corners
• Presence of a skin flap
• Position of eyes to each other
• The predominance of the brow bone
• The predominance of the eyes
• The angle of the eyes

Before we discuss different eye shapes to determine ours, it is important to know the parts of the external eye. Knowing the parts of the eyes and the terminology will help when it comes to figuring out where we fit on the eye shape chart and applying eye makeup.

The chart below provides definitions for external eye terminology applicable to eye shapes.

Part of the Eye	Definition
Sclera	White part of the eyeball
Iris	Colored part of the eyeball
Pupil	Black dot in the center of the iris Dialates under certain conditions
Tear duct	Inside corner of the eye Corner closest to the nose
Outer V	Outer corner of the eye Opposite corner to the nose
Crease	Folded area of skin above the eyelid
Eyelid (upper)	Flap of skin above the upper lash line
Eyelid (lower)	Skin below the lower lash line
Brow bone	Bony ridge above the eye socket

Eye Shape Chart

Eyes are prominent facial features that give us character. Different eye shapes make us look unique, hence, the need for an eye shape chart.

The ten most common eye shapes are:

1. Almond eyes
2. Hooded eyes
3. Monolid eyes
4. Downturned eyes
5. Upturned eyes
6. Deep-Set eyes
7. Round eyes
8. Protruding eyes
9. Close-set eyes
10. Wide-set eyes

Eye Shapes

It might not be enough to determine your eye shape by looking at the eye shape chart. Keep reading to learn the characteristics of the most common eye shapes.

Almond Eyes

Almond eyes are one of the most common eye shapes, along with monolids. As the name suggests, almond eyes resemble the shape of an almond. Both eyes are symmetrical and horizontal.

If you have almond eyes, you are blessed with more versatility when it comes to wearing eye makeup since many makeup looks are catered toward the almond eye shape.

Celebrities like Beyoncé are known for their alluring almond-shaped eyes.

The key characteristics of almond eyes are:

• Small eyelid
• Visible crease
• Long in width
• Tapers to a point at the tear duct
• Iris touches both the top and bottom eyelids

Hooded Eyes

Hooded eyes are an inherited trait from a first-degree relative; if one or both or your parents have hooded eyes, you have a greater likelihood of having them too. The hooding of eyes can appear from infancy or develop later, but they become more prominent with age when the skin naturally loses its elasticity.

With hooded eyes, a thick layer of skin forms between the brow bone and upper eyelid, covering the crease. These eyelids appear small compared to other eye shapes.

Stars like Selena Gomez show just how gorgeous hooded eyes can be.

The characteristics of hooded eyes are:

• Excess skin below brow bone
• Hidden crease
• Upper eyelid appears very small

Monolid Eyes

Monolid eyes have a single eyelid, also known as an epicanthal fold, unlike double eyelids that have a crease. While it is uncommon to hear people use the phrase ‘double eyelid,’ they include eye shapes like almond, round, and hooded eyes.

Those who have monolid eyes are usually descendants from East Asian countries. Some people with monolid eyes have eyelid surgery to create the appearance of a crease, while others love to accentuate their eye shape with makeup techniques.

If you have monolids, you are very fortunate, as they show signs of aging much slower than others on the eye shape chart with a visible crease.

Celebrities like Lucy Lui embrace their attractive monolid eye shape.

The characteristics of monolid eyes are:

• No visible crease
• Narrow eye shape
• Puffy upper eyelid

Downturned Eyes

Downturned eyes are a common eye shape, similar to almond, but with a downward tilt at the outer corners of your eye. Nicknamed ‘puppy dog eyes, ‘ downturned eyes create the illusion of a more prominent top eyelid.

Those with downturned eyes are lucky to have a more visible canvas for getting creative with eyeshadow techniques.

Iconic celebrities like Marilyn Monroe are famous for their alluring downturned eyes.

The characteristics of downturned eyes are:

• Downward tilt at outer v
• Visible crease
• Large top eyelid

Upturned Eyes

Upturned eyes are the opposite of downturned eyes, as they have an upward tilt at the outside corner. They’re nicknamed ‘cat eyes, ‘ as they give the eye an exotic appearance.

If you have upturned eyes, you’re blessed, as they create the look of tighter skin, like you’ve had an eyelift.

Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift has those cat-like upturned eyes.

The characteristics of upturned eyes are:

• Upward tilt at outer v
• Visible crease
• Bottom lashline is curved upwards

Deep-Set Eyes

Deep-set eyes are eyes that are set further back into the eyesocket than others on the eye shape chart. They create the illusion of a more prominent brow bone and a smaller eye shape.

Those with deep-set eyes get to play with all sorts of makeup colors and techniques to make their eyes pop.

Stars like Kim Kardashian prove that deep-set eyes can be very seductive.

The characteristics of deep set eyes are:

• Eyes set far back in the eyesocket
• Prominent brow bone
• Smaller eyelids
• Visible crease

Round Eyes

Round eyes are circular and less tapered than almond-shaped eyes. With round eyes, a lot of white sclera shows around the iris.

Those with round eyes have ‘babydoll’ type eyes that naturally appear significant and profound. They often look good with very little makeup.

Hollywood twins Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen are famously known for their big round eyes.

The characteristics of round eyes are:

• Circular eye shape
• Prominent crease
• Visible sclera

Protruding Eyes

Protruding eyes or ‘prominent eyes’ are the opposite of deep set eyes. They appear to be further out of the eye socket than others on the eye shape chart. Protruding eyes are a natural eye shape and are not a medical concern like bulging eyes.

If you have protruding eyes, you are likely to get a lot of compliments on your eyes as their shape will accentuate the color of your iris.

Stars including Amanda Seyfried and Nicole Ritchie, are known for their prominent eyes.

The characteristics of prominent eyes include:

• Eyes set further out in the eye socket
• Eyelids appear smaller
• Less visible crease
• Dominant facial feature

Close-Set Eyes

Close-set eyes are closer together than other eye shapes. Also called narrow-set eyes, the space that runs between your two tear ducts over the bridge of your nose is smaller than the width of your eye from corner to corner.

There are many simple eye makeup techniques to make close-set eyes appear wider.

Sarah Jessica Parker is one of Hollywood’s most beautiful bombshells with close-set eyes.

The characteristics of close-set eyes include:

• Eyes closer together than the width of one eye
• Narrow eyelids
• Visible crease

Wide-Set Eyes

Wide-set eyes are the opposite of close-set eyes. The space between the eyes is notably longer than the width of one eye, starting from the outer v to the tear duct. You are lucky if you have wide-set eyes because they’re thought to be alluring and attractive in many cultures.

Stars like Brandy prove that wide-set eyes can be very attractive.

The characteristics of wide-set eyes include:

• Eyes wider apart than the width of one eyelid
• Elongated eyelids
• Visible crease

Sanpaku Eyes

Sanpaku eyes are not so much an eye shape but a distinct and rare eye characteristic. The Japanese word sanpaku translates to “three whites,” as the white space around the iris, the sclera, is visible on three sides.

Superstitions claim that sanpaku eyes are associated with tragedy and violence. The late Princess Diana and former President JFK both had yin sanpaku eyes and met with a tragic fate. However, plenty of people with yin sanpaku eyes are alive and well!

The chart below compares yin sanpaku eyes vs. yang sanpaku eyes.

Yin Sanpaku	Yang Sanpaku
Visible white space below the iris Uncommon eye trait Believed that the person faces danger from the outside Billie Eilish and Princess Diana	Visible white space above the iris Very rare eye trait Believe that the person holds danger or violence on the inside Charles Manson

Eyeliner for Different Eye Shapes

Eyeliner is the most essential component of eye makeup as it defines our eye shape. Nailing the right eyeliner for our eye shape can be tricky; there are so many different eyeliner looks to choose from, but we may need to modify the technique to suit our own eyes.

Some of the most popular eyeliner looks are:

• Winged eyeliner
• Classic upper eyeliner
• Double-winged eyeliner
• Thin flick eyeliner
• Cat eyeliner
• Smoky eyeliner
• Waterline eyeliner

We’ve gathered the best eyeliner looks and tips for each eye on the eye shape chart with step-by-step instructions on how to do them.

Almond Eyes

Eyeliner for almond eyes is pretty simple since you already have the desired, symmetrical, tapered eye shape. Just accentuate what you’ve got!

Highly-pigmented liquid eyeliners like Skone Cosmetics Tattooed eyeliner are perfect for following the tapered almond eye shape. We recommend using a liquid eyeliner with a sponge tip rather than a thin brush, as it is way easier to apply.

Follow these step-by-step tips for eyeliner on almond eyes:

1. Start on your upper lash line at the tear duct
2. Slowly draw a thin line along your lash line with a liquid eyeliner
3. Make the end thicker towards the outer v
4. Optional: Flick the ends up into a wing or trace your outer v for cat eye eyeliner
5. Trace your lower lash line with a dark brown eyeliner pencil

Hooded Eyes

When it comes to eyeliner for hooded eyes, less is more. Because of the extra skin above the eye, it’s easy for thick and liquid eyeliner to smudge.

Using a pencil eyeliner lightly will give the best results. Expert makeup artists recommend touching the lash line gently and accentuating the wing.

Follow these step-by-step instructions for eyeliner for hooded eyes:

1. Trace along your upper last line with a dark brown eyeliner pencil
2. Repeat several times to get a thin, defined line
3. Create a wing shape in your outer v to get an eye-opening effect
4. Use eyeliner to trace your lower lash line lightly

Monolid Eyes

Eyeliner application can be challenging for those with monolids, as most eyeliner styles work best on a double crease.

Makeup artists recommended using waterproof eyeliner as it is less likely to smudge. The floating eyeliner technique creates the illusion of a flawless, thick, winged eyeliner design.

Follow these step-by-step instructions for eyeliner for monolid eyes:

1. Open your eye wide so your upper lash line touches the skin above your eye
2. With waterproof liquid eyeliner, make two or three tiny dots where the lash meets the skin
3. Close your eye and connect the dots to create a smooth line
4. Repeat over the line to get a thicker line
5. Draw the line out into a wing shape

Downturned Eyes

With downturned eyes, the goal is to angle eyeliner upwards. It is best to use gel eyeliner, like Black Ink by Bobbi Brown, to create a wing that opens up your eye.

By starting the wing upwards at the point of your eye where it naturally tilts down, you can create the illusion of horizontal eyes.

Follow these step-by-step instructions for how to do eyeliner for downturned eyes:

1. Start at the tear duct corner of your upper last line
2. Create a thin line to the center of your last line
3. Make the line thicker as it tapers towards your outer v
4. Start to angle the line up where your eye starts to tilt down
5. Use a pencil liner to define your lower lash line lightly

Upturned Eyes

Upturned eyes naturally have that alluring winged shape. With upturned eyes, the intention is to accentuate the bottom eyelid to create symmetry.

Rather than going for a thick line on the upper eyelid, do a tight line across your upper waterline. Experts recommend using a fine-tip eyeliner pen for tight-lining eyeliner.

Follow these step-by-step instructions for upturned eyes eyeliner:

1. Use a fine-tip eyeliner pen to trace a fine tight line on your upper waterline
2. Retrace the line to enhance the color
3. Trace a fine tight line along your lower lash line
4. Make the lower lashline thicker as it reaches your outer v

Deep-Set Eyes

When it comes to a pair of mysteriously deep-set eyes, the goal is to make them appear bigger. You want to avoid heavy eyeliner that will make the eyes looks more sunken.

Use a lighter color of liquid eyeliner like Maybelline New York Master Precise Ink in Galactic Metal. Avoid the inner corners of your eye and focus on opening up the outer v.

Follow these step-by-step instructions for upturned eyes eyeliner:

1. Start at the center of your upper lash line
2. Draw a line with liquid eyeliner out to the corner of your outer v
3. Continue to elongate the line into an upturned wing
4. Trace your lower lashline with a pencil eyeliner

Round Eyes

Big, round eyes are heart-melting shapes that naturally look innocent. When we do eyeliner for round eyes, most people want to elongate the eyes to create a more tapered, exotic shape.

Makeup artists recommend using gel eyeliner with a creamier texture to soften the round eye shape.

Follow these step-by-step instructions for round eyes eyeliner:

1. Start at your upper lash line at the tear duct
2. Use a gel eyeliner to draw a line along your upper lash line
3. Make the liner thicker towards the outer v
4. Extend the line into a thick wing shape
5. Trace your lower lash line to create a smudged effect

Protruding Eyes

Protruding eyes have no trouble gaining attention. Rather than following makeup tips to accentuate the eyes, you want to stick to advice that balances out the shape of your eyes to get an almond shape.

For deep-set eyes, avoid using heavy eyeliner towards the tear duct to help make the eyes appear smaller.

Follow these step-by-step instructions for eyeliner for protruding eyes:

1. Start at the tear duct of your upper eyelid
2. Draw a thick line following your lash line
3. Repeat to get a thicker line
4. Elongate the line into a thick wing
5. Span the wing out horizontally to create an almond shape
6. Line your waterline (lower lash line) with a black felt tip eyeliner line

Close-Set Eyes

When applying eyeliner for close-set eyes, you want to focus on elongating the width of your eye. You want to keep the inner corners eyeliner-free and draw a wing shape to lengthen the eye.

Starting at the center of your eye and using a felt tip eyeliner pen will allow you to create the perfect winged effect.

Follow these step-by-step instructions for eyeliner for close-set eyes:

1. Start at the center of your upper lash line
2. Draw a thin line towards the outer v
3. Make a thick liner extending out past your outer v
4. Trace the lower lash line at the corner of your outer v

Wide-Set Eyes

Wide-set eyes are the opposite of close-set eyes; you want to draw the eyes in towards your nose. Define the inner corners of your eyes to create the illusion of closeness.

Use an eyeliner pencil to work your way from the tear duct out towards the outer v. If you want to do winged eyeliner it is best to create a short, thick wing rather than a long, thin one.

Follow these step-by-step instructions for eyeliner for wide-set eyes:

1. Start at the inner corner of your eye on your upper lash line
2. Use an eyeliner pencil to create a smoky effect around the tear duct
3. Draw a line along your upper lash line
4. Create a short, thick wing at your outer v
5. Trace the inner corner of your lower lash line

Sanpaku Eyes

Sanpaku eyes tend to have the same tired look as downturned or hooded eyes. If you have yin sanpaku eyes, where the white space below the eyes is visible, you will want to use eyeliner to open your eyes up.

Use light-colored eyeliner like creamy white to trace the inner tear duct corner of your upper and lower lashlines. Draw dark eyeliner out and upwards at the outer v to create the illusion of wider eyes.

Makeup for Types Eye Shapes

Unique eye shapes each have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to applying makeup. The application techniques for the eye shape chart are a whole other tutorial.

The chart below shows each eye shape’s top tips for eye shadow and mascara.

Eye Shape	Eyeshadow and Mascara
Almond	Apply light eye shadow to the tear duct Curl lashes when applying mascara
Hooded	Use eyeshadow primer to prevent smudging Apply mascara to your bottom lashes
Monolids	Use light brown eyeshadow to create the illusion of a crease Add volume to your lashes with a volumizing mascara
Downturned	Use a triple color palate of eyeshadow Accentuate the corners of your eyes with mascara
Upturned	Apply light eyeshadow to your crease Accentuate your lower lash line with thick mascara
Deep-set	Stick to light eyeshadow on the central part of your eyelid Use dark brown or dark blue mascara rather than black
Round	Use a deep eye shadow color on your outer v Focus on elongating the lashes of your outer corners with mascara
Protruding	Stick to dark eye shadow colors on your crease Use a thickening mascara rather than
Close Set	Accentuate the inner corners with light gold eyeshadow Brush mascara in an outwards direction
Wide Set	Apply dark eyeshadow to the inner corners of your eyes to draw them in Focus on applying mascara to the inner corners of your eyes

Understanding the Eye Shape Chart

Not all eyes tick one box on the eye shape chart. Your eyes may be a combination of two or more eye shapes. Different eye shapes give us our own unique character. How boring would it be if all our eyes looked the same?

Knowing the eye shape chart is essential when applying eye makeup. You might want to make your eyes appear symmetrical and horizontal, or you might want to flaunt your own unique shape.

There are advantages and disadvantages to makeup for every eye shape, but the challenge is the fun part!