Which Eyeliner Tattoo Style Flatters My Eye Shape Best?

The ideal tattoo eyeliner design will make your eyes appear larger, brighter, and more balanced evenly. Getting bespoke permanent eyeliner designs tailored to your eyeliner shape is the best way to achieve a natural, flattering look that you'll adore for years to come. Bring inspiration photos with you and consult with your artist about your eye shape and style preferences.

Permanent eyeliner, also called an eyeliner tattoo or eye makeup tattoo, is a special cosmetic procedure. It involves placing pigment along your upper or lower lash lines. This technique defines your eyes and makes your lashes look thicker, darker, and fuller. However, how well the tattoo works depends a lot on understanding and matching your unique eye shape. Let's see what the most popular eye makeup tattoo styles are and help you find the best match for your features. Understanding the pros and cons of permanent eyeliner is essential before deciding if this beauty investment is right for you.

Find Your Eye Shape First for a Better Eyeliner Application

Choosing the right eyeliner tattoo starts with knowing your eye shape. Eye shape is a mix of your facial bone structure and the natural creases of your eyelids. Each shape has its own strengths, and the right permanent eyeliner style can highlight your best features or balance out proportions. The below descriptions of different eye shapes wil give you the basic information to understand why certain eyeliner tattoo styles are suggested.

Common Eye Shapes

Eye Shape Name	Key Defining Features
Almond Eyes	Slightly elongated, oval appearance with a visible crease; often tapers subtly upward at outer corners; colored part of the eye typically touches top and bottom eyelids.
Round Eyes	Large, open, and more circular appearance; often show a little white of the eye above or below the colored part; clearly visible eyelid crease.
Hooded Eyes	Extra layer of skin droops over the crease of the eyelid, partially or fully covering the lid; mobile eyelid appears smaller or crease is hidden when eyes are open.
Monolid Eyes	No visible crease, giving the eyelid a flat and smooth appearance; common in people of East Asian descent.
Downturned Eyes	Outer corners visibly slope downward, creating a gentle or thoughtful appearance.
Upturned Eyes (Cat Eyes)	Natural upward lift at the outer corners; essentially almond-shaped eyes with a clear upward flick at the outer edge.
Deep Set Eyes	Eyeballs sit deeper within the skull, making the brow bone appear more prominent and sometimes casting a shadow.
Close Set Eyes	Eyes positioned closer together than average, with the space between them being less than one eyeball width.
Wide Set Eyes	Greater-than-average distance between the eyes, where the space between them is more than one eyeball width apart.

5 Popular Permanent Eyeliner Styles Explained

There are several permanent eyeliner styles, each with its own effect. Picking the right one can make your eyes look bigger, more awake, or simply more defined.

Lash Line Enhancement

This is the most subtle form of all eye makeup tattoos. The permanent makeup pigment is implanted directly among your lashes, making them appear naturally darker and thicker. It's barely noticeable but makes a significant difference in definition. Lash line enhancement can work for any eye type and is ideal if you desire a natural, everyday look.

Classic Eyeliner

Classic eyeliner tattoos form a fluid line along the upper lash line. The line can be thickened or thinned, so you can opt for a very thin, subtle look or a bolder, more prominent line. This tattoo style complements most eye types, particularly almond and round eyes, and provides a timeless, elegant look.

Winged Eyeliner

Winged eyeliner tattoos feature a flick at the outer corner that gives the illusion of lifting the eyes and making them look longer. The wing can be modified in length and angle to suit your eye shape. Almond, upturned, and deep-set eyes are appropriate for winged shapes, and downturned eyes can be corrected by winged shapes. If your eyes are hooded or monolid, a shorter or softer wing might be suitable.

Smokey or Shaded Eyeliner

Smokey eyeliner tattoos produce a smudged look, as if drawn by a pencil or shadow. It softens the eyes and adds depth without harsh lines. It is perfect for big or round eyes and for those who like a less structured look.

Bottom Eyeliner

Pigment can also be applied to the lower lash line. A soft, thin line can provide definition, but too much can make eyes look smaller. Bottom eyeliner is appropriate on wide-set or downturned eyes if applied lightly.

Best Permanent Eyeliner Styles for Every Eye Shape

Matching your eye shape to the right eyeliner tattoo style is the key to a result that looks natural and enhances your features.

Almond Eyes

Best Styles: Classic eyeliner, winged liner, lash line enhancement

Almond eyes are balanced and versatile. Almost any permanent eyeliner style works, but a classic or winged style will highlight the natural symmetry and add a touch of drama. Lash line enhancement is also a safe bet for a subtle boost.

Round Eyes

Best Styles: Winged liner, smokey liner

Round eyes look bigger and more open. A winged eyeliner tattoo elongates the shape, making eyes look more almond-like. Smokey liner also works well, as it adds depth and softens the roundness.

Hooded Eyes

Best Styles: Thin classic liner, short wing, lash line enhancement

Hooded eyes have a fold of skin that can hide eyeliner. A thin line close to the lashes or a short, upward wing can lift the eyes without overwhelming them. Lash line enhancement is also a great choice for a natural look.

Monolid Eyes

Best Styles: Winged liner, smokey liner, thicker lash line enhancement

Monolids have little or no crease. A winged eyeliner tattoo adds definition and creates the illusion of more lid space. Smokey or shaded liner can add dimension, while a slightly thicker lash line enhancement will make lashes stand out.

Downturned Eyes

Best Styles: Uplifting winged liner, classic liner

Downturned eyes benefit from a wing that lifts at the outer corner. Avoid heavy lines on the lower lash, as this can pull the eyes down further. A classic liner that gets slightly thicker toward the outer edge also works well.

Upturned Eyes

Best Styles: Balanced classic liner, soft win

Upturned eyes naturally have a lifted outer corner. A classic eyeliner tattoo that follows the natural shape looks elegant, and a soft wing can enhance the lift without exaggerating it.

Deep Set Eyes

Best Styles: Medium-thick classic liner, lash line enhancement

Deep set eyes can handle a medium-thick line, which brings the eyes forward. Lash line enhancement adds definition without closing off the eyes.

Close Set Eyes

Best Styles: Liner focused on outer half, winged liner

If your eyes are close together, focus liner on the outer half of the eye. A winged eyeliner tattoo helps create the illusion of more space between the eyes.

Wide Set Eyes

Best Styles: Liner extended slightly inward, thin bottom liner

For wide set eyes, you can extend the liner slightly toward the inner corners, and a thin bottom liner can help balance the look.

Choose the Right Eyeliner Tattoo for Your Eyes

The best permanent eyeliner results come from a smart plan. It starts with matching a style to your eye shape and ends with a talented artist who listens to what you want. With the right eye makeup tattoo, you'll wake up every day with eyes that look defined, lifted, and perfectly suited to you.

FAQs About Eyeliner Tattoos

Q1: How long does an eyeliner tattoo last?

Most permanent eyeliner tattoos will persist 1–5 years based on your skin, lifestyle, and aftercare. Touch-ups every 1–2 years can maintain it beautifully.

Q2: Can I wear makeup over my eyeliner tattoo?

Yes, you can still wear eye makeup over your tattoo after it's completely healed. Be gentle when removing it, though, so that you don't bleach the color.

Q3: How do I take care of my eyeliner tattoo after the procedure?

Take care of your artist's aftercare. This normally includes keeping it clean, not wearing makeup for a couple of days, and not rubbing your eyes. It will take a week to recover.

Q4: What if I need to alter my eyeliner look in the future?

Tattooed eyeliner will fade over time, and you can modify the look with touch-ups. Laser removal will eliminate it completely, but it is expensive and may take several sessions.

Q5: Are there any dangers or side effects?

There are risks involved if you choose a trained, experienced artist. Side effects may include swelling, redness, or allergy. Always check your artist's qualification and hygiene practices.

Q6: How do I select the best artist to do my eyeliner tattoo?

Seek out a licensed professional who has experience in permanent eyeliner designs and a portfolio of healed cases. Research reviews and schedule a consultation to go over your desired outcome.