Try This Easy Makeup Tutorial for Upturned Eyes

Whether you’re after a classic smokey eye or want to try your hand at a graphic wing, understanding your eye shape is key to achieving a flattering end result. If you have upturned eyes, for example, you have plenty of options to play with—but since your eyes are naturally lifted, you’ll tend to fare best with softer looks that help balance your dramatic, angular features. If you’re not sure where to start—or even whether you have an upturned eye shape to begin with—read on. Ahead, we’ll explain what upturned eyes are and share tips on how to determine your eye shape accurately. Then, we’ll share a simple step-by-step upturned eye makeup tutorial that can easily be adapted to suit any occasion. Your new go-to makeup look awaits.

What Are Upturned Eyes?

Upturned eyes are one of six of the most common eye shapes (the others being almond-shaped, round, monolid, hooded, and downturned). They’re characterized by an upward tilt at the outer corner, which gives the eyes a naturally lifted, cat-like appearance.

How can you tell if you have an upturned eye shape?

To determine your eye shape, stand in front of a mirror and imagine there’s an invisible line extending from the inner corner of your eye to the outer corner. If your outer corners dip below this invisible line, you have downturned eyes, and if they’re on the same plane, your eyes can likely be categorized as round or almond-shaped. If your outer corners slant above that invisible line, meanwhile, you have upturned eyes. Another way to tell if you have an upturned eye shape is by looking at your lash lines—typically, your bottom lid and lash line will appear longer than your upper lash line, though the effect may be very subtle. If you’re still not sure what your eye shape is, check out our article How To Determine Your Eye Shape for more guidance.

How To Use Makeup To Enhance Upturned Eyes

With upturned eyes, it’s always best to flaunt makeup looks that emphasize and balance your beautiful shape. In this case, a natural eyeshadow look featuring earthy neutral shades will help to create that dynamic. Here’s a step-by-step to help get the perfect look.

Step 1: Prime your lids

It’s always a good idea to prime your lids before applying eyeshadow, as the primer can help ensure your makeup applies evenly and stays put. If you don’t have a dedicated eye makeup primer on hand, a full-coverage concealer can do the job, too. Dot a small amount of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Up to 24H Full Coverage onto your lids and blend it out with your fingers to create an even base for your eye makeup application.

Step 2: Apply a neutral eyeshadow

Start by applying a light brown or nude eyeshadow, such as the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Alluring Rose, onto your lid. Use your finger to lightly blend the pigment slightly past your crease to create a soft, natural-looking diffused effect.

Step 3: Darken your crease and outer corner

Next, reach for an eyeshadow that’s a few shades darker than your lid color (we recommend the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Brown Bliss). Buff the shadow onto the outer corner of your eye, bringing the pigment up to your crease to add depth and definition. To really play up your upturned eye shape, you can also blend this eyeshadow outward to create a soft, cat-like shadow wing. Either way, we recommend carrying a bit of the color to your lower lash line for a cohesive, coordinated look.

Step 4: Highlight your inner corners

Applying a light, shimmery shadow to your inner corners can help give this area just as much definition and emphasis as your outer corner. The pop of shimmer will create the illusion of symmetry and help ensure your upturned eye makeup looks flattering and balanced. To keep everything cohesive, we recommend opting for a cream formula, such as the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Twinkly Rose. However, you can use a powder highlighter if you wish—just be sure to pat it with a small brush for a precise application.

Step 5: Create a soft wing

Eyeliner for upturned eyes should help to accentuate your eyes’ natural lift—and a classic wing does just that. To create your wing, start by tracing along your upper lash line with a creamy pencil eyeliner, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Mechanical Gel Eyeliner. Once you reach the outer corner, carefully flick the liner outward—so it’s angling toward the tail of your brow—to create a soft, subtle wing. We like the way pencil liner adds definition while remaining soft and subtle, but if you’d prefer a more dramatic look, liquid eyeliner is the way to go. Just be sure to opt for one with a fine-tipped applicator, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Black, for a precise, defined application.

Step 6: Swipe on mascara

If you ask us, no eye makeup look is complete without a set of full, fluttery lashes. You can use any mascara you like for this step, but for a fanned-out lash look, we love the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Washable Mascara. The long-wearing formula adds length and volume, making your eyes appear bigger and more open. Plus, it resists clumping, smudging, and flaking for up to 24 hours. We recommend applying an even coat to your upper lashes, then adding a second coat just to your outer corner to help emphasize your eye’s natural upward lift.

Step 7: Fill in your brows

Your eyebrows can either make or break your makeup look, so it’s important to know the best way to shape your eyebrows for your unique features. For the most part, you’ll want to keep your natural shape. Tweeze any stray hairs, then brush your brows into place and fill in sparse areas with a brow pencil, such as the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil. Then, brush through your brows with a clear brow gel to help set the hairs into place. If you need a recommendation, we’re big fans of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Brow Lamination.

Step 8: Set your look

To lock your makeup look into place, give your face a generous mist with setting spray. We recommend using the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist, as it applies evenly, dries quickly, and provides up to 36 hours of wear—so you can be sure your upturned eye makeup will go the distance.

Next Up: How To Make Your Eyes Look Bigger With Makeup

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris