8 Eye Makeup Tips For Close-Set Eyes

Tried and tested tricks to help you get those perfectly shaped, attention-drawing eyes.

Reviewed by Abhilasha Singh, Licensed Cosmetologist
Written by Jyotsana Rao, BE
Edited by Madhumati Chowdhury, MA (English Literature)
Fact-checked by Vaishali Sinha, MA (Comparative Literature)  • 

If you need eye makeup tips for close-set eyes, we are here to help. Eyes are of different shapes – hooded, almond, downturned or upturned, and many more. Since every shape provides a different and unique face, the makeup styles also vary accordingly. You can determine your eye shape by measuring the space between the eyes. If there’s a lot of space, your eyes are wide-set. If not, they are close-set.

Hollywood celebs like Jennifer Aniston, Sarah Paulson, and many others have close-set eyes and they have always accentuated them to perfection with makeup. You can achieve a striking look with the tips and tricks shared in our post.

But remember, eye makeup can make or break your look. Therefore, follow our tutorial closely and pay attention while trying makeup at home. Swipe up for the details!

protip_icon Keep In Mind
  • Lighter Shades: A lighter highlighter shade suits close set eyes, unlike dark shades that make these eyes look droopy. Use a shade lighter than your skin tone like white, light pink, peach, or beige.
  • Cat Eye Makeup: A cat eye look will suit close set eyes better as it highlights and enhances the eyes.
  • Extend The Eyebrows: Fill in the eyebrows and extend their ends to accentuate the close set eyes.

Important Tips Before Going For Close Set Eye Makeup

Close up of a woman applying light eye shadow on her eye
Image: Shutterstock

There are various techniques involved in cosmetics application that can significantly impact your overall appearance, from blending and smudging to contouring and highlighting. You can balance and brighten your features by creating the illusion of fuller brows that draw focus to your eye makeup, resulting in a more flattering look. However, before you venture out to create your look, there are a few tips you should keep in mind:

  1. Always use a reflective or light eye shadow on the inner corner of your eye.
  2. Try and accentuate the natural part of your eye. Smokey eyes may be just the right thing for you.
  3. And most importantly, STAY AWAY from dark shades on the inner corner of your eye and limit the smokey effect on the outer corners instead.
protip_icon Quick Tip
Applying dark shades will make your eyes look closer together and congested. Lighter shades will help your eyes look brighter and open them up.

There are many celebrities like Rachel Bilson, Miley Cyrus, Nicole Kidman, Hilary Duff and Kate Winslet who have close-set eyes and their eye makeup invariably looks gorgeous. In the section below, you can find about a few other celebrities who embrace the beauty of close set eyes.

Celebrities With Close-Set Eyes

There are several celebrities with close-set eyes who showcase this captivating feature with confidence. Actresses like Mila Kunis and Jennifer Aniston are renowned for their stunning close-set eyes, adding allure to their on-screen presence. Then, there is supermodel Kate Moss who also possesses this distinctive feature, contributing to her iconic and timeless look. Close-set eyes, when well-balanced, can enhance facial symmetry and make for an alluring gaze. These celebrities embrace their features with grace, proving that such distinctive features contribute to their charm and success in the entertainment industry. Moreover, they help showcase that diverse facial characteristics can be assets in the world of glamor and fame.

If you feel inspired to highlight your close-set eyes, find out how with some easy makeup tips in the section below.

Eye Makeup For Close-Set Eyes

Woman applying primer on her eyes
Image: Shutterstock

Below are the tips that you have been waiting for!

1. Prime your eyes using a primer. You can use an Urban Decay primer potion or NYX jumbo pencil in milk.

2. Take a highlighter shade and apply it to the inner corner of your eyes to widen them. You can use NYX jumbo pencil in milk for this purpose also.

3. Use a light-colored shimmery shade in gray or beige shades and apply it to your eyelids. This will give your eyes a lifted look. Also, make sure there are no creases on your eyes.

4. A very important tip on makeup for close-set eyes is to make them smokey. Yup smokey is the way to go here. Apply a dark eye shadow like shades of black or brown and if you don’t want to go too dark, you could use a dark purple or blue on the outer corner of your eyes to give your eyes a wider look. Use a fluffy brush to blend away all the harsh edges.

Raluca, a makeup blogger, offers a great tip for applying makeup for close-set eyes: “I’m going to use a light brown shade… that’s slightly darker than my skin tone, but definitely you’re not looking for something that’s too dark because we’re going to use a fluffy brush and basically blend this all over. So if it’s way too dark, you’re going to end up with patchy-looking eyeshadow, and we want to avoid that intuitively (i).”

5. Apply a medium-toned eye shade on the lower lash line and to the outer third of the lower lid.

6. Contour your eyes. This will make your eyes look wider.

7. Apply black eyeliner onto your upper and lower lash line; this will create a huge difference on your eyes.

protip_icon Quick Tip
You may also go for winged eyeliner that is thicker on the outer eye. Start with a thin line and make it a thick wing as it branches out. It will make your eyes look wider.

8. Apply mascara on your upper and lower lashes. You could use Maybelline mascara, as it elongates your eyelashes and gives a dramatic look to the eyes.

Infographic: 6 Awesome Eye Makeup Tips For Close-Set Eyes

As we all are built differently, we also have different features, and there is beauty in every shape and form out there. That being said, knowing what makes your features pop out more never hurts. If you have close-set eyes, check out the infographic below to learn how to make them appear wide with a few eye makeup hacks. Scroll down.

6 awesome eye makeup tips for close set eyes (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Smokey eyes are your go-to look. Not that you cannot experiment with different eye makeup looks, but dark eyeshadows will give you the most dramatic vibe. So, get your primer, contour the eyes and follow all the eye makeup tips for close-set eyes and prep yourself for countless compliments that will come your way. It is time to flaunt those beautiful eyes that always wonder! So, roll up your sleeves and get started without any further delay! Because it’s show time, girl!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can close-set eyes be attractive?

Yes, close-set eyes can be attractive. The gorgeous Sarah Jessica Parker and the beautiful Tracee Ellis Ross are a few celebs with close-set eyes.

Can false lashes help with close-set eyes?

Yes, as false lashes can not only enlarge the eyes but also accentuate the entire look.

How can I shape my eyebrows for close-set eyes?

You can try to create an arch shape to enlarge your eyebrows for close-set eyes. This will help make eyes appear wider and give a more prominent look.

Are there any makeup products I should avoid using if I have close-set eyes?

There are no specific makeup products that you need to avoid. Usually, it is recommended you apply dark eye shadows and bold eyeliners for a dramatic effect.

Key Takeaways

  • For close-set eyes, always use a lighter shade on the inner corners and a darker shade outwards to make the eyes look wide.
  • Smokey eyes are the best for people with close-set eyes as they enhance the look of eyes.
  • Use light color shimmery shade to give your eyes a lifted look.
  • Always apply mascara on the upper and lower lashes to give them an elongated and dramatic look.
Eye Makeup Tips For Close Set Eyes_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Struggling to do eye makeup because you have close-set eyes? Watch the video below to find out tips to apply makeup to close-set eyes.

Personal Experience: Source

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