It’s no secret that learning how to create the perfect, complimentary eye makeup look for your unique eye shape is in itself a skill that can completely transform the way one approaches their makeup routine, but where do you start? We’re exploring everything about almond-shaped eyes with the helps of makeup artists Jo Baker and Sara Edward Wayne, who offer their tried and true tips and tricks for creating makeup looks for people with almond-shaped eyes.
If you’re ready to learn more, keep scrolling to discover expert beauty secrets and inspiration for eye-enhancing makeup that will leave you wondering why you haven’t explored the many possibilities before now. Believe me, you’ll want to screenshot these tips before you reach for a makeup brush again.
Not sure which eye shape category yours fall under? All you have to do is take a good look at yourself in the mirror. According to Wayne, determining it is easier than you think. “Take a step back and examine the placement of the iris of the eye, the eyelid crease, the edges of eyelid (inner and outer corners),” explains Wayne. “Almond-shaped eyes are very versatile and common and can wear all sorts of different eye makeup looks.” One of our favorites for almond-shaped eyes? A single wash of color across the eyelid.
When in doubt, wing it out. To compliment and enhance the natural shape of your eyes, Wayne suggests opting for winged eyeliner look. For almond-shaped eyes, try the “outside-in” liner technique: starting by drawing a straight line from the upper outer corner of the lash line, bringing it to the center of the upper lash line, and then drawing another line at the outer corner to start your wing. Finish it off by filling in the line across the eyelid and adding a swipe of mascara for flirty lashes. Pro tip: remember to stay as close to your lash line as possible for a clean and polished look.
For any eye shape, selecting the right brushes to use to create a brilliantly executed wing or flawlessly blended eyeshadow can make a huge difference (even the shape of the wand on your favorite mascara primer matters). Wayne loves a good brush set that offers a wide arrangement of eyeshadow brushes like Outlaw Cosmetic Shop’s Vegan Studio Pro Brush Set. With so many noteworthy brushes on the market for eye makeup, you’ll never be at a loss for these trustworthy tools of the trade.
For Cartier’s Beautés du Monde event last June, actress Yara Shahidi fully embraced the retro makeup trend with this graphic eye look created by Nikki Wolff. To recreate this look, use a waterproof liquid eyeliner paying particular attention to their positioning at the inner corner of the eyes and across the upper lash line. If you haven’t heard it before now, almond-shaped eyes look stunning when framed by bold makeup looks.
Have you found yourself in a creative drought when it comes to coming up with new and fresh ways to do your makeup? Consider taking styling cues from your favorite celebrities. Baker, like many celebrity makeup artists, tends to turn to social media platforms for inspiration. “They can go into a lot of detail into how many types of eye shapes they are – even seeing an celebrity or influencer that you feel look like, or a similar resemblance can help determine the eye shape,” she says. Here, model Barbara Palvin (on the right) wears a minimal makeup look with a hint of sparkle at the inner corners of the eyes to add the perfect amount of brightness.
Almond-shaped eyes also look particularly gorgeous with a sensual and chic smoky eye. “I like accentuating the almond shape by focusing the outer corner by creating a flattering V shape with blended smoky eyeshadow,” explains Wayne. When creating this look, Wayne gravitates towards high-quality palettes with lighter and darker earth tones like those belonging to Urban Decay’s Naked collection. As mentioned briefly before, be sure to use a great brush that you can trust to blend and smudge your eyeshadow colors for that smoky effect.
Whether you have naturally fluffy brows or you rely on some help from a gel and an eye pencil to add volume where you need it, adding bold brows to your eye makeup look is a fun and youthful way to play up your almond-eyes. I like to think of mine as a tool for framing the eyes just like the addition of eyeliner of mascara. Some of our favorite products to give our eyebrows some extra ‘umph’ include volumizing fiber brow gel for depth, an eyebrow pencil to create fullness, and clear wax to capture and shape the hairs.
As versatile as almond-shaped eyes are, embracing your natural shape can truly make them stand out. “I personally believe each eye will bring out the most flattering and natural shape of each eye on its own,” begins Baker. “Some eyes work particularly well with eyeliner and the feline look. And some are rounder, where I go for the more Dolly look. Each eye almost takes me to a different look.” For example, when working with clients like Olivia Wilde, Baker goes for a smoldering feline definition, but when working with a round shape, she goes for more of a romantic makeup look. No matter the eye shape, your makeup look is what you make of it.
Emphasize your eye shape even more by adding depth the lashes with a couple coats of mascara. Recently, Who What Wear’s beauty editors haven’t been able to get enough of lash primers that can work hand-in-hand with smudge and clump-free mascara to create length and volume for our lashes. If you’re in the market for a new mascara to add to your collection, keep an eye out for a new mascara from Bakeup, Baker’s beauty brand. “I am known for my spidery spikey mascara looks and this gives maximalist attitude of lash looks,” she explains. “I created a mascara anybody with any eyes and lashes can use achieve that effect – it doesn’t smudge, smear, blend or move at all until you want to take it off!”
If it’s dimension you’re looking for, sweeping shadow just below the lower lash line adds even more depth and intrigue to your eyes. Whether you decide to go for a deeply pigmented matte shadow or a light or a a playful shimmering shade, you can’t go wrong with the addition of color as the finishing touch for any makeup look (especially if you’re lucky enough to have almond-shaped eyes).
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