How to Apply Makeup to Downturned Eyes for a Lifted Appearance

Eyes come in all sorts of stunning shapes and sizes, from almond to round, downturned, hooded, and more. With each unique eye shape comes its own set of makeup tips and tricks to help you stand out and look your best. If you have downturned eyes, you can enhance this particular shape in several ways, whether you’re after a natural eye makeup look or something more sophisticated, Ahead, a professional makeup artist shares her best tips for enhancing downturned eyes, from the viral “puppy eyeliner” technique to how to apply eyeshadow, lashes, and more.

What Are Downturned Eyes?

The main characteristic of downturned eyes is that they slope more downward, especially on the outer corners of the eye. The outer corners will be slightly lower than the inner corners. Another way to identify a downturned eye shape is if the eyelashes also slope downward.

A few celebrities who have downturned eyes include Sydney Sweeney, Laura Harrier, and Anne Hathaway. The beauty looks these stars and others have achieved prove that the right techniques can go a long way in accentuating this feature for a truly striking result.

Eyeliner Tips

The viral TikTok puppy eyeliner trend is an excellent way to line downturned eyes. When it comes to applying eyeliner to a downturned eye shape, Baribeau prefers to start with a thin line: “If I’m doing a liner or winged liner, I like to draw a thin line from the inner corner and middle of the eye and start to pull the liner out just at the point where the eye begins to turn downward,” she says. “Think of a 45-degree angle from the outer corner of your lower lash line. Cheating it out before it turns down will help lift the eye rather than accentuate it.” You can do this by applying eyeliner and lightly smudging it outward if you don’t want to extend the line to the end.

Both liquid and pencil eyeliners are suitable for use on downturned eyes. If you want to brighten the whites of your eyes, use a flesh-toned or white-colored eyeliner on the inner rim of the bottom lashline for additional benefit.

Mascara Tips

Since a characteristic of downturned eyes is having downturned lashes, you’ll need a good eyelash curler and waterproof mascara. “A good lash curler is a must for downturned eyes,” Baribeau says. “If your lashes tend to fall shortly after curling and applying mascara, try waterproof; it will help hold the curl better. Sometimes, to get a perfect curl on the ends, I like to use a mini lash curler to get in there. A good curl will instantly lift and open the eye. If all else fails and a downturned lash is very stubborn, I will leave mascara off the few lashes on the very end so they are less noticeable.”

It’s also best practice to curl your eyelashes a few times before applying mascara, holding each curl for at least five to 10 seconds to help extend the wear of your mascara and keep the curl intact. To get the most out of your mascara, secure the brush at the base of your lashes by wiggling it back and forth to hook it in, then extend the brush upward to the tips of the lashes for complete coverage. Repeat this two to three times or until you achieve your desired look.

Eyeshadow Tips

Applying eyeshadow to downturned eyes might feel a tad overwhelming at first. “I like to take a neutral matte taupe or brown-hued shadow and sweep it across the orbital bone to the outer corner of the eye slightly up into the temple, creating a subtle lift,” Baribeau tells us. “I also keep the lighter eyeshadow colors inside and darken them on the outer corners.”

To help blend the shadow across the lid evenly, opt for a fluffy eyeshadow brush versus a flat shape. Applying lighter hues in an upward motion can create the illusion of lift, creating a more open look for your downturned eyes. It’s best practice to experiment with different light tones of eyeshadow until you find one that works well alongside your skin tone. For example, if you have cool undertones in your skin, you may want to opt for lightly colored eyeshadow that has a cool undertone to it as opposed to warm.

More Makeup Tips for Downturned Eyes

Dramatic Eye Makeup

Since special occasions might call for an eyeshadow look that’s more dramatic than your daily look, Baribeau recommends including your lower lash line: “If you want to enhance your downturned shape and create some extra drama, sweep a taupe or brown-colored shadow along the lower lash liner and extend it in an upward motion towards the brow bone.” You can use the tail of your eyebrows as a guide on how far the shadow should extend. This creates a more defined eye makeup look, yet you’re not losing your shape in the process.

Embrace False Lashes

Another way to enhance downturned eyes is to add a few false lash extensions to the center of your lashes to bring the focal point there. If you find the lashes look too long, you can trim them with brow hair scissors to customize the shape.

Stick to Matte and Cream Shadows

You’ll likely want to avoid placing frosty, shimmering, or glitter shadows on the brow bone or the lid’s crease when accentuating downturned eyes. This can deter you from enhancing your downturned eye shape and, at times, cause a bit of distraction. Using matte and cream shadow formulas, along with shadows with a light shimmer that’s not as noticeable, is your best bet.

The Final Takeaway

Understanding your eye shape can help you apply shadow, liner, mascara, and more in ways that will enhance your eyes the most. For downturned eyes, it’s best to apply shadow in a technique that lifts, as well as invest in a quality eyelash curler and waterproof mascara. While applying eyeliner might take more practice, it will make your eyes appear larger and more lifted. Experiment with different products and tones until you find what suits you best—this process should be fun as you discover new ways to make your downturned eyes shine with makeup.