8 Tips To Accentuate Almond Eyes & Make Them Pop, From Makeup Artists

All eye shapes and sizes are stunning and unique, and at the end of the day, any shape can score any makeup look (as we've said time and again, makeup has no rules). That being said, different shapes do require different techniques to achieve various end goals (read: A sharp, cat-eye liner doesn't have the same 1-2-3-step guide for everyone), and there are more than a few methods to accentuate the natural beauty of your lid structure. 

Before diving into beauty tips, it's helpful to know whether you do, in fact, have a set of almond eyes. Typically, with this eye shape, the iris (aka, the colored part of your eye) touches both the top and bottom waterlines—meaning, you can't see any white above or below. The outer corners may also be slightly lifted, you know, just like an almond. It's also a bit easier for those with almond eyes to find their natural crease, as the fold is likely visible on the lid.  

To make almond eyes look wide-awake, Alexandra Compton, product development manager at clean beauty retailer Credo, suggests tightlining the upper lash line with shadow or liner. "This will open up your eyes and make them appear larger and brighter," she previously told mbg about the eye shape. 

As a general rule, darker shadows define and recede, while lighter shades tend to bring forth the area. That said, a wash of paler shadow can make your almond eyes pop; especially if your eyes are more deep-set, St. Jean explains; those lighter shadows can help pull the area forward. 

As we alluded to above, different eye shapes require targeted techniques to achieve various looks. Almond eyes are no different: To create a sharp cat-eye, St. Jean recommends drawing from the outer corner and working your way in. "Create that even line, and bring it forward inside your eye," she says. After painting on that quintessential flick, you can then follow right along the lash line—since the outer corners on almond eyes are slightly lifted already, it makes the process a bit easier.   

Technically, this handy little trick looks stunning on all the eye shapes (it's universally flattering, says Compton), so of course, it works for almond eyes. Plus, it's an incredibly low-lift way to create a moody beat.

Another tip that applies to all the eye shapes: "Curl your lashes before applying mascara for mega-doe eyes," says Compton. Just make sure not to clamp down too hard on those flutters, lest you pluck a few precious hairs; a few seconds of hold is all you need to keep them lifted and spidery.