Not all eyes are the same — and that's a good thing. The trick to eyeliner and mascara that truly works is understanding your eye shape and adapting your technique accordingly. Below you'll find tailored tips for the most common eye shapes, so you can make the most of what you've already got.
Monolid Eyes
Monolid eyes have a narrower lid with no distinct crease, and the outer corner is often angled upwards.
Start with a thin line of eyeliner along the lash line and build it up gradually until you can see it when your eyes are open. Then extend a small upward flick that follows the waterline for a natural cat eye effect.
With mascara, the goal is to open up the eye. Always curl your lashes first for extra lift, and choose a lengthening mascara over a volumising one — this lets the lid show through as much as possible. Complement the look with Xlash Eyelash Serum for naturally longer lashes that enhance the effect even further.
Hooded Eyes
Hooded eyes have a lid that drapes slightly over the crease, and the outer corner is often angled downwards.
Keep your eyeliner thin at the inner corner and build it up towards the outer corner where the hood is most pronounced. Extend the wing a little beyond the eye for an elongated, lifted look. A thin, dark shadow along the lower lash line adds extra definition.
Choose a lengthening mascara and focus most on the middle lashes — this creates the illusion of a higher, wider eye.
Upturned Eyes
Upturned eyes have an outer corner that naturally angles upward, and may or may not have a visible crease.
Keep your eyeliner thin along the upper lash line and finish with a small flick. Connect the wing with a thin line or a light shadow along the lower lash line for a balanced, cohesive result.
Give extra attention to your lower lashes with mascara to balance out the natural upward tilt. On the upper lashes, focus towards the outer ends for a cat-eye effect.
Downturned Eyes
Downturned eyes are the opposite of upturned — the outer corners dip slightly downwards.
Use eyeliner that stays thin at the inner corner and builds up towards the outer corner, with a wing that extends slightly beyond the eye and angles upward. This counterbalances the natural downward tilt and creates a lifted appearance.
Avoid heavy mascara on the lower lashes, as it can draw the eye down further. Instead, focus on the middle section of the upper lash line for a more open, wide-awake result.
Round Eyes
Round eyes are wide in height with a clearly defined crease.
Keep your eyeliner thin in the centre of the eye and finish with a triangular wing at the outer corner for a more cat-like, balanced look. This softens the roundness and gives the eyes more length.
Focus your mascara on the outer lashes for balance and a touch of allure.
Almond Eyes
Almond-shaped eyes — narrow at the inner corner and widening towards the outer — are the most versatile eye shape of all.
You can wear almost any eyeliner style: thin or thick line, big or small wing. Try different looks and find your favourite.
Apply mascara to both the upper and lower lashes to make the most of your eyes. There really are no limits here.
To Finish
Whatever your eye shape, well-kept lashes and defined brows are the foundation of a gaze that truly stands out. Combining the right makeup techniques with Xlash Eyelash Serum and Xbrow Eyebrow Serum gives you results that last well beyond your makeup. Real stories, real results.
