Eye Shapes
Deep-Set Eyes
Deep-set eyes sit further back in the skull, so the brow bone looks more prominent and casts a shadow over the lid. They often look larger in profile than straight on.
Check yours with the eye shape detector
How to tell if you have deep-set eyes
- Look at your face in profile: the eyes sit noticeably behind the brow bone.
- The upper lid is often shadowed, even in good light.
- The brow bone looks prominent and the eyes can appear smaller from the front.
Makeup for deep-set eyes
Use lighter, shimmery shades on the lid to bring it forward, and keep darker shades on the outer corner rather than in the crease.
Makeup tips for deep-set eyes
- Use light, reflective shades on the lid to bring it forward.
- Keep dark shadows on the outer corner rather than deep in the crease.
- Highlight just under the brow arch to lift the area.
- Thin liner works better than heavy, smoky looks, which can recede the eye further.
Deep-Set Eyes vs similar eye shapes
Deep-Set Eyes vs Hooded EyesHooded eyes are about skin over the crease; deep-set eyes are about how far back the eye sits.
Deep-Set Eyes vs Protruding EyesProtruding eyes are the opposite: they sit forward.
Celebrities often described as having deep-set eyes
- Kate Moss
- Ryan Gosling
- Keira Knightley
Based on how these people are commonly described in style and beauty media; lighting and angles vary between photos.
Frequently asked questions
How are deep-set eyes different from hooded eyes?
Deep-set eyes sit back under a prominent brow bone; hooded eyes have skin folding over the crease. You can have both.
Are deep-set eyes genetic?
Mostly. They come from the shape of the brow bone and eye socket, which are largely inherited.
