Almond-shaped eyes, with their elegant, upswept corners and symmetrical look, are often considered one of the most versatile shapes for eye makeup. From a classic winged liner to a dramatic smokey eye, nearly every style complements their natural beauty. Their balanced proportions create a perfect canvas for both subtle enhancements and bold, creative looks.
If you have almond eyes, you’ve hit the genetic jackpot when it comes to makeup possibilities. This guide is designed to help you make the most of your eye shape. We’ll explore everything from eyeshadow techniques and eyeliner styles to lash tips and brow shaping. Get ready to learn how to enhance your eyes and master the best eye makeup for almond eyes.
Understanding the Almond Eye Shape
Before we get into the makeup techniques, let’s confirm if you have almond-shaped eyes. This shape is named for its resemblance to an almond nut—slightly pointed at the ends with a wider center.
Key Features of Almond Eyes
- The iris (the colored part of your eye) touches both the top and bottom waterline.
- The outer corners of the eyes have a natural upward lift.
- The eye shape is longer horizontally than it is vertically.
To check, look straight into a mirror. If you can’t see the white of your eye above or below the iris, and your outer corners tilt upward, you likely have almond eyes.
Common Makeup Goals
Most makeup techniques for almond eyes aim to achieve one of three goals:
- Enhancing Symmetry: Highlighting the natural balance and even proportions of the eye.
- Creating a Lifting Effect: Emphasizing the upward tilt at the outer corners for a more awake and lifted look.
- Elongating the Shape: Using liner and shadow to extend the eye’s length for a sultry, cat-eye effect.
Best Eyeshadow Styles for Almond Eyes
The right eyeshadow placement can take your look from simple to stunning. Here are four styles that are particularly flattering.
Classic Soft Glam
This look is all about creating soft definition. It’s perfect for everyday wear but can be intensified for an evening out.
- Transition Shade: Apply a neutral brown eyeshadow to your crease to create depth. Blend it well to avoid harsh lines.
- Lid Color: Sweep a soft shimmer or satin-finish shadow across your eyelid. Champagne, rose gold, or light bronze shades work beautifully.
- Outer Corner: Add a slightly deeper matte brown to the outer third of your eye, blending it upward and outward to create a subtle lift.
The Smokey Eye
A smokey eye on almond-shaped eyes creates a smoldering, mysterious effect. The key is to concentrate the darkest shadows on the outer part of the eye to maintain the elongated shape.
- Outer V: Start by applying a dark shadow (like black, charcoal, or deep brown) to the outer corner in a “V” shape.
- Blend Inward: Use a fluffy brush to blend the dark shadow inward across the lid and upward into the crease, ensuring the color fades as it moves toward the inner corner. This keeps the eyes looking open and bright.
- Lower Lash Line: Smudge a small amount of the same dark shadow along the outer half of your lower lash line to balance the look.
The Halo Eye
The halo technique involves placing a light, shimmery shadow in the center of the eyelid, framed by darker shades on the inner and outer corners. This creates the illusion of a rounder, more prominent eye, which adds a beautiful dimension to the almond shape.
- Center Lid: Pat a bright, reflective shimmer onto the center of your eyelid.
- Inner and Outer Corners: Apply a deeper matte shade to both the inner and outer thirds of your lid, framing the shimmer.
- Blend: Use a clean blending brush to soften the edges where the dark and light shadows meet.
The Cat-Eye Shadow
This technique uses only eyeshadow to create the elongated shape of a cat-eye. It’s a softer, more diffused version of the classic winged liner.
- Placement: Use a small, angled brush to apply a dark eyeshadow from the outer corner of your eye, extending it outward and upward toward the tail of your eyebrow.
- Blend: Soften the line with a blending brush to create a smokey, winged effect.
- Best Shades: Deep browns, plums, and navy work well for this look, offering definition without the harshness of a liquid liner.
Eyeliner Styles That Flatter Almond Eyes
Eyeliner is a powerful tool for defining and enhancing almond eyes.
Classic Winged Eyeliner
The winged liner is a timeless look that perfectly complements the natural upward flick of almond eyes.
- Angle: To find the ideal angle for your wing, follow the natural curve of your lower lash line upward. This will create a wing that lifts and elongates your eye shape harmoniously.
- Thickness: Keep the line thin along the inner part of your eye and gradually thicken it as you move outward.
Tightlining Technique
Tightlining involves applying eyeliner to the upper waterline, right at the base of your lashes. This subtly defines the eye and makes your lash line appear fuller without a visible liner look. Use a waterproof pencil to prevent smudging.
Smokey Smudged Liner
For a softer, everyday look, apply a pencil liner along your upper lash line and gently smudge it with a brush or your fingertip. You can also apply a small amount to the outer half of your lower lash line for added balance.
Graphic Liner
The symmetry of almond eyes provides a fantastic canvas for bold graphic liner looks. Don’t be afraid to experiment with floating lines in the crease, double wings, or other artistic shapes that complement your eye’s natural curve.
Mascara & Lash Tips
Lashes frame the eyes and complete any makeup look.
Curling for Maximum Lift
When curling your lashes, concentrate on the base and the center to create a wide-eyed lift. Avoid curling the tips too much, as this can make your lashes look shorter.
Best Lash Styles
- Wispy Lashes: These add natural-looking volume and length.
- Flared/Winged Lashes: Styles that are shorter on the inner corner and longer on the outer corner will emphasize the elongated shape of almond eyes.
- Doll Lashes: Lashes that are longest in the center can sometimes make almond eyes appear smaller, so use them when you’re specifically aiming for a rounder eye look, like with a halo eye.
Brow Styling to Complement Almond Eyes
Your eyebrows frame your eyes, so their shape is crucial. For almond eyes, a brow with a soft arch and an elongated tail is ideal. This shape mimics the elegant lift of your eyes. Avoid overly rounded or short brows, which can clash with the natural lines of your eye shape.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
To get the best eye makeup for almond eyes, keep these common pitfalls in mind:
- Avoid Overly Thick Liner: A thick line all the way across the eye can make it appear smaller. Keep the liner thin on the inner half.
- Blend, Blend, Blend: Harsh lines can look severe. Always blend your eyeshadow to create a soft, seamless transition between colors.
- Steer Clear of Dark Inner Corners: Applying dark shadow to the inner corner can close off the eye. Keep this area bright to maintain an open, awake appearance (unless you’re doing a halo eye).
- Choose the Right Lashes: Avoid heavy, dramatic lashes that are the same length all the way across, as they can weigh down your eye.
Your Perfect Look Awaits
With their natural symmetry and lift, almond eyes are incredibly fun to experiment with. Whether you prefer a subtle soft glam or a dramatic cat-eye, the key is to work with your eye’s beautiful shape. Don’t be afraid to mix and match these techniques to discover what makes you feel most confident.
