Makeup for Close-Set Eyes: Placement Guide

For close-set eyes, makeup placement can help create the illusion of more space between your eyes. Strategic use of contour, blush, brows, and highlight makes a visible difference.

Makeup for Close-Set Eyes: Placement Guide

How to Identify Close-Set Eyes

Close-set eyes have less than one eye-width of space between them. Unsure if this is your eye shape? Makeup Check AI can analyze your selfie and confirm your eye spacing so you can apply the most accurate techniques.

Eyeshadow & Highlight Placement

  • Highlight: Use a light, shimmery shade on the inner corners and inner third of your eyelids. This draws light in and visually widens the space.
  • Darker Shadow: Concentrate medium and dark shades on the outer third of your eyelid. Blend outward and slightly up to elongate the eyes.
  • Eyeliner: Start your liner at the middle of your upper lash line, extending it outward and finishing with a subtle wing. Avoid applying dark liner to the inner corners.

Contour & Blush Placement

  • Contour: Lightly contour the sides of the nose if desired, but keep the bridge highlight soft and blended. Avoid bringing contour too close to the inner eye area.
  • Blush: Apply blush slightly higher and further from the nose, focusing on the outer apples of the cheeks and sweeping it toward the temples. This pulls attention away from the center of the face.

Brow Shaping Tips

  • Keep brows softly arched and avoid bringing the start of the brow too close together. Leave a small gap between the brows to enhance the illusion of width.
  • If shaping, use a brow pencil to slightly extend the tail of the brow outward and up.

Personalized Recommendations

Everyone’s features are unique. For the most tailored advice - including your exact eye spacing, face shape, and undertone - scan your face with Makeup Check AI to get personalized product and placement suggestions.

Not sure of your eye shape? Makeup Check AI detects it from a selfie and shows you where liner and shadow flatter you most.

Try Makeup Check AI

FAQ

How do I know if I have close-set eyes?

If the space between your eyes is less than one eye-width, you have close-set eyes. Makeup Check AI can analyze your selfie for precise identification.

What eyeshadow colors work best for close-set eyes?

Light, shimmery shades on the inner corners and deeper shades on the outer third of the eyelid help create the illusion of wider-set eyes.

Where should I apply blush for close-set eyes?

Apply blush to the outer apples of the cheeks and sweep it toward your temples to draw attention outward.

How should I shape my brows for close-set eyes?

Start brows slightly further apart and extend the tail outward to visually widen the space between your eyes.

Can contouring help with close-set eyes?

Yes, but keep nose contour light and avoid bringing it too close to the inner eye area. Focus on blending and keeping highlights soft.