How to Choose Mascara Based on Your Eye Shape

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Mascara is one of the most essential makeup products in any beauty routine. It has the ability to transform your lashes, opening up the eyes and making them look more defined. However, choosing the right mascara isn’t always straightforward, especially when factoring in eye shape. Whether you have round, almond, hooded, or downturned eyes, the right mascara can make a huge difference in the final look.

In this article, we will explore how to choose mascara based on your eye shape. Understanding your eye shape can help you pick the perfect formula, brush, and technique to highlight your eyes and create a flawless, tailored look. Let’s dive into how you can enhance your eye shape using the right mascara.

Understanding Your Eye Shape

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Before we talk about mascara choices, it’s important to know how to identify your eye shape. Understanding your eye shape will help you make informed decisions when selecting mascara, as certain eye shapes may benefit from different formulas and application techniques.

1. Round Eyes

Round eyes are characterized by a wide, circular shape, where the iris is completely visible and the upper and lower lids are almost the same size. People with round eyes typically have a wide and expressive gaze, making them appear larger and brighter. The goal for round eyes is often to elongate the eye shape, creating more depth and a more almond-shaped look.

2. Almond Eyes

Almond eyes are shaped like an almond, with the outer corners gently lifted and the inner corners tapered. This is often considered the “ideal” eye shape because of its symmetrical, balanced proportions. Almond-shaped eyes can wear a wide variety of mascara formulas, but the key is to enhance their natural shape and make the eyes appear even more elongated.

3. Hooded Eyes

Hooded eyes feature a fold of skin that hangs over the crease, partially covering the eyelid. This can make the eyelids appear smaller and the eyes seem more closed. When it comes to mascara for hooded eyes, the goal is to lift the lashes and define the eyes while preventing smudging or transferring product to the upper lid.

4. Downturned Eyes

Downturned eyes are those where the outer corners tilt downward. This can give the eyes a sad or tired appearance. For downturned eyes, the aim is to lift and open up the outer corners to create a more youthful and alert look. Proper mascara and application techniques can help balance the shape and make the eyes appear more lifted.

5. Monolid Eyes

Monolid eyes are characterized by the lack of a visible crease, which is common in many East Asian individuals. The absence of a crease can make the eyelid space appear flatter. The goal for monolid eyes is often to define the lashes and create the illusion of depth without heavy eyeliner or eyeshadow, which could overwhelm the eye shape.

6. Close-Set Eyes

Close-set eyes are positioned closer together on the face. This can make the eyes appear smaller and less defined. The right mascara can help create the illusion of more space between the eyes by focusing on the outer lashes and enhancing the corners.

7. Wide-Set Eyes

Wide-set eyes are spaced farther apart, creating the appearance of more space between the eyes. For wide-set eyes, mascara can help bring the focus toward the center of the face and create a more balanced look. Focusing on the inner corners with mascara will help pull the lashes closer together.

Choosing Mascara for Different Eye Shapes

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Each eye shape has its unique characteristics, and choosing the right mascara can help accentuate those features. Below, we’ll look at the best mascara options for each eye shape and the application techniques that can help you achieve your desired look.

1. Mascara for Round Eyes

Round eyes often benefit from mascaras that add length and definition while elongating the lash line. Since round eyes are already wide and open, your goal is to make them appear more almond-shaped, which gives a more defined, exotic look.

Best Formula for Round Eyes:

  • Lengthening Mascara: Look for mascaras that focus on lengthening the lashes. These formulas typically contain fibers or specialized brushes that help extend each lash, giving the eyes a more elongated, feline shape.
  • Volumizing Mascara: Choose volumizing formulas that add thickness to the lashes without clumping. This can create a more dramatic look that contrasts with the natural roundness of the eyes.

Best Brush for Round Eyes:

  • Tapered or Slim Wand: A brush with a tapered or slim wand allows for precision in coating the lashes evenly from root to tip. This will help you achieve length without making the lashes look overly thick and heavy.

Application Technique:

  • Focus on applying mascara to the outer lashes to emphasize the elongation of the eye.
  • Use a light hand on the inner lashes to avoid making the eyes appear too wide.
  • Apply several coats of mascara for a more dramatic look, but be sure to separate the lashes using a lash comb to avoid clumping.

2. Mascara for Almond Eyes

Almond eyes are versatile and can accommodate a wide variety of mascara formulas. The key with almond eyes is to enhance their natural symmetry and elongate the lashes for a lifted, glamorous look.

Best Formula for Almond Eyes:

  • Curling Mascara: Curling mascaras are perfect for almond eyes, as they help lift and define the lashes while maintaining the eye’s natural shape.
  • Lengthening Mascara: Lengthening formulas can help enhance the already elongated shape of almond eyes by creating even more height and dimension.

Best Brush for Almond Eyes:

  • Curved or Arch-Shaped Wand: A curved wand will help to naturally curl and lift the lashes, working with the almond shape to create a flawless, wide-eyed look.

Application Technique:

  • Apply mascara from root to tip, ensuring that you coat every lash to emphasize both volume and length.
  • Focus on the center of the lashes for a balanced look, and apply a little extra product to the outer lashes for a slight winged effect.

3. Mascara for Hooded Eyes

Hooded eyes require mascara that will help open up the eyes and prevent transfer to the upper lid. The goal is to lift the lashes and define them, giving the illusion of larger, more defined eyes.

Best Formula for Hooded Eyes:

  • Volumizing Mascara: Choose a volumizing mascara that adds density to the lashes, creating a fuller look that doesn’t disappear under the hooded eyelid.
  • Waterproof Mascara: A waterproof formula will ensure that your mascara doesn’t smudge or transfer to the upper lid, which is a common issue for hooded eyes.

Best Brush for Hooded Eyes:

  • Rubberized or Plastic Wand: A wand with a rubberized or plastic bristle is ideal for separating lashes and preventing clumping. This is particularly helpful for hooded eyes, as clumped lashes can make the eyes appear smaller.

Application Technique:

  • Focus on curling your lashes before applying mascara to ensure they stay lifted.
  • Apply a light coat of mascara to the lower lashes to prevent the upper lashes from overwhelming the look.
  • For the upper lashes, focus on lifting the lashes from root to tip, concentrating on the outer corners to open up the eye.

4. Mascara for Downturned Eyes

Downturned eyes can be made to look more youthful and awake with the right mascara. The key is to focus on lifting the outer corners and creating a more defined shape that balances the downward tilt.

Best Formula for Downturned Eyes:

  • Lift and Curl Mascara: Look for formulas that add both curl and lift to the lashes. These will help prevent the lashes from drooping and create a more open, lifted look.
  • Lengthening Mascara: Lengthening mascaras are great for downturned eyes because they help elongate the lashes, making the eyes appear more elongated and less downward.

Best Brush for Downturned Eyes:

  • Spiral Brush: A spiral brush is excellent for lifting the outer lashes and giving a more upward and outward curl to the lashes.

Application Technique:

  • Focus on applying extra mascara to the outer lashes, gently sweeping the wand upward to lift the corners.
  • Apply only a light coat to the lower lashes to keep the focus on the upper lashes.
  • Use a lash curler to pre-curl your lashes for maximum lift.

5. Mascara for Monolid Eyes

Monolid eyes have a unique structure with no visible crease, so the key is to add definition to the lashes without overwhelming the natural lid space. The goal is to enhance the lashes and make the eyes appear more open and defined.

Best Formula for Monolid Eyes:

  • Volumizing Mascara: Volumizing mascara helps to add density and thickness to the lashes, making the eyes appear larger and more defined.
  • Waterproof Mascara: Waterproof formulas work well for monolids, as they help prevent smudging and transferring, which can be common due to the lack of a crease.

Best Brush for Monolid Eyes:

  • Hourglass-Shaped Wand: A wand with an hourglass shape helps to lift and separate the lashes, creating a fuller look without clumping.

Application Technique:

  • Focus on applying mascara to both the upper and lower lashes, as this will help define the eyes.
  • For monolids, it’s essential to apply mascara to the roots of the lashes to avoid the lid looking flat.
  • Consider using a lash curler for extra lift and separation.

6. Mascara for Close-Set Eyes

Close-set eyes benefit from mascara that helps elongate the lashes toward the outer corners, creating the illusion of more space between the eyes.

Best Formula for Close-Set Eyes:

  • Lengthening Mascara: Lengthening mascara is ideal for adding extra length to the outer lashes, helping to create the illusion of more space between the eyes.
  • Volumizing Mascara: A volumizing mascara with a lighter formula works well to add definition and fullness without weighing down the lashes.

Best Brush for Close-Set Eyes:

  • Wide and Fluffy Wand: A wand with wide, fluffy bristles will allow you to evenly distribute mascara across the lashes while emphasizing the outer corners.

Application Technique:

  • Focus on applying more mascara to the outer lashes, building up the volume and length on the outer corners.
  • Be careful not to apply too much mascara to the inner lashes, as this can make the eyes appear even closer together.

7. Mascara for Wide-Set Eyes

For wide-set eyes, the goal is to bring the focus toward the center of the face. Mascara can help balance the look by enhancing the inner corners and creating a more unified appearance.

Best Formula for Wide-Set Eyes:

  • Thickening Mascara: Look for a thickening formula that creates a fuller lash line, drawing attention toward the inner corners of the eyes.
  • Lengthening Mascara: Lengthening formulas can help add definition and balance to the entire lash line.

Best Brush for Wide-Set Eyes:

  • Narrow Brush: A narrow brush is great for focusing on the inner lashes and building up definition along the lash line.

Application Technique:

  • Focus on applying extra mascara to the inner lashes to draw the eyes closer together.
  • Apply a lighter coat of mascara to the outer lashes to maintain balance.

Conclusion

Choosing the right mascara for your eye shape can make a huge difference in your overall makeup look. Whether you have round, almond, hooded, downturned, monolid, close-set, or wide-set eyes, there’s a mascara formula and brush that will suit your needs. By understanding your eye shape and applying mascara strategically, you can enhance your natural features and achieve the perfect eye look every time. Experiment with different mascaras and application techniques to discover what works best for you!