Do your eyes have a natural cat-eye shape? Do the outer corners of your eyes lift higher than the inner corners? If so, you likely have upturned eyes—a beautiful and versatile eye shape that many makeup artists love to work with. With the right techniques, you can enhance their natural lift and create stunning looks for any occasion.
Understanding your eye shape is the first step to mastering your makeup routine. For those with upturned eyes, certain styles can accentuate the elegant upward tilt, while others can help create different illusions, like making the eyes appear wider or more rounded. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from identifying your eye shape to mastering specific techniques for everyday wear and glamorous nights out.
Get ready to explore the best eyeshadow techniques, liner styles, and color palettes that will make your upturned eyes the center of attention. We’ll cover everything from prepping your lids for a flawless finish to choosing the right tools for the job.
What Are Upturned Eyes?
Upturned eyes are characterized by outer corners that are positioned higher than the inner corners. This gives them a natural, subtle lift, often resembling the shape of an almond but with an upward tilt at the outer edge. This eye shape is often considered ideal for creating classic cat-eye and winged liner looks because the natural lift provides a perfect guideline.
Compared to other shapes like almond or hooded eyes, the key differentiator for upturned eyes is the angle. While almond eyes are symmetrical with even corners, upturned eyes have a distinct upward slant. Hooded eyes, on the other hand, have an extra layer of skin that droops over the crease, which can make the eyelid appear smaller. The lower eyelid on upturned eyes often appears longer and more prominent than the upper lid, adding to their unique and appealing look.
How to Identify Your Eye Shape
Not sure if you have upturned eyes? Try this simple mirror test. Stand in front of a mirror and look straight ahead. Imagine drawing a horizontal line across the center of your eyes. Observe where the outer corners of your eyes fall in relation to this line. If they are positioned above the line, you have upturned eyes. If they are on the line, you likely have almond eyes, and if they are below, you have downturned eyes.
Prepping Your Eyes for a Flawless Look
Great makeup starts with great skin. Before applying any color, it’s essential to prepare your eye area. Start by cleansing your face to remove any dirt or oil. Follow up with a lightweight, hydrating eye cream to moisturize the delicate skin around your eyes. This creates a smooth canvas for makeup and helps prevent creasing.
Next, apply an eye primer. This is a crucial step that many people skip, but it makes a world of difference. A good primer creates a barrier between your skin and your makeup, helping your eyeshadow stay vibrant and in place all day. It also prevents creasing and can help even out any discoloration on your lids. If you have dark circles or redness, use a color corrector and a concealer that matches your skin tone to create a uniform base.
Best Eyeshadow Techniques for Upturned Eyes
The goal with upturned eyes is often to balance and enhance their natural shape. How you blend your eyeshadow can dramatically change the final look.
- Blending Upward and Outward: To emphasize the natural lift, blend your eyeshadow in an upward and outward motion, following the angle of your lower lash line. This elongates the eye and enhances the cat-eye effect.
- Using Transition Shades: A transition shade is a neutral color that is a few shades darker than your skin tone. Applying it in the crease helps to add depth and dimension, creating a soft gradient between your lid color and brow bone highlight.
- Soft Gradient vs. Bold Contrast: For a soft, everyday look, a simple gradient of neutral shades works beautifully. Start with a light color on the lid, a medium shade in the crease, and a slightly darker shade on the outer corner. For a more dramatic evening look, don’t be afraid of bold contrast. A dark, smokey outer corner paired with a shimmery lid can create a stunning effect.
Chic Makeup Looks for Day and Night
Everyday Makeup Look
For a chic and simple daytime look, focus on neutral shades that enhance your eyes without looking overdone.
- Eyeshadow: Apply a light, neutral shade like beige or soft taupe across your entire lid. Use a slightly deeper matte brown in the crease to add definition, blending it upward and outward.
- Liner: Create a soft, thin winged liner. Instead of a dramatic flick, aim for a small wing that subtly extends the lash line. Brown eyeliner can offer a softer alternative to black for daytime.
- Mascara: Apply a coat of mascara, focusing on the outer corner lashes to further enhance the eye’s natural lift.
Glam Evening Makeup Look
When it’s time to turn up the glam, a smokey eye is a perfect choice for upturned eyes.
- Smokey Eye: To avoid closing off the eye, concentrate the darkest shadow on the outer third of your eyelid and blend it into a “V” shape. Keep the inner corner bright with a light, shimmery shade.
- Glitter and Shimmer: Apply a pop of glitter or shimmer to the center of your eyelid. This will catch the light and make your eyes appear larger and more open.
- Bold Wing and Lashes: A dramatic, extended winged liner pairs perfectly with a smokey eye. Finish the look with a pair of fluttery, voluminous false lashes that are longer at the outer corners.
Must-Know Liner Styles
The natural lift of upturned eyes makes them the perfect canvas for winged liner.
- Classic Thin Wing: A thin, crisp line that follows the upper lash line and extends into a small flick is a timeless look.
- Dramatic Extended Wing: For more drama, extend the wing further out and make it thicker. This creates a bold, graphic look.
- Double Wing Liner: A modern and trendy option, the double wing involves drawing a second line parallel to the first, often along the lower lash line or floating above the crease.
Common Makeup Mistakes to Avoid
While experimenting is fun, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for with upturned eyes:
- Over-Lifting the Outer Corner: Applying too much dark shadow or liner in an extreme upward angle can make the eyes look smaller. Follow the natural angle of your eye for the most flattering result.
- Heavy Lower Lash Liner: Applying a thick, dark line on the lower lash line can weigh down the eyes and counteract the natural lift. If you want to define your lower lashes, use a soft brown pencil and smudge it out, or use a light eyeshadow shade.
- Improper Blending: Harsh lines can look jarring. Always blend your eyeshadow well to create a seamless transition between colors.
Essential Tools and Products
To achieve these looks, you’ll need a few key items in your makeup bag:
- Brushes: A flat shader brush for packing on color, a fluffy blending brush for the crease, and a small angled brush for liner are essentials.
- Eyeliner: Gel and liquid liners are great for creating precise, sharp wings. For a softer, smudged look, a pencil liner is ideal.
- Eyeshadows: Invest in a palette with a good mix of matte and shimmer finishes. Both cream and powder formulas can work well, depending on your preference.
Final Pro Tips
To ensure your eye makeup lasts all day and night, always start with a primer. After applying your makeup, you can use a setting spray to lock everything in place. Opt for waterproof and smudge-proof formulas for eyeliner and mascara to prevent any mishaps. If you need to touch up, a cotton swab with a bit of makeup remover can clean up any smudges without ruining the rest of your look.
By understanding the unique characteristics of your upturned eyes and using techniques that complement them, you can create a wide range of beautiful makeup looks that highlight your best features.
