All Makeup Skin Hair Nails How-To Beauty Amplified Spoilers IPSY 101 Ingredient Index

10 Must-Try Makeup Tips for Almond-Shaped Eyes

Elizabeth Denton DefaultElizabeth Denton Default
By
Published on Nov 28, 2022
Close-up of a beautiful woman rocking a peach monochromatic makeup look MobileClose-up of a beautiful woman rocking a peach monochromatic makeup look Desktop

There are no good or bad eye shapes—all eyes are beautiful and unique. But it’s helpful to understand your specific eye shape so applying eyeshadow and eyeliner is both easier and more flattering. Today we’re talking about almond-shaped eyes. You probably have almond-shaped eyes if the iris (the colored part of your eye) hits both the top and bottom waterlines. You probably have a visible crease in your eyelids, and the outer corners of your eyes may be slightly lifted.

To help those with almond-shaped eyes nail any and all eye makeup looks—from lowkey daytime makeup to edgy nighttime styles—we chatted with celebrity makeup artist Jamie Dorman for her expertise. She’s painted the faces of stars like Madison Davenport, Gabriella Pizzolo, and Dascha Polanco, so she has the inside scoop on creating the most flattering looks for any eye shape.

Keep reading to learn about her top tricks to embrace almond-shaped eyes. We threw in a few we love, too!

It's about glam time you treated yourself.

Join IPSY
Default Middle Subscribe Module Image - MobileDefault Middle Subscribe Module Image - Desktop
MEET THE EXPERT

Jamie Dorman is a New York-based celebrity makeup artist.

1. Keep your top eyeliner thin.

Close-up of Kim Kardashian rocking a dark neutral makeup look MobileClose-up of Kim Kardashian rocking a dark neutral makeup look Desktop

“To emphasize the almond shape, keep eyeliner thin on the upper lid and thicken it towards the outer 1/4th of the eye,” Dorman says. You can see how Kim Kardashian keeps her inky black liner from being too heavy towards the inner corners, which would take over her lids. Tip: Adding eyelashes and/or mascara can make the eyes look even bigger.

2. Apply thicker eyeliner in the middle.

Selena Gomez rocking a natural makeup look, bob hairstyle, and gold hoop earrings MobileSelena Gomez rocking a natural makeup look, bob hairstyle, and gold hoop earrings Desktop

Some folks with almond-shaped eyes like to exaggerate the shape, while others like to fake the appearance of round eyes—it’s all a matter of preference. If you prefer the latter, Dorman says to “make the thickest part of your liner be at the center of the top lid.” This draws the line into the middle and creates a rounder shape. We love IL MAKIAGE Black Card - Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner because it’s ultra-pigmented and lasts all day.

3. Curl your lashes.

Jessica Alba rocking a wavy hairstyle and dark brown makeup look MobileJessica Alba rocking a wavy hairstyle and dark brown makeup look Desktop

It’s so simple but so easy to forget. Grab your lash curler and give your lashes a squeeze for a few seconds. Just be sure to find a curler with a shallower arc and wider opening so you’ll get every lash. Then, apply mascara and marvel at how wide and open your eyes look. And be sure to use your curler before mascara, not after. That way, you won’t pull some lashes out by mistake. Eek!

4. Apply lighter eyeshadow on your lids.

“On an almond eye it usually looks best if the crease shade is blended very lightly through the front of the crease, with the bulk of the intensity on the other half of the eye,” Dorman says. That means, when you do a cut crease, apply a lighter eyeshadow on the lids and blend heaving, deeper tones towards the back and top of the lids. Get all the natural-looking shades you need in the BELLE EN ARGENT Panchromatic Eyeshadow Palette in Nude Intuitive Vision.

5. Keep the end of your brows light.

Beyonce looking glam in a high ponytail hairstyle, natural makeup look, and colorful stones dress MobileBeyonce looking glam in a high ponytail hairstyle, natural makeup look, and colorful stones dress Desktop

It’s not just eye makeup hacks that can help your eyes pop. Grooming your brows can make a difference, too, since heavy brows can make eyes look smaller. “To bring more brightness to this eye shape, go light and thin on the outer part of the brow after the arch,” Dorman explains. “This will make the eye appear more open.”

6. Create a dramatic cat eye.

Lily Rose Depp rocking a dewy no-makeup makeup look MobileLily Rose Depp rocking a dewy no-makeup makeup look Desktop

It’s not all about making your almond-shaped eyes look bigger and rounder. Sometimes, all you need to do is embrace your shape. Cat eye makeup (aka winged eyeliner), seen here on Lily Rose Depp, makes your eyes look even more almond-shaped and tells the world you love your eyes just the way they are.

7. Apply one color across the lids.

Lily Collins with a pink eyeshadow makeup look paired with nude lips MobileLily Collins with a pink eyeshadow makeup look paired with nude lips Desktop

With almond-shaped eyes, it’s sometimes better to have less dimension. Crazy, right? Applying one eyeshadow color, like Lily Collins’ makeup artist did here, looks especially pretty—but you could also take it one step further by creating a wing shape with eyeshadow to accentuate the almond shape. We love using a bronze shade like DITO Eyeshadow in Mars for an all-over wash of color.

8. Apply eyeshadow on the lower lash line. 

Close-up of Shay Mitchell with a smoky eyeshadow makeup look paired with matte nude lips MobileClose-up of Shay Mitchell with a smoky eyeshadow makeup look paired with matte nude lips Desktop

Accentuate your eye shape by applying eyeshadow only on the lower lash line (bonus points if you use a bright color!). Shay Mitchell went with a golden brown hue with more pigment on the outer corners of the eye, making the eye look more flirty. This is easiest with a skinny brush, such as REAL TECHNIQUES Fine Liner Brush.

9. Use lighter eyeliner on your bottom waterlines.

“If you choose to do liner on the inner rim of the eye in this shape, go for a lighter shade than your liner, like a light bronze,” Dorman says. “This will make the eye appear wider and will keep you from looking tired.” Opt for a white or cream eyeliner for the biggest eye-brightening effect. ESSENCE COSMETICS Kajal Pencil in White is creamy and easy to smudge if you so choose.

10. Be strategic with your smoky eye. 

Hailee Steinfeld rocking a high ponytail hairstyle, cat eye makeup look, and nude lips MobileHailee Steinfeld rocking a high ponytail hairstyle, cat eye makeup look, and nude lips Desktop

Instead of applying a typical smoky eye, another option is to go for more of a “halo” effect. That means applying a darker shade on the outer and inner corners of the lids and a lighter one in the center, which will brighten up the eyes instantly. Go the extra mile with a shimmery shadow as your lighter shade (if you need inspo, pick one of the shades in ORYZA Precious Platinum Shimmer Eyeshadow), then step back and watch your eyes glow.

Want to get in the latest trending eye makeup? Try the IPSY Glam Bag! Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.

Like this article? Share it with your friends by clicking the icons below!

Liked this post? Share!

Related Stories

Mikayla Nogueira holding Snif Only Sunshine perfume, showcasing the vibrant summer fragrance with a warm, glowing makeup look.Mikayla Nogueira holding Snif Only Sunshine perfume, showcasing the vibrant summer fragrance with a warm, glowing makeup look.

Makeup

This TikTok Creator’s Perfume Actually Smells… Really Good

Published on Mar 18, 2026 • 3 min read

LYS Beauty Triple Fix Blurring Skin Tint Foundation Stick held in hand, showing a creamy complexion stick designed for buildable coverage and a natural, blurred finish.LYS Beauty Triple Fix Blurring Skin Tint Foundation Stick held in hand, showing a creamy complexion stick designed for buildable coverage and a natural, blurred finish.

Makeup

The Skin Tint That Has People Thinking My Skin Is Naturally This Good

Published on Mar 18, 2026 • 4 min read

Isabela Merced at the 98th Annual Oscars held at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. Isabela Merced at the 98th Annual Oscars held at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California.

Makeup

The Best Beauty Moments From the 2026 Oscars Red Carpet

Published on Mar 16, 2026 • 8 min read

Jasmine Tookes attends the media preview for The Ralph Lauren Holiday Experience on December 05, 2025 in West Hollywood, California. Jasmine Tookes attends the media preview for The Ralph Lauren Holiday Experience on December 05, 2025 in West Hollywood, California.

Makeup

Are Ghost Lashes (the Minimalist Lash Trend) Replacing Heavy Mascara?

Published on Mar 13, 2026 • 7 min read

NARS Natural Matte Longwear Foundation bottles arranged in a gradient of shadesNARS Natural Matte Longwear Foundation bottles arranged in a gradient of shades

Makeup

I Tried The New NARS Matte Foundation on Dry Skin—These Are My Honest Thoughts

Published on Mar 5, 2026 • 5 min read

Close up face lips of unrecognizable Indian Arabian woman girl female lady smiling smile sensuality plastic surgery beauty lipstick make up health medicine cropped view indoors feminine cosmetologyClose up face lips of unrecognizable Indian Arabian woman girl female lady smiling smile sensuality plastic surgery beauty lipstick make up health medicine cropped view indoors feminine cosmetology

Makeup

The Lip Liner Stains Everyone Is Talking About

Published on Mar 4, 2026 • 4 min read

B attends MISTR's National PrEP Day at The Abbey on October 09, 2025 in West Hollywood, CaliforniaB attends MISTR's National PrEP Day at The Abbey on October 09, 2025 in West Hollywood, California

Makeup

All the Cardi B Glam We Can’t Stop Thinking About

Published on Mar 1, 2026 • 4 min read

Writer with slicked-back dark hair wearing natural makeup and softly laminated brows, featuring a glossy lip and warm blush.Writer with slicked-back dark hair wearing natural makeup and softly laminated brows, featuring a glossy lip and warm blush.

Makeup

The Rare Beauty Brow Gel Changed My Life—Hear Me Out!

Published on Feb 27, 2026 • 4 min read

Default Middle Subscribe Module Image - MobileDefault Middle Subscribe Module Image - Desktop

Beauty Picked Just for You

Get 5 products worth up to $70

Plus exclusive access to epic deals up to 80% off

Starting at just $14/month. Cancel anytime.

Get Started