Eyeliner styles for your eye shape, and how to wear eyeliner safely

Choosing an eyeliner style for your eye shape can make your makeup look much more polished. The same line can look elegant on one person and too heavy on another, so it helps to know your eye shape before trying the latest trend.

This article shows a real Kira result for almond eyes, the styles to skip, and safe eyeliner habits from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

A real Kira result for almond eyes

Here is a real Kira result for the question “which eyeliner style suits my eye shape?”. Kira reads the eye shape from a selfie, then recommends eyeliner styles with previews, plus styles to avoid.

• Classic Wing (black) gives an elegant look.
• Subtle Wing (brown) looks soft and natural, good for everyday makeup.
• Puppy Liner (navy) makes the eyes look brighter.

For these eyes, Kira suggests avoiding a thick line all around the eye, which makes eyes look smaller, and smoky liner, which is too heavy for this shape. Kira’s tip: draw a thin line along the upper lash line.

These recommendations are for the eyes in that selfie. Everyone’s eye shape and spacing differ, so your result may be different.

How to choose an eyeliner style

1. 01Know your eye shape from a straight-on photo in natural light.
2. 02Start with a thin line along the upper lashes, then build it up gradually.
3. 03Pick a colour for the occasion. Black for a bold look, brown for a natural one, other shades for variety.
4. 04Match it with your brows and lenses. See also brow shapes for your face shape and choosing contact lens colours.

Eyeliner habits to avoid

Eyeliner is applied very close to the eye, so hygiene and safety matter. According to the FDA:

• Don’t share your cosmetics. Another person’s bacteria may be hazardous to you.
• Avoid eye cosmetics if you have an eye infection or the skin around the eye is inflamed. Wait until it heals, and discard the eye cosmetics you were using when you got the infection.
• Don’t use lip liner as eyeliner. Only use cosmetics intended for the eye area.
• Never apply or remove eye makeup in a moving vehicle, and take care not to scratch the eyeball.
• Don’t store cosmetics above 85°F (about 29°C), for example for long periods in a hot car, as the preservative can deteriorate.
• Avoid kohl and colour additives not approved for the eye area. The FDA notes reports linking kohl to lead poisoning, especially in children.

Good habits before applying eyeliner

• Wash your hands before applying eye cosmetics, since bacteria on your hands can cause infections if they get into the eye.
• Make sure any tool used near the eye is clean, and keep containers free of dust and dirt.
• Don’t use old eye products. For mascara, manufacturers usually recommend discarding it two to four months after purchase.

When to see a doctor

According to the FDA, if any eye cosmetic causes irritation, stop using it immediately. If the irritation persists, see a doctor.

Ask Kira which eyeliner suits you

Send Kira a selfie in natural light on WhatsApp and ask which eyeliner style suits you. Kira reads your eye shape and recommends styles with previews. See the eyeliner example.