Eyeliner Hacks That Will Change the Way You Do Your Makeup

If applying eyeliner still feels frustrating—despite all the tutorials you’ve seen—you’re not alone. Sometimes it’s not about your technique, but about finding the right style for your eyes. One of the most helpful eyeliner hacks is learning how to apply eyeliner for different eye shapes, which can make all the difference. Just like your brows should suit your face shape, your eyeliner should enhance your eye shape.

This guide breaks down exactly how to find your shape and match it with the best eyeliner technique—whether you're looking for eyeliner for big eyes, trying winged eyeliner hacks, or experimenting with an eyeshadow eyeliner hack. And if you're after the easiest eyeliner to apply for your needs, or want to pair your look with simple pink eye makeup, we’ve got tips for that too. With the right eyeliner hack, your go-to look becomes so much easier to achieve.

Choosing the Right Eyeliner for the Job

There are two choices you have to make before you get into the application part of the process: consistency and color of your eyeliner. Let us guice you through both.

Pencil vs. gel vs. liquid eyeliner

Choosing the right eyeliner formula can make all the difference in creating the eye shape or style you want. Pencil eyeliner is often considered the easiest eyeliner to apply, especially for beginners. It offers control and a softer finish, making it perfect for eyeliner on big eyes or subtle, everyday looks, such as simple pink eye makeup. For those exploring eyeliner hacks, a pencil is ideal for tightlining or smudging along the lash line, and it's a great choice when trying an eyeshadow eyeliner hack for a smoky effect.

On the other hand, gel eyeliner delivers richer pigment and longer wear, making it excellent for bolder styles and winged eyeliner hacks. It gives you more precision than a pencil but is still forgiving enough for learning different eye shape eyeliner techniques. Liquid eyeliner is the go-to for sharp, dramatic lines and graphic wings. While it requires a steadier hand, it’s perfect for advanced eyeliner hack enthusiasts looking to master precise, clean edges. Regardless of your skill level, understanding the pros and cons of each formula helps you choose the best eyeliner for your desired look and ensures that your eyeliner truly enhances your natural beauty.

Color choices to make your eyes pop

Choosing the right shade of eyeliner can completely transform your look and make your eyes pop. For a classic, defined finish, black is a timeless choice that works beautifully for dramatic evenings or bold wings. Brown offers a softer, more natural effect that’s perfect for daytime wear or enhancing lighter eye colors without looking too harsh. If you want to emphasize your eye color, try complementary shades—like deep plum or navy for green or hazel eyes, rich copper for blue eyes, or jewel tones to bring out brown eyes.

White and nude shades have their own special magic. Applied to the waterline, they can make eyes appear bigger and more awake—ideal for bright, fresh looks. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colored eyeliner to match your mood or outfit; it’s an easy way to get creative while still flattering your eye shape and color. With the right color choice, eyeliner becomes more than a basic step—it turns into a custom tool for expressing your style.

Eyeliner Tips for Different Eye Shapes

Perfecting your look starts with learning eyeliner techniques for different eye shapes. A few simple adjustments can transform how your eyes appear, making them look bigger, more lifted, or more balanced. In this section, we'll explore easy eyeliner hacks and different eye shape eyeliner techniques to help you find the most flattering style for your unique features.

How to determine if you have almond eyes

Almond-shaped eyes have slightly upturned outer corners, giving them a balanced and symmetrical appearance. If this sounds like your eye shape, you’re in luck—it’s one of the most versatile to work with. Nearly every eyeliner style flatters almond-shaped eyes beautifully, whether you're looking for a subtle daytime look or a bold, dramatic wing. Their natural shape makes it easy to experiment confidently and discover the eyeliner techniques that best highlight your features.

The best eyeliner for almond eyes

Almond eyes can really shine with almost any style, but there’s one eyeliner hack that’s especially flattering. Here’s how to try it: start with a thin line at the inner corners and gently build up the thickness as you move outward. This eye shape also looks great with a bit of liner on the lower lash line for extra definition. For a soft, blended finish, lightly smudge the outer corners on both the top and bottom. The L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Up To 24HR Pencil Eyelineris perfect for creating this easy, polished look.

How to determine if you have hooded eyes

Hooded eyes are often compared to, and sometimes confused with, monolids because both have limited lid space for applying makeup. If you have hooded eyes, the skin from your brow bone covers your eyelid, which can make certain looks tricky since the makeup can disappear when your eyes are open. For this reason, it’s best to avoid thin eyeliner styles and try eyeliner hacks that create a more visible, defined line.

The best eyeliner for hooded eyes

Don’t let your makeup disappear into your lid or, worse, end up smudging! When applying eyeliner for different eye shapes like hooded eyes, go for a bold look with a thicker wing to really add definition. Pick a waterproof formula for extra staying power and peace of mind. Try the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner for its long-lasting, smudge-resistant finish. Another easy eyeliner hack is to tightline your upper lash line and finish with a couple of coats of mascara to make your eyes look bigger.

How to determine if you have downturned eyes

Think of downturned eyes as similar to almond-shaped, but with a gentle downward tilt at the outer corners. This angle makes the upper eyelids appear longer than the lower lids. Choosing the right makeup technique or downturned eyes is essential to help lift and open up your look, making your eyes appear brighter and more balanced.

The best eyeliner for downturned eyes

The trick to faking a wide-awake, lifted eye look is all about adding an upward flick with your liner. Choose an eyeliner with a precise tip to help you get that clean, defined flick at the outer corners. Try the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail Eyelinerfor smooth application and reliable wear—perfect for mastering this simple yet effective hack.

How to determine if you have upturned eyes

Upturned eyes are among the most common eye shapes. They’re similar to almond-shaped eyes with their oval shape and natural upward lift at the outer edges. The key difference is that the lower lid is more prominent, appearing noticeably longer than the top eyelid, which can be enhanced beautifully with the right eyeliner or a subtle technique.

The best eyeliner for upturned eyes

Lining your eyes can help balance the proportions of your upper and lower lids, making them appear more even in size. Choose a shade you love—bright blues work beautifully—and use the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyelinerin our Blue Jersey shade to draw a thin line along both the upper and lower lash lines. Finish by adding a slightly thicker line at the outer corner of your lower lid for extra definition.

How to determine if you have round eyes

Round eyes are the easiest to decipher. First of all, you know you have round eyes if you’ve heard everyone compliment you on your big, doll-like eyes. Second, you’ll know you have round eyes if you can see the white around the top or bottom of your iris.

The best eyeliner for round eyes

The goal with eyeliner for round eyes should be to elongate the width of your eye shape to create a more balanced appearance. A cat eye can help to create the illusion of length. The easiest way to achieve it? With the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner, which comes with a winged eyeliner stencil, of course! For a touch of drama, smudge black eyeliner along your upper and lower lash line

How to determine if you have small eyes

This one’s pretty self-explanatory. If you have small eyes, don’t get disheartened, though. There are many ways you can make your small eyes look larger than life!

The best eyeliner for small eyes

One easy way to make your eyes look bigger is by lining your waterline at the base of your lower lashes with a nude eyeliner. This simple trick instantly brightens and opens up your eyes for a wide-awake look. Try the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner in Nude—it glides on smoothly and lasts all day without smudging.

Editor’s tip: If you have small eyes, avoid using black on your waterline since it can make them look even smaller.

By the way, don’t forget, it isn’t just your eye shape you should take into consideration when it comes to your eye makeup, but also your eye color.

Next Up: How to Do Eye Makeup Based on Your Eye Shape

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris