15 Best Eyeliner Looks And Tips For Your Eye Shape

Eyeliner can transform your look in seconds, but finding the right style for your unique eye shape makes all the difference.

I’ve spent years experimenting with different techniques and discovered that what works beautifully on one person might not complement another.

Your natural eye structure holds the secret to which liner style will make your eyes pop most dramatically. Ready to find your perfect match?

1. Classic Winged Liner for Almond Eyes

Almond eyes hit the genetic jackpot when it comes to eyeliner options. Almost every style works, but nothing beats a classic wing for showcasing this balanced shape.

Start thin at the inner corner, gradually thickening the line as you move outward. When you reach the outer edge, extend slightly upward following your lower lash line’s natural trajectory. Keep the wing moderate – not too long or steep. The finished look should enhance your natural eye shape rather than overwhelm it. This timeless style opens up your eyes while adding definition that makes lashes appear fuller.

2. Tightlining Magic for Round Eyes

Round eyes already command attention with their naturally open appearance. The tightlining technique adds definition without sacrificing your eye’s youthful look.

Take a waterproof pencil liner and carefully apply it directly into your upper waterline – that space between your lashes and eyeball. Work in small sections, gently lifting your eyelid to reach the base of your lashes. This hidden liner trick creates the illusion of thicker lashes while defining your eyes subtly. Since round eyes tend to show more white space, this technique frames without overwhelming or making eyes appear smaller.

3. Elongated Flick for Hooded Eyes

Hooded eyes need special consideration since the mobile lid is partially hidden beneath skin that seems to fold over. Traditional liner often disappears when you open your eyes fully.

Create your line with eyes open, looking straight ahead. Keep the line ultra-thin along the lash line, then extend outward with a more pronounced flick that’s visible beyond your hood. The key is positioning the wing higher than you might think necessary. This technique draws attention outward, creating the illusion of lift. Many makeup artists recommend using a waterproof formula that won’t transfer onto your hood throughout the day.

4. Smudged Liner for Deep-Set Eyes

Deep-set eyes already have natural dimension, sitting farther back in their sockets. Hard lines can sometimes make this depth more pronounced, so a softer approach often works better.

Apply a dark pencil liner close to your lash line, then use a small smudge brush to gently blur the edges. This creates a soft, smoky effect that’s more forgiving than sharp lines. Focus the intensity on the outer corners to draw the eye outward.

The smudged technique adds definition without harsh boundaries. It’s particularly flattering for mature deep-set eyes, as it avoids the crepey appearance that sometimes occurs with liquid liner.

5. Floating Liner for Monolids

Monolids offer a beautiful canvas for creative liner techniques that work with their unique shape. Traditional liner often disappears when eyes are open, making the floating liner technique especially effective.

Apply liner slightly above your actual lash line, following the natural curve of your eye but positioned where it will be visible with eyes open. This creates a gorgeous line that appears to float above your lashes.

You can keep it simple with a clean line or add artistic flair with a small wing. The space between your lashes and the liner creates an interesting dimensional effect that’s both modern and eye-catching.

6. Kitten Liner for Small Eyes

Small eyes benefit from techniques that create the illusion of width and openness. The kitten liner is essentially a mini wing – the sophisticated little sister of the dramatic cat eye.

Keep your line extremely thin along the lash line, extending just slightly beyond the outer corner with a tiny upward flick. The short length and modest angle prevent overwhelming smaller eye shapes while still providing definition. Pair this with a flesh-toned pencil on your waterline to maximize the eye-opening effect. This combo makes small eyes appear larger while maintaining a polished, professional look that works for any occasion.

7. Open Inner Corners for Close-Set Eyes

Close-set eyes appear nearer to the bridge of your nose than average. The goal is creating the illusion of more space between them.

Skip lining the inner third of your eye completely. Instead, apply a light, shimmery shadow or white pencil to the inner corners and extend liner from the middle of your upper lid outward. This technique instantly makes eyes appear farther apart.

Focus intensity on the outer corners with a wing that draws attention outward rather than inward. The contrast between the brightened inner corners and defined outer edges creates balance, making close-set eyes appear more proportionate to the rest of your facial features.

8. Bold Wing for Wide-Set Eyes

Wide-set eyes have more space between them than the width of one eye. Your goal is to create balance by drawing attention inward.

Start your liner at the innermost corner, keeping it thick and defined from the beginning. Gradually increase the thickness toward the center of your lid, then extend with a substantial wing that points more toward the end of your brow than upward.

This technique visually pulls eyes closer together by emphasizing the inner corners. The substantial liner creates a frame that makes wide-set eyes appear more centered on your face, bringing harmony to your overall look.

9. Lower Lash Line Flick for Upturned Eyes

Upturned eyes have a natural lift at the outer corners – think of celebs like Mila Kunis or Kendall Jenner. This eye shape already has a beautiful natural cat-eye effect.

Enhance your shape by extending liner slightly beyond both your upper and lower lash lines, connecting them in a subtle flick. Keep the upper line thin and precise, focusing more on extending the lower lash line outward.

This technique accentuates your natural upward tilt without fighting against it. The result is a balanced look that celebrates your eye shape’s inherent lift while adding definition that makes your lashes appear fuller and more dramatic.

10. Thin Top Line for Downturned Eyes

Downturned eyes have outer corners that tilt slightly downward, which can create a naturally sweet, approachable appearance. The right liner technique can add lift without fighting your natural shape. Keep your line ultra-thin along the lash line, gradually thickening it as you reach the outer corner. Then create a wing that points upward at about a 45-degree angle, counterbalancing the downward tilt.

Avoid extending liner too far along the lower lash line, as this can emphasize the downward appearance. Instead, focus on creating lift through the precisely angled wing, which draws the eye upward and creates the illusion of lift.

11. Reverse Liner for Dramatic Effect

Reverse liner flips the script on traditional techniques by focusing on the lower lash line instead of the upper lid. This unexpected approach works beautifully for many eye shapes when you want something bolder than everyday looks.

Leave your upper lash line bare or minimally lined, then apply a more substantial line along your lower lashes. Extend this line outward and slightly upward at the outer corner for a modern, editorial effect.

This technique draws attention to the shape of your eyes in a fresh way. It’s particularly striking on deep-set or hooded eyes where upper lid space is limited, creating drama without requiring precise application on difficult lid areas.

12. Double Wing for Lifted Look

The double wing creates a modern, graphic look that adds instant lift to any eye shape. It’s like the classic wing’s cooler, more artistic cousin.

Create your standard wing along the upper lash line, extending outward and upward. Then add a second parallel line that starts from your lower lash line and extends to meet or mirror the upper wing. Leave space between the lines for maximum impact.

This technique creates the illusion of lift through the dual upward motion. It works particularly well for eyes that need a bit of lifting at the corners, adding both definition and a contemporary edge that makes even simple makeup looks appear more intentional.

13. White Waterline for Tired Eyes

When fatigue shows in your eyes, this simple technique creates an instantly refreshed appearance. The white waterline trick is a makeup artist secret for making eyes look bigger and more awake.

Apply a white or flesh-toned pencil directly to your lower waterline – that rim between your lower lashes and eye. Pair this with your regular upper lash line liner, keeping the line clean and defined.

The contrast between the dark upper liner and brightened waterline creates dimension that counteracts redness and shadows. This technique works for all eye shapes and is especially effective when you’re short on sleep but need to look alert and refreshed.

14. Brown Liner for Soft Definition

Black liner isn’t always the answer. Brown eyeliner creates definition with a softer effect that’s perfect for daytime, fair complexions, or when you want a more natural enhancement.

Apply a rich brown liner close to your lash line in whatever shape complements your eye shape. The warm undertones blend more naturally with your skin and lashes than harsh black, especially for those with lighter coloring.

This approach defines your eyes without the stark contrast of black, making it ideal for professional settings or minimal makeup days. Brown liner is particularly flattering on blue and green eyes, as the warm tones create beautiful color contrast that makes eye color appear more vibrant.

15. Gradient Liner for Subtle Lift

Gradient liner uses the power of color transition to create dimension and lift. Instead of a solid line, the thickness or color intensity gradually changes from one end to the other.

Start with a thin, light application at the inner corner, progressively thickening and darkening the line as you move outward. The thinnest point is at the inner corner, while the thickest point is at the outer edge where you can add a subtle flick.

This technique creates the illusion of wider, lifted eyes through the strategic placement of weight and color. The graduated effect draws attention outward and upward, making it especially flattering for downturned or mature eyes.