Monolid eyes are beautiful, but finding makeup tutorials that work for them can sometimes feel like a challenge. Many popular techniques are designed for eyes with a prominent crease, which can leave those with monolids feeling a bit left out. The good news is, creating stunning eye makeup for monolid eyes is all about using the right techniques that embrace and enhance your unique eye shape.
This guide is here to help. We’ll walk you through everything from understanding your eye shape to mastering simple, effective makeup looks that make your eyes pop. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just looking for some new ideas, you’ll find easy-to-follow tips for everyday wear, special occasions, and everything in between. Get ready to discover how to highlight your eyes with confidence.
Understanding Your Monolid Eye Shape
So, what exactly defines monolid eyes? The term “monolid” refers to an eyelid shape that doesn’t have a visible crease or fold when the eyes are open. This creates a smooth, beautiful canvas from the lash line to the eyebrow. This shape is common among people of East Asian descent but can be found in individuals of all ethnicities.
The main challenges when applying makeup to monolid eyes often revolve around limited visible lid space and a crease that may be hidden or less defined. Eyeliner can sometimes disappear when the eye is open, and eyeshadow can smudge easily. The key isn’t to create a “fake” crease but to work with your natural shape. By understanding how to place and blend colors, you can add dimension, definition, and style in a way that truly flatters your eyes.
Prepping Your Eyes for Flawless Makeup
Great eye makeup starts with great prep. A few simple steps can make a huge difference in how your makeup applies and how long it lasts throughout the day.
- Start with an Eye Primer: This is a non-negotiable step for monolid eyes. An eye primer creates a smooth, slightly tacky base that grips onto your eyeshadow and eyeliner, preventing them from smudging or fading. It also helps colors appear more vibrant.
- Brighten with Concealer: A touch of concealer around the eye area can even out your skin tone and create a bright, fresh base. Choose a shade slightly lighter than your skin tone to help lift and open up the eye area.
- Set Your Base: Lightly dust a translucent setting powder over your primed and concealed lids. This helps to lock everything in place and ensures your eyeshadows will blend smoothly without sticking to any one spot.
Everyday Natural Eye Makeup
For a simple, everyday look, you don’t need a lot of products or time. This natural style is perfect for work, school, or a casual weekend.
- Soft Brown Wash of Color: Take a fluffy brush and apply a soft, matte brown eyeshadow across your entire lid. Blend the color upwards and outwards, past your natural socket line. This creates a subtle shadow that adds depth without being too dramatic.
- Tightline for Definition: Tightlining is a game-changer for monolid eyes. Use a waterproof pencil eyeliner to fill in the upper waterline, right at the base of your lashes. This technique makes your lash line look fuller and defines your eyes without taking up any precious lid space.
- Use Matte Shades for Depth: Matte eyeshadows are excellent for creating natural-looking dimension. Unlike shimmers, which can sometimes highlight the lack of a crease, matte shades create soft shadows that give the illusion of depth.
K-Beauty Inspired Gradient Eyeshadow
The gradient eyeshadow technique is a staple in Korean beauty and is perfectly suited for monolid eyes. It creates beautiful dimension by layering colors from dark to light.
Start with the darkest shade right along your lash line, keeping it thin. Then, apply a medium shade just above that, blending the edge into the darker color. Finally, use the lightest shade to blend the medium color up towards your brow bone. This vertical gradient opens up the eye and makes it appear larger and more defined. For an everyday look, stick to neutral shades like browns, peaches, or soft pinks.
An Easy Smokey Eye for Monolids
A smokey eye can look incredibly chic on monolid eyes. The trick is to focus the darkest color close to the lash line and blend upwards, rather than placing it in a crease that isn’t there.
Cream eyeshadow sticks are fantastic for creating a quick smokey eye. Scribble a dark brown, charcoal, or deep plum shade along your lash line. Then, use your finger or a dense brush to smudge and blend the color upwards. Keep the intensity concentrated near the lashes and diffuse the color as you move up. This creates a sultry, modern smokey look without closing off the eye.
Eyeliner Techniques That Work
Eyeliner on monolid eyes can be tricky, but the right technique can make all the difference.
- Thin Winged Liner: A classic thin wing can help elongate and lift the eye. The key is to draw the wing first with your eye open, so you can see exactly where it will sit. Then, connect it to a thin line along your lash line.
- Puppy-Eye Liner: This popular K-beauty trend involves drawing the liner downwards, following the natural curve of your eye. It creates a softer, more rounded look that is incredibly flattering and youthful.
- Floating Eyeliner: For a more graphic and modern look, you can draw a thin line that “floats” just above your lash line, where a crease would typically be. This is a fun way to play with liner when you want something more creative.
To avoid smudging, always opt for waterproof formulas. Gel eyeliners applied with a fine brush offer great precision and staying power.
Mascara Tips to Make Lashes Stand Out
For those with straight lashes, a few extra steps can help you achieve that coveted lift and curl.
First, invest in a good eyelash curler. Heat it slightly with a hairdryer for a few seconds to help lock in the curl. Curl your lashes in three sections: at the base, in the middle, and at the tips. Follow up with a lash primer to hold the curl in place, then apply a lengthening and waterproof mascara. Waterproof formulas are generally better at holding a curl than regular ones.
The 5-Minute Monolid Eye Makeup Routine
Need to get ready in a hurry? Here’s a super-fast routine.
- Prime: A quick swipe of eye primer.
- Color: Use a cream eyeshadow stick in a neutral shade and smudge it across your lid with your finger.
- Tightline: Quickly run a waterproof pencil along your upper waterline.
- Curl & Coat: Curl your lashes and apply one coat of waterproof mascara.
This simple routine takes less than five minutes and leaves you looking polished and awake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overly Thick Eyeliner: A thick line can cover up all your lid space and make your eyes appear smaller. Stick to thin lines close to the lashes.
- Dark Shadow All Over: Applying a dark color all the way up to your brow can look heavy. Keep darker shades concentrated near the lash line.
- Not Curling Your Lashes: Straight lashes can cast a shadow over the eyes. Curling them instantly opens up your eyes and makes them look brighter.
Embrace Your Natural Beauty
Creating beautiful eye makeup for monolid eyes is all about celebrating your unique features. The most important thing is to have fun and experiment to find what makes you feel best. Don’t be afraid to try different colors, textures, and techniques. Use these ideas as a starting point, but feel free to adapt them to fit your personal style. Simple, effective makeup is within reach—and it starts with embracing the beautiful canvas you have.
