How To Determine Eye Shape (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » What Is My Eye Shape Camera » How To Determine Eye Shape (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Determine Eye Shape PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Alana Schober

Last Updated: October 12, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Checking for Different Characteristics
    • |
  • Applying Makeup for Your Eye Shape
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by Alana Schober. Alana Schober is a Professional Makeup Artist at Pout by Lipsticknick, an inclusive beauty bar in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience, Alana specializes in hair and makeup. As a Licensed Comselotologist, she has worked for both MAC Cosmetics and Paul Mitchell. Alana's celebrity clientele includes Iggy Azalea, Solange, YG, and ASAP Nast. She has worked on campaigns with Nike, Adidas, Morphe, Jaclyn Hill Cosmetics, and Quay. Alana has also worked on countless music videos and photoshoots and her work has been featured on two billboards in Los Angeles. There are 18 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,481,074 times.

It’s pretty easy to determine your eye shape—just find a mirror and a few spare minutes! Look for different characteristics to determine if your eyes are creased, hooded, upturned or downturned, round or almond, close- or wide-set, prominent or deep-set. All eye shapes are beautiful, and once you know yours, you’ll be able to accentuate the natural shape of your eyes with the right kind of eye makeup.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Checking for Different Characteristics

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Note that you have monolid eyes if your eyelid doesn’t have a crease. 1 Note that you have monolid eyes if your eyelid doesn’t have a crease. Check your eye in the mirror if you’re not sure. Look for a crease in the center of your upper eyelid. If you don't have a crease, you have monolid eyes. You may also have flatter eyelids and less prominent brow bones than people with creases in their lids.[1]
    • Monolid eyes are most common in people of Asian descent.
  2. Step 2 Figure out if you have hooded eyes by examining the crease, if you have one. 2 Figure out if you have hooded eyes by examining the crease, if you have one. In hooded eyes, skin hangs down over the crease, making your upper eyelid look smaller. If you can’t see the crease in your eye when your eyes are open, then you have hooded eyes.[2]
    • Many people are born with hooded eyes, and also people’s eyes often become hooded as they age.[3]
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Study the tilt of your eyes to figure out if they are upturned or downturned. 3 Study the tilt of your eyes to figure out if they are upturned or downturned. Imagine that there is a straight, horizontal line extending through the centers of both eyes. Ask yourself if the outer corners of your eyes lie above or below this center line.[4]
    • If the outer corners are above this line, you have "upturned" eyes.
    • If the outer corners are below this line, you have "downturned" eyes.
  4. Step 4 Note that you have almond eyes if you can’t see white around the iris. 4 Note that you have almond eyes if you can’t see white around the iris. Keep your eyes relaxed as you look into the mirror. In almond eyes, both the top and bottom of the iris and slightly covered by the eyelid. Almond eyes tend to be oval shaped with narrow corners.[5]
    • The outside corners of your eyes might turn up slightly.[6]
  5. Step 5 Recognize that you have round eyes if you can see white below your iris. 5 Recognize that you have round eyes if you can see white below your iris. Look straight ahead at a mirror. If you can see any white around the top or bottom of your iris in this position, you have "round" eyes. Round eyes are less tapered than almond eyes and appear more open.[7]
    • There doesn’t have to be a lot of white under your iris, even a thin sliver counts as round eyes.
  6. Step 6 Measure the gap between your eyes to determine if they are wide- or close-set. 6 Measure the gap between your eyes to determine if they are wide- or close-set. Measure your eye with your thumb and index finger, and then hold that same space between your eyes. If the space between your eye is less than one eye length in size, you have close-set eyes, but if the gap is larger than one eye length, you have wide-set eyes.[8]
    • If the gap between your eyes is the same width as your eyes, then you have an average spacing.
  7. Step 7 Examine the depth of your eyes to determine if they are deep-set or prominent. 7 Examine the depth of your eyes to determine if they are deep-set or prominent. Deep-set eyes are tucked further back into the socket, causing the upper eyelid to appear short and small. Protruding eyes, on the other hand, stick outward from the socket and toward the upper lash line.[9]
    • Monolid eyes are usually not deep-set.
    • In deep-set eyes, it might look like your brow bone is bigger, simply because your eyes are further back.[10]
  8. Step 8 Compare your eyes with your nose and mouth size to figure out your eye size. 8 Compare your eyes with your nose and mouth size to figure out your eye size. Eyes that are "average" in size are similar to that of your mouth or nose, if not a little smaller. If your eyes are significantly smaller, though, you have small eyes. If they are larger than your other features, you have large eyes.[11]
    • Many people have one eye that’s slightly larger than the other, which is totally normal.
    9. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Applying Makeup for Your Eye Shape

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Create a gradient of eye-shadow for monolid eyes. 1 Create a gradient of eye-shadow for monolid eyes. Prep your eyes with eyeshadow primer by rubbing it over the top lids. Brush on a dark color close to the lash line, a soft neutral toward the middle, and a shiny color near the brow. Put your eyeshadow on with your eyes still open, so you can see how it will look.[12]
    • Winged or cat-eye eyeliner is also a great look for monolid eyes.
    • You can also create floating eyeliner by drawing the line at your lid line, rather than your lash line.[13]
  2. Step 2 Extend eye shadow beyond the crease for hooded eyes. 2 Extend eye shadow beyond the crease for hooded eyes. Before you put on your eyeshadow, prime your eyelids with eyeshadow primer and or a light concealer. Then, using a medium shade, brush the shadow on from your lashes up onto the hooded part of your eye, beyond the crease. Elongate the eyeshadow in the outer corner to create an eyeshadow wing to open up the appearance of your eye.
    • Tightline your eyes with a kohl eyeliner to make your upper eyelashes look thicker.
    • Wing-tipped eyeliner doesn’t always work on hooded eyes, because the flicked part can be hidden by the hood. Try keeping the wing really thin, and do the lid first.[14]
  3. Step 3 Emphasize the tilt of upturned eyes with smokey eyeshadow. 3 Emphasize the tilt of upturned eyes with smokey eyeshadow. Apply an eyeshadow primer first, if you want this look to last all day. Then apply a light shade of eyeliner to the inner half of your eyelid and a medium-tinted eyeshadow to the outer half. Blend the two shades together slightly in the middle, and you’ll have your smokey look.[15]
    • Use a dark eyeliner and line the outer corners of your eyes, both the top and bottom.
  4. Step 4 Try a cat-eye look for downturned eyes. 4 Try a cat-eye look for downturned eyes. You can do many different eyeliner techniques with a downturned eye, but a cat eye will enhance the outer corner of your eye. Line the entire upper lashline with a dark eyeliner, and diffuse it upwards at the outer corner. You don’t need to line your bottom lashes.[16]
    • Many different eyeshadow techniques look good with cat-eye liner, so experiment to see what you like.
  5. Step 5 Add length to round, small, or deep-set eyes with a gradient of eyeshadow. 5 Add length to round, small, or deep-set eyes with a gradient of eyeshadow. Place the lightest shade of eyeliner closest to the inner corner, and darken the shadow as you move outwards. Play up the corners of your eyeliner by pulling it slightly out and up. Smudge the eyeliner a bit if you want the look to seem a little softer.[17]
    • Use a clean brush to blend the different shades together to create a smooth, cohesive look.
    • Apply mascara to all your upper lashes, or focus on the outer corner.
  6. Step 6 Extend close-set eyes with smokey shadow to emphasize the outer corners. 6 Extend close-set eyes with smokey shadow to emphasize the outer corners. Apply light eyeshadow over the entire eyelid, then add medium shadow to the outer third. Add dark eyeshadow to the outer corner to create a dark shape that lifts at the corner. Line the outer corner with eyeliner and put a little bit of mascara in the outer corner.[18]
    • Any dark color on the inner part of your eyes will make them seem closer together.
  7. Step 7 Try a halo look for almond eyes. 7 Try a halo look for almond eyes. Almond eyes pair well with many different eye makeup formations, but a halo look will help mix things up a bit. First, apply a light transition color to the crease of your eye. Then, put a mid-toned color on the inner and outer thirds, and apply a light color to the center of the lid. Repeat this process on the lower lash line and highlight the inner corner.[19]
    • Add liner and lashes for a more defined look.
  8. Step 8 Put dark eyeshadow and liner on the inner corners of wide set eyes. 8 Put dark eyeshadow and liner on the inner corners of wide set eyes. First, apply your eyeshadow primer by rubbing it on with a finger over your upper eyelid. Apply a darker shade closer to your tear duct and on the edge of your nose, to create the illusion that your eyes are closer together. Then, highlight the outer corner with a light shade of eyeshadow. Make sure you blend the shades together. Apply eyeliner in a straight line, as thick as you would like, with no wing.[20]
    • You can also try extending your brows inwards by letting them grow out or filling them in with brow makeup.[21]
  9. Step 9 Use darker shadow for large or protruding eyes. 9 Use darker shadow for large or protruding eyes. Prime your eyelid with eyeshadow primer or a neutral color of eyeshadow. Then, apply a coat of dark eyeshadow on your top lid under the crease. Blend out the dark color with a medium color above the crease. Apply a black liner to your waterline.[22]
    • A layer of black eyeliner all around the eyes will also help close off your eye’s appearance.
    10. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How do you apply winged eyeliner for different eye shapes? Alana Schober Alana Schober Makeup Artist Alana Schober is a Professional Makeup Artist at Pout by Lipsticknick, an inclusive beauty bar in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience, Alana specializes in hair and makeup. As a Licensed Comselotologist, she has worked for both MAC Cosmetics and Paul Mitchell. Alana's celebrity clientele includes Iggy Azalea, Solange, YG, and ASAP Nast. She has worked on campaigns with Nike, Adidas, Morphe, Jaclyn Hill Cosmetics, and Quay. Alana has also worked on countless music videos and photoshoots and her work has been featured on two billboards in Los Angeles. Alana Schober Alana Schober Makeup Artist Expert Answer With almond and round eyes, you can get away with a thicker wing. With hooded eyes, you should make the wing thinner. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 14 Helpful 42
  • Question Is it possible for my eye to be in between almond and round shaped? Community Answer Community Answer Yes, it's possible. If that is the case, take both make-up techniques into consideration. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 13 Helpful 101
  • Question Is it possible to have two different eye shapes? I think my left one is hooded and the other almond. Community Answer Community Answer Yes, it is. Some people even have one double-eyelid on one eye and a mono-lid on the other. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 18 Helpful 95
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Read Video Transcript

Tips

  • It’s possible to have more than one descriptor for your eyes. For example, you could have deep-set, almond, downturned eyes. Thanks Helpful 29 Not Helpful 5
  • If you want your eyeshadow to last longer, use an eyeshadow primer first. Thanks Helpful 18 Not Helpful 8
  • Once you know your eye shape, you can look up tips for eye make-up that will work best for you. Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 5
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Different Types of Eyes10 Common Eye Shapes (+ How to Find Yours) Almond Shaped EyesA Guide to Almond-Shaped Eyes (and How to Accentuate Them) Apply Pencil EyelinerHow to Apply Eyeliner Pencil (And Choose the Right Liner) My Eyeliner TypeWhat Eyeliner Type Looks Best on Me Quiz Hooded EyesHooded Eyes: Causes & How to Lift with Makeup & Other Treatments Deep Set EyesHow to Tell If You Have Deep-Set Eyes (Plus, Makeup Tips to Accentuate Them) Find Eyeliner That Suits YouHow toFind Eyeliner That Suits You Apply Shadow on Hooded EyesHow toApply Shadow on Hooded Eyes Apply Eye Makeup for Deep Set EyesHow toApply Eye Makeup for Deep Set Eyes Apply Makeup on Round EyesHow toApply Makeup on Round Eyes Monolid vs Double LidWhat Are the Differences Between Monolids, Double Lids, & Hooded Eyes? Make Your Eyes Look Farther ApartHow toMake Your Eyes Look Farther Apart Downturned EyesDownturned Eyes: Signs You Have Them & How to Apply Makeup for Them How to Do Eyeliner on Hooded Eyelids Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://sciencetrends1.com/what-are-monolid-eyes-epicanthic-fold/
  2. ↑ https://eye-shapes.org/most-common-eye-shapes-around-the-world
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/aXQ-jVDeHMg?t=132
  4. ↑ https://eye-shapes.org/most-common-eye-shapes-around-the-world
  5. ↑ https://coba.edu/blog/eyeliner-tips-and-techniques-for-different-eye-shapes/
  6. ↑ https://coba.edu/blog/eyeliner-tips-and-techniques-for-different-eye-shapes/
  7. ↑ https://eye-shapes.org/most-common-eye-shapes-around-the-world
  8. ↑ https://youtu.be/ER_4sZK-Ju8?t=36
  9. ↑ https://www.beautylish.com/a/vcacj/whats-your-eye-shape
More References (13)
  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/uUPV6bnYmHE?t=209
  2. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a25394115/different-eye-shapes/
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/I_0iz-prrJk?t=169
  4. ↑ https://amedics.co.uk/blog/12-types-of-eye-shap
  5. ↑ Alana Schober. Pout Pro Makeup Artist. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://imabeautygeek.com/2014/01/08/how-to-apply-makeup-for-your-eye-shape-courtesy-of-smashbox/
  7. ↑ https://amedics.co.uk/blog/12-types-of-eye-shap/
  8. ↑ https://amedics.co.uk/blog/12-types-of-eye-shap
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1Td4lMMCiE
  10. ↑ https://www.ogleschool.edu/blog/eyelash-extensions-different-shape-eyes/
  11. ↑ https://youtu.be/bJ1VPAi9iWs?t=125
  12. ↑ https://youtu.be/zKbjHf7bDJE?t=192
  13. ↑ https://youtu.be/hgiRSgqdiu8?t=168

About This Article

Alana Schober Co-authored by: Alana Schober Makeup Artist This article was co-authored by Alana Schober. Alana Schober is a Professional Makeup Artist at Pout by Lipsticknick, an inclusive beauty bar in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience, Alana specializes in hair and makeup. As a Licensed Comselotologist, she has worked for both MAC Cosmetics and Paul Mitchell. Alana's celebrity clientele includes Iggy Azalea, Solange, YG, and ASAP Nast. She has worked on campaigns with Nike, Adidas, Morphe, Jaclyn Hill Cosmetics, and Quay. Alana has also worked on countless music videos and photoshoots and her work has been featured on two billboards in Los Angeles. This article has been viewed 1,481,074 times. 16 votes - 62% Co-authors: 33 Updated: October 12, 2025 Views: 1,481,074 Categories: Eye Makeup | Body Type and Fashion Article SummaryX

To determine eye shape, imagine a straight, horizontal line extending through the centers of both eyes. If the outer corners of your eyes are above the line, you have upturned eyes. If the corners are below it, you have downturned eyes. Next, check to see if your eyelid crease is visible or hidden when your eyes are open. If the crease is hidden, you have hooded eyes. Lastly, if you can see any white around the top or bottom of your iris, you have round eyes. If you can't, you have almond eyes. For tips on understanding the position of your eyes, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Russian Italian French German Spanish Indonesian Dutch Portuguese Czech Arabic Vietnamese Hindi Chinese Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,481,074 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Anonymous

    Anonymous

    Nov 6, 2016

    "The descriptions were really helpful. A lot of websites just use pictures to help identify eye shapes and expect..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Alana Schober Co-authored by: Alana Schober Makeup Artist 16 votes - 62% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 33 Updated: October 12, 2025 Views: 1,481,074 Anonymous

Anonymous

Nov 6, 2016

"The descriptions were really helpful. A lot of websites just use pictures to help identify eye shapes and expect..." more Angelina Vasconcelos

Angelina Vasconcelos

Jul 21, 2020

"I told my family I had big eyes, my family was like no you don't. I slowly started to look in the mirror to..." more Karina Santiago

Karina Santiago

Apr 5, 2016

"It has a very detailed description. The pictures helped to determine the kind of eye shape I had. It taught me more..." more Pamela Cavanaugh

Pamela Cavanaugh

Apr 24, 2017

"I really liked the areas of how to dress depending on your shape. I'm an apple shape, and it showed me the..." more Mohammed J.

Mohammed J.

Nov 1, 2024

"It's insightful and impressive to study the human body, especially the eyes. Thank you very much!" Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What Eyeliner Type Looks Best on Me QuizWhat Eyeliner Type Looks Best on Me QuizTake QuizWhat's My Eye Type QuizWhat's My Eye Type QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Makeup Type QuizWhat Is My Makeup Type QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizDear Peachie Makeup QuizDear Peachie Makeup QuizTake QuizMakeup Quiz: Discover The Perfect Stye For YouMakeup Quiz: Discover The Perfect Stye For YouTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Different Types of Eyes10 Common Eye Shapes (+ How to Find Yours)Almond Shaped EyesA Guide to Almond-Shaped Eyes (and How to Accentuate Them)Apply Pencil EyelinerHow to Apply Eyeliner Pencil (And Choose the Right Liner)My Eyeliner TypeWhat Eyeliner Type Looks Best on Me Quiz

Featured Articles

What 16 of the Most Common Hugs MeanWhat 16 of the Most Common Hugs MeanJuicy, Deep, & Hot-Seat Questions to Get to Know Your Friends BetterJuicy, Deep, & Hot-Seat Questions to Get to Know Your Friends Better40+ Talking Games to Play with Friends, Partners & More40+ Talking Games to Play with Friends, Partners & MoreMake FriendsHow toMake Friends

Trending Articles

Do I Have Brainrot QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizWhat Emojis Mean Sex?What Emojis Mean Sex?What Pokémon Am I QuizWhat Pokémon Am I Quiz151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to Ask151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to AskSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouDo You Agree with These Hygiene Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Hygiene Hot Takes?

Featured Articles

The Different Types of People You Can Find in a Friend GroupThe Different Types of People You Can Find in a Friend GroupAn Introduction to Kibbe Body Types (with Styling Tips!)An Introduction to Kibbe Body Types (with Styling Tips!)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?From Alpha to Omega: A Guide to the 7 Male PersonalitiesFrom Alpha to Omega: A Guide to the 7 Male Personalities

Featured Articles

7 Easy Card Magic Tricks You Can Master in Minutes7 Easy Card Magic Tricks You Can Master in Minutes Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHow to Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHypnotize SomeoneHow toHypnotize SomeoneThe Easiest Guinness World Records to Break: Which Will You Try?The Easiest Guinness World Records to Break: Which Will You Try? Solve a Rubik's Cube in 20 MovesHow to Solve a Rubik's Cube in 20 MovesWhistle with Two FingersHow toWhistle with Two Fingers

Watch Articles

Grow Out Your BangsHow toGrow Out Your BangsDress PunkHow toDress PunkEnd a Long Distance RelationshipHow toEnd a Long Distance RelationshipDo E Girl EyelinerHow toDo E Girl EyelinerRespond to the Fire EmojiHow toRespond to the Fire Emoji Stop Your Glasses from Making Your Eyes Look SmallHow to Stop Your Glasses from Making Your Eyes Look Small

Trending Articles

Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Am I More Hannah Montana or Miley Stewart?Am I More Hannah Montana or Miley Stewart?The Most Attractive Zodiac Signs & What Makes Each Sign BeautifulThe Most Attractive Zodiac Signs & What Makes Each Sign Beautiful24 Different Types of Bras Explained24 Different Types of Bras ExplainedWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?

Quizzes & Games

What Is My Face Shape QuizWhat Is My Face Shape QuizTake QuizWhat Is Your Lip Type?What Is Your Lip Type?Take QuizWho's My KPop Lookalike QuizWho's My KPop Lookalike QuizTake QuizDo I Have a Fairy Face QuizDo I Have a Fairy Face QuizTake QuizAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Take QuizWhat Is My Skin Undertone QuizWhat Is My Skin Undertone QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Personal Care and Style
  • Makeup
  • Eye Makeup
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --570

Tag » What Is My Eye Shape Camera