How to Choose the Right False Lashes for Your Eye Shape

One of the most common questions I get asked as a professional makeup artist is some version of the same thing: 'which lashes will actually suit me?' And it's a fair question, because the wrong pair can make your eyes look smaller, the lash line visible, or the whole look overdone. The right pair does the opposite. It enhances what you already have and looks like it was made for you.

 

After 10 plus  years working as a professional MUA, I've applied false lashes on hundreds of different eye shapes. Here's what I actually know works.

 

First - how to figure out your eye shape

Stand in front of a mirror with no eye makeup on. Look straight ahead.

• If you can see your crease clearly and your lid is visible when your eye is open - you likely have almond or round eyes.

• If the skin above your crease folds over and hides part of your lid - you have hooded eyes.

• If the outer corners of your eyes sit lower than the inner corners - you have downturned eyes.

• If your eyes appear wide and circular with visible white above or below your iris - you have round eyes.

Most people sit somewhere between two of these, and that's completely normal. Use whichever description feels closest.

Hooded eyes

Hooded eyes are one of the most common eye shapes in the UK and also the most misunderstood when it comes to lashes. The fold of skin above the crease means that a heavy, full lash will disappear under the hood - and sometimes make the eye look smaller, not bigger.

What actually works: lashes that are longer at the outer corner to create a lifted, elongated effect. You want length and a slight flick rather than volume across the full band.

VIVID - this lash style will create a natural lifted effect without adding weight across the whole lid. It's the lash I reach for most often on clients with hooded eyes.

MUA tip: apply your lash looking straight ahead, not with your eyes closed. For hooded eyes, closing your eye hides the lash line and you'll place the lash too high. Look in the mirror with your chin slightly down and apply to the lash line directly.

Almond eyes

Almond eyes are the most versatile eye shape - almost any lash style works, which is both a blessing and a decision paralysis. The key is knowing what effect you want to achieve.

• For a natural everyday look: VIVID adds subtle length and lift without overdoing it.

• For soft definition and a polished finish: ICONIC. The multi-layered design adds depth beautifully on almond eyes.

• For a bold occasion look: FIERCE. Almond eyes can handle more volume than other shapes - FIERCE delivers that without looking heavy.

MUA tip: if you have almond eyes, the choice really comes down to occasion rather than shape. Pick the intensity of lash to match where you're going, not what 'suits' your eyes - because most styles will.

Downturned eyes

Downturned eyes have outer corners that sit slightly lower than the inner corners. The goal with lashes is to create the illusion of a lift at the outer corner - so you want styles that are longer and more dramatic at the outer edge.

• LUXE works well here as it will give the outer corner a lift 

What to avoid: lashes that are heavier in the centre than the outer corner - these will drag the eye down further rather than lifting it.

MUA tip: apply the lash starting from the outer corner rather than the inner corner. This gives you more control over where the length sits and ensures the outer edge is placed exactly where you want the lift to happen.

Round eyes

Round eyes are wide and open, with visible iris and sometimes white showing above or below. The goal is usually to elongate rather than open further - so you want a lash with more length at the outer corner than the centre.

• Best SKO style: ICONIC or LUXE. ICONIC's multi-layered design adds definition and depth that helps elongate the eye shape. LUXE adds outer corner length specifically.

What to avoid: very round, full lashes that add volume evenly across the whole band - these make round eyes appear rounder.

The style that works on every eye shape

If I had to pick one lash that I've never had a client struggle with regardless of eye shape, it's MUSE. The ultra-fine, wispy fibres add just enough length and lift to enhance without overwhelming, and the barely-there effect means it never looks wrong. It's the one I recommend to anyone trying false lashes for the first time, regardless of their eye shape.

All SKO lashes are reusable up to 20 times and designed specifically for women by a professional MUA. If you're still not sure which style is right for you, feel free to get in touch - I'm always happy to help.

Shop the full SKO Collection at theskocollection.co.uk