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What Are Almond-Shaped Eyes and How to Show Them Off

Jamie Mendiola

Written By:

Jamie Mendiola

Updated: 15 April 2024 •  
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Have you ever heard people describe eyes as almond-shaped, but didn’t know what it means? Or, perhaps you’re here because you have almond-shaped eyes and want to know how to make the most of them?
 
Either way, you’ve come to the right place.
 
Today, we’re shining the spotlight on almond-shaped eyes, from what they look like to simple tips for accentuating them.
 

What are almond-shaped eyes and how to know if you have them

almond eyes have slightly pointed inner corner

Almond eyes are usually recognizable by a slightly pointed inner corner that tapers at the tear duct.

 
To identify whether your eyes are almond-shaped, look straight at your eyes in the mirror and see whether they have any of the following features:
 

  • They have a slightly pointed inner corner, which tapers at the tear duct.
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  • There’s a visible crease on the eyelid.
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  • The iris should touch your eyelid at the top and bottom.
  •  

  • Almond eyes are wider than other eye shapes.
  •  

  • They can have smaller eyelids.
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  • Often, the outer edge of an almond eye can tilt upwards, giving it a lifted look.

 
If you’re still unsure, try comparing yours to celebrities who have a similar eye shape. A clear example? Selena Gomez.
 
Selena Gomez has almond-shaped eyes

Part of Selena Gomez’s classic beauty comes from her almond-shaped eyes.

 
While her makeup can make her eyes appear rounded or foxier, it’s made easier because of the versatility of her almond eyes. Look closely, and you can see how her eyes have a slightly pointed inner corner and her irises touch the top and bottom of her eyelids.
 

Best glasses to complement almond-shaped eyes

Now that you’ve identified your eye shape, what’s next? It’s time to find the right glasses to frame them with. Whether you wear prescription glasses or sunglasses, knowing what suits your eyes beforehand helps narrow down your choices significantly.
 
Here are a few points to consider before you start your shopping.
 

Frames that are wider at the top than the bottom

 
woman with afro wears cat eyeglasses to complement her almond eyes

Glasses that are wider at the top can balance out almond-shaped eyes.

 
It doesn’t take a lot to balance out almond-shaped eyes. Simply look for frames that are a little wider at the top, then tapers down to a slightly narrow shape. Browline and cat-eye glasses shapes come to mind.
 
This way, your glasses can emphasize your eyes’ best features.
 
Browline glasses like our well-loved Victor frames are perfect for almond eyes. They match the width of your eye shape, making them a complementary accessory.
 

 
Another option would be cat-eye glasses like the Natty, which is perfect for those who want to add a little spice to their outfit. As one of the most classic shapes, cat-eye works for almost any aesthetic you want to try out.
 

 

Transparent frames

 
clear eyeglasses are recommended for almond-shaped eyes

Clear eyeglasses show off almond eyes in their full glory.

 
Having almond eyes is kind of like a badge of honor. So, why not go for a pair of transparent frames to fully show them off?
 
Clear frames such as our Embrace pair here have that modern, minimalist vibe that make them easy to pair with any outfit. Plus, they complement any skin tone and hair color.
 

 

Makeup tips to play up almond-shaped eyes

Almond-shaped eyes tend to have a lot of lid space, making them the perfect canvas for a wide variety of eye looks.
 
Of course, makeup for glasses-wearing folks can be different than for those who don’t. Here’s how you can make your almond eyes stand out, whether you have specs on or otherwise.
 

Line your bottom waterline with a lighter color

 
eyeliner for almond eyes

Beige or white eyeliner to your waterline can make your eyes pop. Source: Makeup.com

 
Here’s the thing — it can be too easy to make almond eyes look smaller. Since the shape’s naturally lifted, a dash of eyeliner at the wrong spot can make them look closed up and droopy.
 
To give your eyes a wide open effect, apply eyeliner in a light shade like gold or white on your bottom waterline.
 

Play around with graphic liner that mirrors your eye shape

 
Alexa Demie eyeliner looks

Alexa Demie as Maddy Perez rocking one of the many unforgettable graphic eyeliner looks in ‘Euphoria’. Source: Insider

 
The shape of almond eyes is their best feature, and graphic eyeliner in zany shapes and bold colors that mirrors your eyes’ shape is exactly how you can play them up.
 
For some inspiration, you could scroll through pins for the TV show ‘Euphoria’ on Pinterest. The show is brimming with experimental graphic eyeliner looks that will surely get your creative juices flowing.
 

Go for cat-eye liner

 
cat-eye liner for almond eyes

A classic cat-eye liner elongates almond-shaped eyes and accentuates their shape.

 
If you prefer a more classic and subtle approach to your makeup, a timeless cat-eye liner will never let you down. Better yet, you can keep your wing short and subdued for a more everyday look or elongate the flick for more dramatic nights out.
 
This makeup look also allows you to embrace your eye shape, rather than trying to alter it. Extend the liner past the outer corner of your eye, and clean up the edges with a Q-tip and concealer if needed to make sure the line is sharp and precise.
 

Opt for a one-color eyeshadow look

 
eyelids color enhances almond eyes

A single wash of color on the eyelids is easy-to-do yet impactful.

 
Sometimes, the fewer colors we put on the eyelids, the more it can emphasize your eye shape. This tip might sound a bit counterintuitive, but it’s true!
 
So, let your eyes do all the talking and choose only one color on the palette, in a shade that preferably matches/complements your eye color.
 
Then, apply that shade all over your eyelid. For a lifted look, extend and blend the eyeshadow past the outer corner of your eyes to give it a wing-like shape. You can also use the same shade on your lower lash line to pull the whole look together.
 

Style inspo from almond-eyed celebrities with glasses

Some of our favorite almond-eyed celebs have had some major eyewear moments, so we’ve put together some trendsetting moments to get you inspired.
 

Olivia Wilde

 
Olivia Wilde wearing eyeglasses for almond eyes

Olivia Wilde frames her almond eyes like a pro with glasses that are wider on top than on the bottom. Source: AceShowbiz

 
Get her look with our classic cat eye Goody glasses below.
 

 

Scarlett Johansson

 
scarlett johannson wears transparent cat eyeglasses to complement her almond eyes

Scarlett Johansson proudly shows off her almond-shaped peepers in cat-eye transparent glasses. Source: Pinterest

 
Bring out your inner Scarlett and let your almond eyes speak for themselves with our clear Hoot glasses.
 

 

Let your almond eyes do all the talking!

Remember, the key to making your almond eyes stand out is to experiment. Go ahead and try as many makeup styles as you can, whether it’s a subtle cat-eye or a graphic eyeliner look.
 
And of course, the same goes for your glasses. While some frames can fit your eye and face shape better than others, you never truly know what looks good on you until you try them on. To do that, simply check out our virtual try-on feature today.

Jamie Mendiola
Jamie is a writer and non-profit volunteer advocating for mental health. When not typing up a storm at work, you'll find her binge-watching Netflix or meditating like Yoda.

Frames for Almond Eyes