How Do I Choose the Right Eyeliner for My Eye Shape?
Quick answer: Choose your eyeliner style by eye shape: almond eyes suit almost any line, round eyes look longer with a line that thickens towards a small flick, hooded eyes suit a thin line hugging the lashes, and downturned eyes look lifted with an upward flick at the outer corner. A fine-tipped liquid liner gives the most control, especially for beginners. Our pick is the Thin Lizzy Quick Fix Eyeliner & Corrector Pen, with a precision liner on one end and a corrector tip on the other.
The same eyeliner look can be stunning on one person and make another person's eyes look smaller. The difference is usually eye shape, not skill. Once you know your shape, it's much easier to choose a liner and a style that suits you. Here's how to work out your eye shape, which eyeliner styles flatter it and how to apply liner neatly, even if your lids aren't as smooth as they used to be.
How to Find Your Eye Shape
Look straight into a mirror in good light, with your face relaxed.
- Can you see your eyelid crease? If skin folds down over it, you have hooded eyes. If there's no visible crease, you have monolids.
- Can you see white above or below your iris? If you can, your eyes are likely round. If not, they're likely almond.
- Where do the outer corners sit? Lower than the inner corners means downturned. Higher means upturned.
The Best Eyeliner Style for Each Eye Shape
Almond eyes
Almond eyes are balanced, so most styles suit them. A classic wing that follows the line of your lower lashes upwards is especially flattering.
Round eyes
To make round eyes look longer, keep the line thin at the inner corner and gradually thicken it towards the outer corner, finishing with a short flick. Avoid a heavy line all the way around, which makes the eye look rounder.
Hooded eyes
Keep the line thin and right against the lashes, so it doesn't disappear into the fold. Draw any wing with your eyes open, so you can see where it sits. Tightlining, which means pressing liner into the roots of the upper lashes, adds definition without taking up lid space.
Monolid eyes
A slightly thicker line works well, as some of it will be hidden when your eyes are open. A bold wing or a gently flicked cat-eye opens up the eye.
Downturned eyes
Lift the outer corner by angling your flick upwards towards the tail of your brow. Keep the lower line light at the outer corner, or leave it out.
Upturned eyes
A soft line along the outer third of the lower lashes balances the natural lift. Keep the upper line fairly even rather than strongly winged.
What's the Best Eyeliner for Beginners?
A fine-tipped liquid pen is the easiest to control, and a chunky barrel helps if your hand isn't as steady as it used to be. Two extras make life much easier: a corrector to tidy mistakes without starting again, and a wing stamp if you want a matching flick on both eyes.
Our Picks
Quick Fix Eyeliner & Corrector Pen
Best for: anyone learning to use liquid liner, or who wants an easy way to tidy mistakes.
This two-in-one pen has an intense black precision liquid eyeliner on one end and a makeup corrector tip on the other. Draw your line, then use the corrector to sharpen the edges or erase a wobble without taking off all your makeup.
- Intense black precision liquid liner
- Corrector tip on the other end
- Handy at home or on the go
Perfect Wing Eyeliner Stamp & Pen
Best for: almond, round, monolid and downturned eyes, and anyone who finds matching wings tricky.
The stamp is pre-loaded with ink, so you simply press the wing onto the outer corner at the angle you like, then use the pen to continue the line along the upper lash line. There's no mess and no fuss, and both eyes match.
- Pre-loaded wing stamp
- Pen to complete the line
- Choose your own wing angle
Magnificent Magnetic Eyeliner
Best for: wearing with Magnificent Magnetic Lashes.
An intense black gel liner with micro magnetising particles that hold Magnificent Magnetic Lashes in place, with no lash glue. The ultra-fine tip lets you draw a precise line or cat-eye, and the formula is long-lasting and designed to resist smudging.
- Ultra-fine tip, intense black gel
- Holds magnetic lashes without glue
- Long-lasting, smudge-resistant wear
How to Apply Eyeliner for Your Eye Shape
- Prep the lid: a little eyeshadow primer or a dusting of powder helps stop liner transferring onto the crease.
- Steady your hand: rest your elbow on a table and look down into a mirror, which gently flattens the lid.
- Work in short strokes: start at the outer corner and draw small dashes along the lash line towards the centre, then join them up.
- Add the flick for your shape: angle it towards the tail of your brow, or use the wing stamp for a quick, even wing.
- Check with your eyes open: especially if your eyes are hooded, look straight ahead to see how the line sits.
- Tidy up: use the corrector tip to sharpen the wing or remove any wobbles.
On softer, crepey lids, gently lift the outer corner with a fingertip from the side of your eye (don't pull hard) to give yourself a smoother surface while you draw.
Pairing your liner with lashes? See how to apply magnetic eyelashes, our guide to using eyeshadow and our makeup tips for your 50s.
What Customers Say
"Easy to open and use, with a fine tip for an older shakier hand to apply."
Diana M., Thin Lizzy customer (Quick Fix Eyeliner & Corrector Pen)
"This makes it easy to apply a wing effect eyeliner on my crepey eyes"
Tracey F., Thin Lizzy customer (Perfect Wing Eyeliner Stamp & Pen)
"Love the ease and convenience of this eyeliner with the lashes."
Nikki S., Thin Lizzy customer (Magnificent Magnetic Eyeliner)
Read all Quick Fix Eyeliner & Corrector Pen reviews →
Frequently Asked Questions
What eyeliner style suits me?
Start with your eye shape. Almond eyes suit most styles, round eyes suit a line that thickens towards the outer corner, hooded eyes suit a thin line close to the lashes and downturned eyes suit an upward flick.
What's the best eyeliner for round eyes?
A fine liquid or gel liner that lets you keep the inner corner thin and build width towards a small outer flick. This makes the eye look longer.
What eyeliner is best for hooded or mature eyes?
A fine-tipped liner applied as close to the lashes as possible, drawn with your eyes open. A corrector helps tidy the line on softer lids.
Should I line my lower lash line?
It depends on the look. A full lower line can make eyes look smaller, so many people prefer a soft line on the outer third only, or none at all.
Can I buy Thin Lizzy eyeliner in stores?
Yes. Thin Lizzy is available at Farmers, Life Pharmacy, Chemist Warehouse and Unichem stores across New Zealand. The range can vary by store, so the easiest way to get the full range, bundles and online deals is to shop online. See our FAQ page for stockist details.
Looking for a deal? Many of our best sellers are available in bundle offers from time to time. See our current Bundle Offers →
Final Thoughts
The right eyeliner is the one that works with your eye shape, not against it. Work out your shape, choose a fine-tipped liner you can control, and keep a corrector handy for a neat finish every time.
