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To apply eyeshadow for deep set eyes, the best technique is to use light, shimmery shades on the mobile lid to bring the eye forward, blend a medium matte shade just above the natural crease to create visible definition, and highlight the inner corner to add brightness and make the eyes appear more open.
If you’ve got deep set eyes, you probably already know the struggle of finding eyeshadow looks that don’t disappear into your crease. The good news? Deep set eyes are naturally captivating and dramatic. You just need the right techniques to enhance them, not hide them.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about eyeshadow for deep set eyes. From the best shades to use, to how to apply it so your eyes stand out in all the right ways.
Common Mistakes vs. Pro Techniques for Deep Set Eyes
| Aspect | Common Mistake (Makes Eyes Look Smaller) | Pro Technique (Makes Eyes Pop) |
|---|---|---|
| Crease Color Placement | Applying a dark shade directly in the natural crease, where it becomes invisible when the eye is open. | Blending a medium matte shade slightly *above* the natural crease. This creates visible definition and lifts the eye. |
| Lid Color | Using dark, matte colors all over the mobile lid, which makes the eye recede even further. | Applying light, shimmery, or satin shades (like champagne or rose gold) on the lid to reflect light and bring the eye forward. |
| Eyeliner | Applying a thick, heavy line of black eyeliner all around the eye, which closes it off and minimizes lid space. | Using a thin line of brown or charcoal liner close to the lash line, and smudging it slightly. A winged liner that extends outwards is also very flattering. |
| Highlighting | Skipping highlighter, which allows the natural shadows to dominate the look. | Applying a pop of shimmer to the inner corner of the eye and just below the brow bone. This adds brightness and makes the eyes look more open. |
7 Best Eyeshadow Makeup Looks for Deep Set Eyes
Deep Set Eyeshadow 01: The Elongated Smokey Eye
Instead of building a traditional smokey eye upwards (which can make deep set eyes appear more sunken), this technique focuses on extending the smoke outwards, creating a more almond-shaped, lifted effect.
How to do it:
- Start with a light, shimmery shade (like champagne) on your mobile lid.
- Apply a medium matte brown shade to the outer corner, blending it outwards and slightly upwards towards the tail of your brow.
- Use a darker matte shade to deepen the outer V, keeping the intensity on the outer third and extending it horizontally.
- Lightly smudge the darker shade along the outer half of your lower lash line.
Deep Set Eyeshadow 02: Soft Glam Halo Eye
If you're going for a romantic, glowy look, the halo eye is your best friend. The light shimmer in the center of the lid brings your eyes forward, while the soft blending on the inner and outer corners adds depth without sinking your eyes.
How to do it:
- Apply a matte taupe or soft brown on the inner and outer thirds of your lid.
- Pat a champagne or soft gold shimmer onto the center of the lid.
- Blend the edges where the matte and shimmer meet to create a seamless "halo" effect.
Deep Set Eyeshadow 03: Classic Winged Liner with a Nude Lid
This timeless look gives major "clean girl" energy. Keep the liner thin and wing it outwards. A thick line can make your lid space look smaller. Pair it with a matte nude lid and a soft brow bone highlight to make the wing the star of the show.
How to do it:
- Apply a matte nude shadow close to your skin tone all over the lid.
- Add a tiny amount of a soft highlight on the brow bone to open up the eye area.
- Draw a thin winged liner, focusing your width on the outer half only.
- Keep the inner corner tight-lined to avoid shrinking the lid space.
- Curl lashes + mascara for that sharp, lifted finish.
Deep Set Eyeshadow 04: Bronzed Smokey Eye
This is your go-to for a sun-kissed, effortless vibe. Apply a matte cinnamon or terracotta shade just above your crease, pack a warm bronze shimmer onto your lid, and smudge a dark brown eyeliner into your outer lash line.
How to do it:
- Sweep a matte cinnamon/terracotta shade slightly above your natural crease (so it’s visible when eyes are open).
- Apply a warm bronze shimmer across the lid.
- Smudge a dark brown eyeliner into the outer upper lash line and blend it into the shimmer.
- Add bronzer to the temples + cheeks to tie the whole look together.
Deep Set Eyeshadow 05: Graphic Eyeliner Look
Ready to experiment? Try a floating crease line or a double-winged liner. The trick for deep set eyes is to place the graphic line *above* your natural crease so it’s still visible when your eyes are open. Keep the rest of the lid neutral to let the liner stand out.
How to do it:
- Keep your lid neutral (matte beige or soft taupe).
- For a floating crease: draw the line above your natural crease so it stays visible when you open your eyes.
- For double-wing: extend a second small wing from the lower lash line.
- Keep the lines thin + sharp so it looks intentional and modern.
- Skip heavy shadow, let the liner be the main character.
Deep Set Eyeshadow 06: Cut Crease Glam
A cut crease is perfect for deep set eyes because it gives the illusion of a higher, more defined lid. Blend a matte transition shade above your natural crease, use concealer to "cut" a clean line and create a blank canvas on your lid, then pat a shimmer or satin shade on top.
How to do it:
- Blend a matte transition shade above your real crease to create a new, lifted crease.
- Apply a bit of concealer to cut the crease and carve a clean shape.
- Pat shimmer or satin shadow over the concealer to set and brighten.
- Blend a deeper matte on the outer corner so the crease looks extra defined.
- Add lashes (optional) to finish the glam.
Step-by-Step Eyeshadow Tutorial for Deep Set Eyes
Here’s a beginner-friendly eyeshadow routine that works beautifully for deep set eyes:
- Prime Your Lids: This prevents creasing and makes your colors more vibrant.
- Brighten the Lid: Apply a light shimmer or satin shade (like ivory or champagne) all over your mobile eyelid. This is the most important step to bring your eyes forward.
- Define Above the Crease: Using a fluffy brush, blend a medium matte shade (like taupe or a soft brown) slightly *above* your natural crease. This creates a visible shadow that lifts your eye.
- Deepen the Outer Corner: Use a darker matte shade (like espresso or plum) to create a “V” shape on the outer third of your eye, blending outwards.
- Highlight: Apply a soft shimmer to the inner corner of your eye and just below your brow bone to add brightness.
- Line with Intention: Use a soft brown or charcoal pencil and keep the line thin and close to your lashes. Smudge it slightly for a softer effect.
- Curl and Coat Your Lashes: Don't skip this step! Curling your lashes and applying mascara makes a huge impact by opening up the eyes.
🎥 Want to test these techniques before you try them in real life? The YouCam Makeup app lets you virtually try on different eyeshadow styles to see what flatters your deep set eyes best.
Key Takeaways
- Light on the Lid, Dark Above the Crease: This is the golden rule for deep set eyes. Light, shimmery shades on the lid bring the eye forward, while a medium matte shade blended above the crease creates visible definition.
- Highlighting is Your Best Friend: A pop of shimmer in the inner corner and under the brow bone instantly brightens and opens up the eyes, counteracting the natural shadows.
- Eyeliner Placement Matters: Avoid heavy, thick liner that closes off the eye. Opt for a thin line, a soft smudge, or a wing that extends outwards to elongate the eye shape.
- Experiment Virtually: Don't be afraid to play with different looks. An app like YouCam Makeup is the perfect tool for discovering new styles that work for you without any pressure.
Final Thoughts: Own Your Eye Shape
Deep set eyes are fierce, mysterious, and naturally sculpted. With the right eyeshadow tips, you can enhance your unique eye shape and make every makeup look pop. If you’re not sure where to start, grab the YouCam Makeup app and play around with different looks. It’s like having a makeup artist in your pocket, no pressure or makeup wipes required.
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We are a team of experts on photo and video editing apps. Our goal is to deliver engaging content on everything from stunning selfie edits to eye-catching video effects. We cover the latest trends and share niche tips to help you master digital creation.
Eyeshadow for Deep Set Eyes: Questions Answered (FAQ)
- What is the best eyeshadow technique for deep set eyes?
- The best technique is to use light, reflective shades on the mobile lid to bring the eye forward, and to blend a medium-toned matte shadow slightly *above* your natural crease to create visible definition. Highlighting the inner corner is also crucial for adding brightness.
- Are deep set eyes and hooded eyes the same thing?
- No, they are different. Deep set eyes are positioned further back in the skull, creating a prominent brow bone. Hooded eyes have an extra layer of skin that droops down from the brow bone over the eyelid, partially covering it. However, some makeup techniques, like placing the crease color higher, can work well for both.
- Can I wear a smoky eye with deep set eyes?
- Yes, absolutely! Just modify the technique. Instead of applying the dark color all over the lid, concentrate the darkest shades on the outer third of the eye and blend outwards and upwards. This creates an "elongated" smokey eye that lifts and opens the eye instead of making it look smaller.
- Is shimmer or matte eyeshadow better for deep set eyes?
- A combination of both is ideal. Use shimmery or satin shades on the mobile lid to reflect light and bring the eye forward. Use matte shades in and above the crease to create soft, natural-looking depth and definition.
