Round eyes have a unique charm, often seen as open and youthful. But when it comes to makeup, the goal is usually to create the illusion of a more elongated, almond shape. If you’ve ever struggled with eyeliner that makes your eyes look even rounder or eyeshadow that gets lost, you’re in the right place.
This guide is packed with expert tricks specifically for round eyes. We’ll explore everything from the best eyeshadow techniques and eyeliner styles to the right false lashes that will help you define, balance, and elongate your natural eye shape. Get ready to master the art of eye makeup for round eyes and make them your most captivating feature.
Understanding Round Eyes
Before we get to the techniques, it’s important to understand what defines round eyes. This will help you see why certain makeup tricks work so well.
Key Features of Round Eyes
Round eyes are characterized by their circular shape, where the height and width are nearly equal. You can typically see the whites of your eyes above or below the iris when looking straight ahead. This openness is beautiful, but it can also make the eyes appear smaller if makeup isn’t applied correctly.
How Round Eyes Differ from Other Shapes
Unlike almond eyes, which are naturally longer than they are wide, round eyes lack that elongated shape. They also differ from hooded eyes, where a fold of skin covers the crease. With round eyes, the crease is usually visible, and the lid space is prominent.
Common Makeup Goals
The primary goal of eye makeup for round eyes is to create balance and definition. This is achieved by:
- Elongating: Making the eyes appear longer and more almond-like.
- Lifting: Creating a lifted effect at the outer corners.
- Defining: Adding dimension and shape without closing off the eye.
Prepping the Eye Area
Great makeup starts with great skin. Prepping your eye area ensures your look stays flawless and crease-free all day.
- Hydrate the Under-Eye: A hydrated base prevents concealer from settling into fine lines. Use a lightweight eye cream to plump and smooth the delicate skin under your eyes.
- Use a Smoothing Primer: An eyeshadow primer is non-negotiable. It creates a smooth canvas for your eyeshadow, intensifies pigments, and prevents creasing.
- Set with Powder: After applying primer and concealer, lightly dust a translucent setting powder over the entire lid and under-eye area. This locks everything in place and creates a silky-smooth surface for blending.
Choosing the Right Tools
Having the right brushes and tools can make a huge difference in your application. For round eyes, precision is key.
- Brushes: A fluffy blending brush is essential for seamless transitions, while a smaller, denser brush allows for precise placement of darker shades. An angled brush is perfect for creating a soft, winged look with eyeshadow or liner.
- Eyeliner Tools: A fine-tipped liquid or gel liner pen offers the control needed for a sharp wing. For smudging, a kohl pencil is ideal.
- Lash Tools: Invest in a good eyelash curler that fits your eye shape to open up the lashes. For mascara, look for a wand with spaced-out bristles that can grip and lengthen each lash, especially at the outer corners.
Creating Shape with Eyeshadow
Eyeshadow is your most powerful tool for reshaping the eye. The trick is to use light and dark shades strategically to create the illusion of length.
- Darken the Outer Corners: Apply a medium-to-dark matte shade to the outer third of your eyelid, blending it outwards and slightly upwards towards the tail of your brow. This immediately draws the eye outward, creating a more elongated shape.
- Create a Soft Wing: Instead of a harsh line, use a dark eyeshadow on an angled brush to create a soft, smoky wing. This gives you the elongating effect of a wing without closing off the eye.
- Use Transition Shades: A matte transition shade in your crease helps to add depth. Blend it in a horizontal, back-and-forth motion rather than a rounded one to further lengthen the eye’s appearance.
- Be Strategic with Shimmer: Avoid placing a lot of bright shimmer in the center of your lid, as this can emphasize roundness. Instead, place a touch of shimmer on the inner corner to brighten and open the eye.
Eyeliner Techniques for Elongation
Eyeliner is a game-changer for round eyes. The right technique can instantly create that coveted cat-eye effect.
- Winged Liner: A classic winged liner is your best friend. Start the wing from the outer corner and extend it upwards and outwards. Keep the line thin along the lash line and thicken it as you move towards the outer edge.
- Tightlining: Apply a dark pencil liner to your upper waterline (the area underneath your top lashes). This technique, known as tightlining, defines the eye and makes your lash base appear fuller without taking up valuable lid space.
- Avoid Thick Liner: A thick, heavy line across the entire upper lash line can make round eyes appear smaller and more circular. Keep your liner thin, especially towards the inner corner.
- Smudge the Lower Lash Line: Instead of a harsh line, apply a soft brown or black pencil to the outer half of your lower lash line and smudge it out. This adds balance and definition without closing off the eye.
Mascara Tricks for Definition
Mascara can do more than just make your lashes look longer; it can help reshape your eyes.
- Focus on the Outer Lashes: Apply an extra coat of mascara to the lashes at the outer corners. You can even try wiggling the wand outwards as you apply to physically push the lashes in that direction.
- Lengthening over Volumizing: Choose a lengthening mascara over a heavy, volumizing formula. Lengthening formulas help to create a feathery, fanned-out look that contributes to the elongating effect.
- Try Corner Lashes: For an extra lift, apply a few individual or cluster lashes just to the outer corners of your eyes. This is a subtle yet highly effective trick for faking an almond shape.
False Lash Styles for Round Eyes
If you love false lashes, choosing the right style is crucial.
- Best Lash Shapes: Look for styles that are flared, wispy, or have a cat-eye effect, meaning the lashes are shorter on the inner corner and gradually get longer towards the outer edge. These styles will lift and elongate your eyes.
- Styles to Avoid: Stay away from doll-like lashes that are the same length all the way across or are longest in the center. These styles will accentuate the roundness of your eyes.
Highlighting & Contouring Around the Eyes
Think of highlighting and contouring as the finishing touches that sculpt the entire eye area.
- Strategic Brow Highlight: Apply a matte or satin-finish highlighter just under the arch of your brow, extending towards the tail. This creates a lifting effect. Avoid placing bright shimmer all the way to the inner part of the brow.
- Matte Contour: You can use a soft, cool-toned matte eyeshadow to subtly contour the eye socket, focusing on elongating the shape outwards rather than following the natural circular curve.
Quick Everyday Makeup for Round Eyes
Need a simple routine for daily wear? Here’s a 5-step look that flatters and elongates.
- Prime: Apply an eyeshadow primer to your lids.
- Neutral Shadow: Sweep a neutral matte eyeshadow across your lid and blend a slightly darker shade on the outer third.
- Soft Liner: Use a brown eyeshadow and an angled brush to create a soft wing.
- Mascara: Curl your lashes and apply a coat of lengthening mascara, focusing on the outer lashes.
- Inner Corner Highlight: Dab a touch of light, shimmery shadow on your inner corners.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do.
- Over-Highlighting the Center Lid: Placing a bright, shimmery shadow right in the middle of your eyelid emphasizes its roundest point.
- Circular Blending: When applying crease color, avoid blending in a rounded, windshield-wiper motion. Use horizontal, back-and-forth motions instead.
- Thick Lower Lash Mascara: Heavy mascara on the lower lashes can create a doll-like effect and make your eyes look more circular. Keep it light or skip it altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions
What eyeliner is best for round eyes?
A liquid or gel liner with a fine tip is best for creating a precise wing. For a softer, smudged look, a kohl pencil works well.
Should I wear eyeliner on my bottom lash line?
It’s best to avoid lining the entire bottom lash line, as this can close off the eyes. Instead, apply liner to the outer third and smudge it for a softer, more elongating effect.
Can I still do a smoky eye with round eyes?
Absolutely! Just focus the darkest shades on the outer corners and blend the color outwards instead of upwards into a round shape. This creates a smoky, elongated look.
Master Your Makeup
Creating the perfect eye makeup for round eyes is all about using the right techniques to play up your features. By focusing on elongation and definition, you can transform your look and make your eyes appear more almond-shaped and sultry. Experiment with these tricks, find what works best for you, and get ready to see your eyes in a whole new light.
