What Are Deep-Set Eyes? + Proper Makeup Tips

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Have you ever wondered why your eye makeup doesn’t capture the spotlight the way you want? 

Could it be that you have deep-set eyes?

Deep-set eyes, distinguished by a more pronounced brow bone and deeper eye sockets, are a captivating feature shared by many around the world.

And while they’re naturally beautiful, they do require a slightly different touch of the makeup brush. 

And this guide will be your magic wand for perfect makeup! 

By learning about the detailed characteristics of your unique eye shape and mastering specific makeup techniques, you can unlock the true potential of your natural beauty.

Excited to embark on a journey into the realm of makeup for deep-set eyes and unveil the secrets to making them truly irresistible?

Read on to learn more!

What Do Deep-Set Eyes Look Like?

So what do deep-set eyes even mean, and what exactly do they look like?

Deep-set eyes are eyes positioned deeper into the eye sockets, creating the appearance of the brow bone projecting forward.

This placement creates the illusion of a more prominent brow bone, and it can make the eyes appear sunken or more prominent depending on each person’s other facial features.

The brow bone can cast a slight shadow over the eyes, adding depth and mystery to the gaze.

Also, with deep-set eyes, the upper eyelid may appear less visible when the eyes are open, as the brow bone’s forward projection may partially cover the eyelid.

To give you more visualization, here are some celebrities with alluring deep-set eyes:

• Angelina Jolie — A prominent figure in the entertainment industry, Angelina Jolie’s deep-set eyes enhance her exotic and exquisite features.

• Megan Fox — With her sultry gaze, Megan Fox possesses large deep-set eyes that contribute to her seductive and captivating beauty.

• Keira Knightley — Known for her riveting performances, Keira Knightley has deep-set eyes that add to her intense on-screen presence.

How To Tell if You Have Deep-Set Eyes

To determine if you have deep-set eyes, there are a few characteristics to look for.

Here’s a list of steps to help you figure out if you have deep-set eyes.

Step 1: Observe Eyebrow Bone Placement

Look in a mirror and examine the placement of your brow bone.

If you have deep-set eyes, your brow bone should appear as though it juts out, creating a shadow over your eye.

Step 2: Assess Your Eye Position

Assess the position of your eyes in relation to your forehead and cheekbones.

Deep-set eyes tend to be positioned farther back in the eye socket, creating a recessed appearance.

Step 3: Look at the Crease of Your Eyes

Check for the presence of a well-defined crease above your eyelid.

Deep-set eyes often have a very visible and pronounced crease. 

Step 4: Check Your Upper Eyelids

Take a close look at your eyelids.

Most of the time, the upper eyelids of deep-set eyes appear small, meaning the space between the crease and the brows appears short. 

Step 4: Determine Your Eye Size

Consider the size of your eyes.

Deep-set eyes can come in various sizes, but they are usually larger.

Step 6: Place Your Index Finger Over Your Eyelid

Well, if you’re still unsure whether you have deep-set eyes or not, another technique that you can do is placing your index finger vertically over your eyelid, touching the brow bone, with your palm framing your cheek.

If you can keep your eye open without touching it, then it means they’re set deeper into the eye sockets. So you may have deep-set eyes!

Eye Makeup Tips To Enhance Deep-Set Eyes

Want to unlock the secret to creating well-enhanced deep-set eyes? Following the correct tips and techniques is key!

By skillfully playing with light, shadow, and color, these techniques aim to enhance the natural allure of deep-set eyes by creating dimension and balance in the eye area.

Use Lighter Eyeshadow Shades on the Upper Eyelid

Opt for lighter eyeshadow shades on the mobile eyelid or the upper eyelid to brighten the area.

This helps counteract the natural shadow created by deep-set eyes.

Apply Darker Eyeshadow Shades to the Crease

Apply deeper shades of eyeshadow to the crease to create dimension.

Then blend the darker shade slightly above the natural crease line to achieve the illusion of more prominent eyes that balance the prominent brow bone. 

Quick Tip

Pulling the darker shade from the middle of the crease to the outer edge of the eye will create a more eye-opening effect and make you look like you have more eyelid space.

Highlight the Brow Bone

Use a shimmery or matte shade of highlighter to emphasize the brow bone just beneath the eyebrow. This helps lift the eyes and create a more open appearance. 

By doing this, it helps to counterbalance the naturally recessed eye placement. 

Quick Tip

Avoid highlighting your brow bone with very light highlighter shades. This will visually pull the brow bone forward, making your eyes appear even more deep-set.

Stick to flesh tones instead.

Go for a Slightly Arched Eyebrow Shape for Deep-Set Eyes

For women with deep-set eyes, it’s ideal for them to have an eyebrow shape that complements their eye shape. 

A slightly arched eyebrow shape works well with deep-set eyes to create a lifted appearance.

You may start with a gradual and soft arch, avoiding overly sharp angles. We also recommend keeping the eyebrows for deep-set eyes thick and well-groomed. 

Well-defined brows can serve as a visual anchor, helping to frame the eyes and provide a balanced contrast against the recessed appearance of the eye socket. 

Keeping them thick, on the other hand, draws attention upward, diverting focus from the recessed appearance of the eyes and enhancing the overall facial symmetry.

Slightly extending the tail horizontally also helps provide a subtle lift to the eyes.

Curl Your Lashes

Use an eyelash curler to curl your lashes, opening up the eyes and creating a more lifted look.

Follow up with mascara to further enhance the length and volume of the lashes.

Blend Your Eyeshadow Well

Make sure to blend your eyeshadow well to avoid harsh lines and ensure a seamless transition of color. 

Use a fluffy and tapered blending brush like this one to soften any edges and create a smooth gradient effect. 

Eye Makeup Techniques To Avoid for Deep-Set Eyes

Exploring different techniques on eye makeup for deep-set almond, oval, or round eyes is fun! However, there are still some techniques that we recommend you avoid if you want great results.

Keep these don’ts in mind when applying eye makeup to deep-set eyes:

Avoid Applying Dark Eyeshadow to the Entire Lid

Applying dark eyeshadow all over the eyelid can further accentuate the natural shadow created by deep-set eyes. 

Instead, focus on lighter shades on the upper eyelid to brighten the area.

Steer Clear of Heavy Lower Eyeliner

Using heavy eyeliner on the lower lash line can make deep-set eyes appear smaller and draw attention away from the upper lid.

We recommend keeping the lower lash line soft and opting for a more defined upper lash line.

Veer Away From Thick or Heavy Eyeliner

Thick or heavy eyeliner can overpower the eye area.

Choose a thinner line or a subtle winged eyeliner to enhance the lash line without overwhelming the eyes.

Don’t Use Excessive Mascara on Lower Lashes

Applying too much mascara to the lower lashes can create a heavy look and weigh down the deep-set eyes. Instead, focus on volumizing and lengthening the upper lashes to open up the eyes. 

Say No to Overly Plucked, Thin Brows

Deep-set eyes benefit from well-defined and slightly thicker eyebrows. Avoid overplucking or thinning the eyebrows too much, as this can create an imbalanced look and make the eyes appear more recessed.

Avoid Harsh or Unblended Eyeshadow Lines

Harsh lines or unblended eyeshadow can make your eye makeup look heavy and unflattering.

Ensure proper blending between shades and soften any harsh lines for a seamless and natural-looking result. 

Step-by-Step Guide To Applying Makeup to Deep-Set Eyes

Wondering how models with deep-set eyes rock a great eye makeup look? 

You’d be amazed at how achievable it is just by following this thorough eye makeup guide for beauties with deep-set eyes! 

Step 1: Prepare the Eyelids

Begin by prepping the eyelids with an eyeshadow primer or a light layer of foundation or concealer to create an even base and help the eyeshadow adhere better.

Step 2: Apply the Transition Shade

Using a fluffy blending brush, apply a neutral shade slightly above the crease.

This acts as a transition color for the rest of the eyeshadow. 

Step 3: Define the Crease

Take a slightly darker matte shade and apply it to the crease.

Blend it back and forth in a windshield wiper motion to add depth and dimension. 

Avoid extending the color too far inward to avoid making the eyes appear even more set back.

Step 4: Brighten the Mobile Lid

Apply a lighter, shimmery shade or a pop of color on the mobile or upper eyelid. This helps bring forward the lid space and brightens the eyes, counteracting the natural shadow created by the brow bone. 

This technique lifts the focus upward, making the eyes seem more open and preventing them from appearing sunken. So it contributes to achieving a balanced eye look.

Use your finger or a flat eyeshadow brush to pack the color onto the lid.

Step 5: Highlight the Brow Bone

Use a matte or shimmery highlighter in a flesh tone on the brow bone. This lifts the eyes and adds instant lift and brightness.

Step 6: Define the Upper Lash Line

Apply a thin line of eyeliner to the upper lash line to define the eyes. Start from the inner corner and gradually thicken the line toward the other corner, if desired. 

Avoid thickening and extending the line too far downward, as this can make the eyes appear smaller.

Step 7: Curl the Lashes and Apply Mascara

Curl your lashes using an eyelash curler to open up the eyes. Then apply a lengthening and volumizing mascara to both the upper and lower lashes.

Focus on the upper lashes to further enhance the lifted effect.

Step 8: Groom and Shape the Eyebrows

Use an eyebrow brush or spoolie to comb the eyebrows upward, then use a brow pencil or powder to fill in any sparse areas and shape the brows. 

Aim for a slightly arched shape to create a lifted appearance that complements deep-set eyes.

Step 9: Complete the Look With Finishing Touches

Complete your eye makeup by ensuring a seamless blend between shades and checking for any harsh lines. 

Use a clean blending brush to soften any edges. Finally, double-check your work, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure symmetry between both eyes.

You may also check out this video for a visual guide on how to properly apply eye makeup to your deep-set eyes: 

Frequently Asked Questions

Deep-Set vs. Almond Eyes: How Do They Differ?

Deep-set eyes and almond eyes are separate features, but they can coexist. 

Almond eyes specifically refer to a specific eye shape where the eyes have a slightly pointed or tapered outer corner, resembling the shape of an almond. 

This eye shape is characterized by an elongated appearance and a natural upward lift at the outer corners.

Meanwhile, deep-set eyes refer to the placement and depth of the eyes within the eye sockets.

Deep-set eyes can be a feature of different eye shapes. So almond-, round, and oval-shaped eyes can also be deep-set.

Similarly, almond eyes can be found in individuals with different eye socket placements.

Does Having Deep-Set Eyes Mean You Have an Underlying Medical Condition?

No, having deep-set eyes does not necessarily mean that you have an underlying medical condition. 

Deep-set eyes are a natural eye feature that can be seen in individuals without any associated health concerns. 

However, if you have any specific concerns about your eye health or suspect any underlying medical conditions, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or an eye specialist for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.

Can Deep-Set Eyes Make a Person Look Tired or Older?

Deep-set eyes can sometimes have a hollowed-out appearance, which can give the illusion of tiredness or age.

The natural recessed position of the eyes can cast shadows and make the eyes appear sunken. 

However, this does not mean that all people with deep-set eyes will look older. The effect can vary depending on other factors such as skin texture, overall facial features, and individual characteristics.

By using appropriate makeup techniques to enhance the eyes and bring forward the lid space, as well as following a good skincare routine and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, individuals with deep-set eyes can still achieve a vibrant and youthful look.

What Type of False Lash Curl Is Flattering for Deep-Set Eyes?

False lashes with a gentle and natural curl are particularly flattering for deep-set eyes. This type of curl helps to open up the eyes without overwhelming or weighing them down.

Avoid using overly dramatic or heavy curls, as they can make the eyes even more recessed.

Instead, opt for lashes with a subtle curl that enhance your natural eye shape and provide a lifted effect. 

Let Your Deep-Set Eyes Shine Through!

Your journey to stunning makeup begins with understanding how to work with your unique features — deep-set eyes included.

If your eyes sink a bit deeper into your eye sockets and nestle under a prominent brow bone, you’ve got deep-set eyes, and those are beautiful!

All that’s left is to harness their depth with luminous eyeshadows to illuminate and add dimension and a volumizing mascara to highlight your lashes.

Above all, makeup is a form of self-expression. 

So don’t be afraid to explore, experiment, and find that perfect look that not only enhances your deep-set eyes but also makes you feel confident about your natural beauty!

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