When it comes to makeup application, I’m all for throwing out the rulebook and experimenting with products and techniques in a way that feels right for you. However, as someone with hooded eyes there has always been one makeup technique in particular that I’ve struggled with—eyeliner. And when a friend of mine with almond-shaped eyes said that she was also unsure about how to best apply eyeliner to show off her eye shape, I thought it was worth investigating.
Admittedly, though, I am no makeup pro. So I called upon two of the biggest names in the beauty business for some genuine expertise on the matter. Ahead, renowned makeup artists Lisa Eldridge, and Ruby Hammer MBE share the lowdown on the best way to apply eyeliner for almond-shaped eyes.
Before we get into the eyeliner tips, though, I asked the experts how to best describe an almond eye if you’re not entirely sure what shape your eyes are. “An almond eye shape is oval, just like the shape of the nut,” describes Ruby Hammer MBE, Makeup Artist, Brand Founder and Makeup Artist. “The iris [the coloured part of your eye] is usually touching both the top and bottom lid.” “Almond eyes are slightly elongated towards the outer corner,” explains Lisa Eldridge, Makeup Artist and Founder of Lisa Eldridge Makeup. “Alexa Chung is a beautiful example of an almond eye shape.” Now keep scrolling for expert-approved tips on how to perfect your liner look.
Turns out, before you even think about applying your eyeliner you need to make sure that your makeup area is prepped and ready. “The fundamental needs for eyeliner are the same for all eye shapes,” explains Hammer. “You require good light and a mirror as you want to see your eyes as naturally as possible.”
One of the most important factors of perfecting your eyeliner look? Steady hands. “Try steadying your elbow on a surface, or tuck it into your waist,” suggests Hammer. And when it comes to almond eye shapes in particular, it’s really important not to pull at your eye when applying the liner. “This can distort it and when you release you will have a different shape,” explains Hammer. Instead, try and look straight ahead into a mirror and apply the liner exactly as your eye is.
“For an easy eye look that would look beautiful on an almond eye shape, apply eyeliner at the outer edges of your eye, starting three-quarters of the way along the lid rather than taking it all the way to your inner eye,” explains Eldridge. “Look straight into the mirror and then elongate your flick out. It’s one of my favourite looks to create on an almond eye, as the definition on the outer corner of the eye really accentuates the shape.”
Naturally, almond eyes are quite tapered in shape. Therefore, if you want to make the eyes look slightly wider or bigger then mixing up the eyeliner colours that you wear can transform the shape of your eye. “Applying a black eyeliner along the upper lash line and a lighter colour to your lower lashes gives the illusion of bigger, brighter eyes,” advises Hammer. “And don’t forget to curl your lashes, specifically focusing on the centre lashes.”
Tightlining is a makeup technique that involves applying eyeliner to the waterline of your eye area to make your lash line look thicker and to define your eye shape. If you want to really accentuate your almond eyes then this is a dramatic way to show off their beautiful shape. However, if you want to make your eyes look wider then Hammer suggests you switch out black liner in the waterline and “opt for something brighter or light-reflecting”, like a nude shade.
“Almond eyes can wear any style of eyeliner,” states Eldridge. Therefore, the best thing you can do is enjoy experimenting with different products and techniques to create a look that you love on your eye shape. “Don’t be afraid to try any look [and] experiment with colours and textures,” says Hammer. “Look out for celebrities or friends with a similar eye shape and save pictures of looks you’d like to replicate. Makeup is about having fun. If you don’t like it, then wash it off and try again!”
One of the most beautiful eyeliners I’ve ever tried, Lisa Eldridge’s new eye pencils glide onto skin and can be effortlessly blended. Eldridge recommends the shade Renaissance Gold to create “a softly, smoked-out, winged eye look with a beautiful sparkle, that would look gorgeous on almond eyes to emphasise and elongate the shape”.
While pencil liners are arguably more versatile than liquid formulations, this one is brilliant for a dramatic look that won’t budge. “Start with a thin line of eyeliner at the inner corner of the eye, gradually getting thicker as you reach the outer corner, then flicking the liner upwards at the outer edge to really compliment and accentuate your almond eye shape,” explains Hammer.
The flexibility of a pencil with the long-wear of a liquid, these gel eyeliners from Hourglass come in an array of seasonal shades (this Forest green one is beautiful) and last for 12 hours.
A twist-up pencil with all of the precision and longevity of Rare Beauty’s beloved liquid liner, but in an easy-to-use gel pencil version. Foolproof.
Specifically designed for use along the waterline, this neutral pencil brightens opens up the eye area, brightens and minimises redness or signs of tiredness.
This liner has a super-versatile tip that can be used to create a multitude of looks—use just the tip for an ultra-fine line or the flat side for bolder wings. Up Next: I’m a Beauty Editor—8 Easy Eye Makeup Looks That Always Get Me Compliments.
