“How do I know my eye shape?” is a question we get asked at almost every consult we do. Many clients sit down and say things like, “I’ve never been sure if I have almond eyes or hooded eyes — is that why my winged eyeliner always smudges?” Knowing your eye shape changes how makeup sits, how glasses fit and even how cosmetic tattooing should be applied for the most flattering result.
As cosmetic tattoo artists in Brisbane, we’ve worked with every type of eye shape imaginable — round eyes, almond-shaped eyes, upturned eyes, downturned eyes, monolid eyes and even trickier ones like close-set eyes or deep-set eyes. In this guide, we’ll show you how to spot your own shape with simple steps, backed by real studio experience, plus modern insights from facial analysis algorithms and even the kind of eye shape chart you’ve probably seen floating around on Pinterest.
Your eye shape is the blueprint for everything — from eye makeup looks to cosmetic tattooing and even how your eyewear confidence feels when you slip on glasses. If you’ve ever tried a smoky eye and thought, “This just makes me look tired,” chances are the technique didn’t match your lid anatomy.
We’ve seen it all: clients with protruding eyes where cut creases look amazing, wide-set eyes where a softer liner pulls back in, or hooded eyes where a smudge-proof lash line tattoo beats any eyeliner pen. Personalised makeup and professional advice matter because one-size-fits-all rarely works — especially in Brisbane’s humidity, where makeup routines fight sweat and shine.
There’s no one “perfect” eye shape — each has its strengths. Let’s break them down:
Called the most balanced, almond eyes are slightly pointed at the outer corners. Almond-shaped eyes work with almost all makeup techniques: smoky eyes to classic winged eyeliner.
Hooded eyes have extra skin folding over the crease, hiding the eyelid space. Hooded eyes love tight-lining and subtle shading. For eyeliner tattoos, we avoid heavy flicks that disappear into the fold.
Monolid eyes have flat lids with no visible crease. They’re a blank canvas for gradient shadows, cut creases and shaded eyeliner tattoos that create lift and depth.
Round eyes are open and expressive, with more white showing. These work with soft wings and blended shadows — too much liner can make you look surprised.
Outer corners slope downwards, giving a soft or sultry look. Downturned eyes look best when makeup or tattoos lift the outer corners.
The opposite of downturned, upturned eyes have outer corners that flick up. They naturally suit a cat-eye look without needing much correction.
Deep-set eyes sit further back in the socket, making the brow bone more prominent. Light shading and highlighting around the inner corner brightens and balances them.
When the space between the eyes is narrower than one eye’s width, they’re close-set eyes. Soft highlighting near the inner corners helps create balance.
Wide-set eyes have extra space between them. Pulling the liner closer to the tear duct and shading inward helps bring harmony.
Protruding eyes sit forward from the socket. Smokey eyes and cut creases work beautifully here because the lid space shows everything.
Here’s a quick mirror test for anyone asking:
Tip: Take photos from different angles in natural light — it’s easier to see things you miss in the mirror.
| Eye Shape | Key Features | Makeup Tips |
| Almond eyes | Balanced, pointed outer corners | Versatile — suits smokey eyes, wings, most looks |
| Hooded eyes | Fold hides crease | Keep liner thin, try an eyelash curler for lift |
| Monolid eyes | Flat lid, no crease | Gradient shadow, cut creases, shaded liner |
| Round eyes | More white shows | Softer liner, blended outer edges |
| Downturned eyes | Corners tilt down | Lift with shading or upward wing |
| Upturned eyes | Corners tilt up | Emphasise cat-eye, balance with bottom liner |
| Deep-set eyes | Eyes sit back in the socket | Highlight inner corners, avoid heavy liner |
| Close-set eyes | Less space between eyes | Highlight inner corners, keep liner outward |
| Wide-set eyes | More space between eyes | Bring the liner inward, balance with smoky shadows |
| Protruding eyes | Eyes sit forward | Bold, smoky eyes and cut creases shine here |
Studies in eyelid anatomy show that over 50% of East Asians have monolid eyes, while hooded eyes become more common with age in all ethnicities (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023). Interesting to see that platforms like TikTok and Instagram filters now use deep learning and facial analysing algorithms to suggest makeup recommendations based on eye shape — a digital version of what we’ve been doing in person for years.
At our Brisbane beauty bar, we’ve noticed clients are getting more curious about these AI-driven tools. While they’re handy, nothing beats expert human analysis in real lighting conditions. After all, algorithms don’t see how your skin care habits, glasses tips or even eye surgery history may affect your current look.
Yes, Kim Kardashian’s smoky eyes are everywhere, but here’s the catch: what flatters her almond-shaped eyes won’t necessarily suit round eyes or hooded eyes. Celebrity looks are a great inspiration, but your makeup routine should always be personalised. That’s why we walk clients through eye colours, eye shape charts and tailored makeup techniques that actually work in their day-to-day lives — not just in photoshoots under perfect lighting conditions.
Case 1 — Hooded eyes: One client came in worried her winged eyeliner tattoo would “disappear”. We created a lash line enhancement that subtly lifted her outer corners — no smudge, no fuss.
Case 2 — Monolid eyes: A young client wanted a bold flick like her friends. Instead, we used shading that gave the illusion of depth, long-lasting and natural.
Case 3 — Wide-set eyes: Another client struggled with glasses tips, making her eyes look further apart. With a lash enhancement placed closer to the inner corners, her eyewear confidence skyrocketed.
So how do I identify eye shape? The answer lies in noticing your crease, lid space and outer corners — then tailoring your makeup routine, eyewear guidance or cosmetic tattooing choices accordingly. Whether you’ve got hooded eyes, almond eyes or wide-set eyes, the goal isn’t to copy Kim Kardashian’s makeup but to build confidence with your own unique features.
In our Cosmetic Tattoo Studio Brisbane, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter looks. Instead, we give you visual guidance, real-world makeup tips and cosmetic tattooing tailored to your anatomy — so you leave feeling seen, balanced and confident.
Using only natural and eco-friendly components for cosmetics
Special unique receipes are the secret of our spa procedures.
Experienced and skilled staff will make your perfect day
Most of our beauties come from the recommendation
No. While shape matters most, eye colours affect which shades pop — blue eyes suit warm bronzes, green eyes glow with purples, brown eyes shine with golds.
They can offer decent beauty recommendations, but they’re limited by lighting conditions and image angles. In-person analysis still wins.
Use an eye shape chart, take photos, and test different makeup looks. Over time, you’ll learn what flatters your unique anatomy.
Cosmetic Tattoo Melbourne — Face Figurati is Melbourne’s choice cosmetic tattoo studio, led by certified artist Olha Po since 2016. Our full range of Brow, Lip & Eyeliner tattoos, plus colour correction and gentle removals, is the perfect way to enhance your natural features with long-lasting, natural results.