How To Apply Makeup For Deep-Set Eyes

Discover what tools you need and how to apply these products to bring out your stunning eyes.

Reviewed by Christina Flach, Hair & Makeup Artist
Written by Bhumika Daga, MA (English)
Edited by Madhumati Chowdhury, MA (English Literature)
Fact-checked by Anu Pallavi, BA  • 

Makeup for deep-set eyes helps enhance the natural eye shape even though it is tricky. Along with the right makeup tricks and techniques, knowing your eye shape is extremely important to nail the perfect eye makeup look. Otherwise, a certain look that you intend to create may not turn out as impressive as you thought it would. Deep-set eyes tend to be seated deep inside the sockets making your brow bone look like they are jutting out. In this article, we have discussed an easy-to-do makeup tutorial to make deep-set eyes stand out. Keep scrolling!

protip_icon Keep In Mind
  • Tightline The Eyes: Apply eyeliner or kohl on the waterline or tighlining the lids. it will define the eye shape and make the eyes appear bigger.
  • Use Mascara Primer: Apply a mascara primer to clean eyelashes. It will open up deep-set eyes by adding length and volume to the lashes.
  • Highlight the Corners: Apply concealer to the inner and outer corners of the eye to brighten it. Next, apply a shimmery or nude eyeshadow to the inner corners to make your eyes pop.
  • Pick The Right Brush: Use a tapered blending brush for a seamless transition between blending eyeshadow into the crease and outer corner of the eyes. A dome-shaped brush and flat shader brush ensure an intense color payoff.

Deep-Set Eyes Makeup Tutorial

Before you apply any makeup or product on your face, make sure it’s nice and clean. Moisturize your face and use eye cream under the eyes and lids. It is also a great idea to use an eye primer, so your makeup stays in place and looks stunning for longer.

What You Need
  • A neutral eyeshadow palette
  • Shimmer eyeshadow in a soft salmon shade
  • Black eyeshadow
  • Fluffy eyeshadow brush
  • Precision eyeshadow brush
  • False eyelashes
  • Eyeliner
  • Brow product

Tutorial – Step By Step Tutorial With Pictures

Step 1: Start With The Base

Step 1 of makeup for deep-set eyes is to start with the base
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Image: YouTube @AdviseMyStyle

The secret to making deep-set eyes pop is to highlight and brighten the contour of the eye with a lighter eyeshadow. Use a neutral eyeshadow all over your lid and make sure you blend it in really well.

Step 2: Move To The Crease

Step 2 of makeup for deep-set eyes is to move to the crease
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Image: YouTube @AdviseMyStyle

Use a black or deep brown eyeshadow and apply it to the crease and outer corner of your eye with a fluffy eyeshadow brush. Make sure you build up the color as you go instead of applying the dark shadow in one go.

Step 3: Add Some Shimmer

Step 3 of makeup for deep-set eyes is to add some shimmer
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Image: YouTube @AdviseMyStyle

To bring the eyes forward, apply a salmon-colored shimmery eyeshadow to the middle and inner corners of your eyelids. Blending it out well will make the dark eyeshadow and the shimmer look seamless. This can be achieved with a stiff and precise eyeshadow brush. However, don’t over-blend the shimmer or spread it out of the middle and inner corner of your eyelids.

Step 4: Highlight Your Brow Bone

Step 4 of makeup for deep-set eyes is to highlight your brow bone
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Image: YouTube @AdviseMyStyle

Use a light eyeshadow for highlighting your brow bone and creating a subtle gradient. You can apply it directly under the brows, and add the shimmer shadow from the corner of the eye up to the outer corner of the brow.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Don’t over pluck your eyebrows to make them look so thin that they take away all the attention from your beautiful eyes.

Step 5: Enhance Your Lower Lash Line

Step 5 of makeup for deep-set eyes is to enhance your lower lash line
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Image: YouTube @AdviseMyStyle

Using the same dark eyeshadow that you used on the outer corner of your eyelid, connect the outer corner with your lower lash line and blend it in well.

Step 6: Beige To Bring Your Eyes Forward

Step 6 of makeup for deep-set eyes is to beige to bring your eyes forward
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Image: YouTube @AdviseMyStyle

If the eyes are deeply set, it’s best not to drag the liner to the waterline. Keep it to the eyelash line using a liner and a shadow on top. A beige eye pencil can really do the trick in bringing deep-set eyes forward. Apply it to your lower waterline.

Step 7: Add Some Oomph With Falsies

Step 7 of makeup for deep-set eyes is to add some oomph with falsies
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Image: YouTube @AdviseMyStyle

For the final touch, groom your brows and fill in any sparse areas with some brow-shaping product Filling in the brows not only frames the eyes but also makes them look finished in a more classically elegant fashion. Curl your lashes with a lash curler and apply some mascara or simply go in with a pair of luscious false lashes if you want to take it up a notch. If you’re getting ready for the evening, amp it up further with winged eyeliner.

Here’s the outcome! Doesn’t it look gorgeous?

Makeup for deep-set eyes final look
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Image: YouTube @AdviseMyStyle

Now that you know the basic makeup techniques to bring your stunning deep-set eyes forward, here are some hacks that will come in handy the next time you’re doing your eye makeup.

Makeup Tips And Tricks For Deep-Set Eyes

  • Imagine that your eyelids are like a canvas that you are painting. There is always some discoloration, pinkness, darkness, or unevenness. The primer helps to even out these issues, so the pigment can shine in its purest form. Always start with a dab of eye primer on your lids and the area underneath your eyes to ensure that your efforts don’t go to waste. This step also extends the staying power of your makeup.
  • It is essential to conceal any dark circles and creases for a flawless look. If your dark circles are very prominent, use a color corrector and a concealer to cover them up. Adding a thin coat of foundation on top of the concealer will make it look smoother and give it a matte finish.
  • It is impossible to go wrong with mascara. Make sure you curl your lashes and then apply mascara to add volume and length to your lashes. Also, mascara works best when it is used for 3 months and then replaced. It keeps away possible eye infections and drying out.
  • If you have oily skin or are going to be running around, it’s a good idea to use a waterproof eyeliner and mascara to prevent your makeup from running down your face. Waterproof liner and mascara are best used on your wedding day or if you are on vacation on the beach. Removing them at the end of the day is vital in keeping your lashes healthy.
  • Applying a lighter or nude shade of eyeshadow all over your lid space and to the inner corner of your eye really helps in brightening and bringing forward deep-set eyes.
  • If you’re using a dark eyeshadow, make sure you only apply it to the outer corner of your eye.
  • Black, brown, that is, darker shades would be a good choice if you want to go for smokey eyes.
  • Ensure your eyebrows are on their A-game by using a brow product to fill in any sparse areas. You can use brow shadow or brow gel to fill them in.
  • Getting your brows regularly groomed by a professional is important.
  • Go easy on the eyeliner. It’s best to apply eyeliner only to the outer corners of your eyes. You can also add a thin eyeliner on the top and bottom lashes with a shadow for longevity and looking less hash.
  • Use a magnifying mirror in proper lighting while you apply your makeup to get the most precise and flawless results. If you don’t have a magnifying mirror, having natural lighting hitting your face is a more realistic view to how you will look to the rest of the world

If you are curious about what is the most ideal eyebrow shape for deep-set eyes, then let us lay your doubts to rest. Scroll down below to know more.

Best Eyebrow Shape For Deep-Set Eyes

Medium-thick eyebrow shape for deep-set eyes
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Image: Shutterstock

The most ideal shape for eyebrows is one that helps enhance your natural eye shape and balances your overall features. To create a harmonious look, go for slightly curved eyebrows with a medium level of thickness. This type of eyebrow shape opens up the eyes and offers a flattering contrast to the deep-set feature. Avoid opting for extremely arched or thin eyebrows that can unnecessarily bring the focus to the eyes and further accentuate their depth.

Raluca, a makeup vlogger, shares how she covers the dark area around the eyes that makes them look sunken. She strongly discourages adopting the cut-crease look for deep-set eyes, as it only increases the sunken look. She says, “You can’t fool a deep-set eyes. It is there, and you can’t get rid of it (i).” With eye makeup, she tries not to increase the crease and also uses a light color on the lid to make it pop up.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Never add a dark color just on the crease of your eyelids as it will make your eyes look more deep-set.

Infographic: How To Nail The Makeup Look For Deep-Set Eyes

If your brow bones appear more prominent than your eyes, you likely have deep-set eyes. Unfortunately, these can make your eyes appear sunken and hollow. But worry not, as flattering eye makeup can give your deep-set eyes a life of their own! Check out the infographic below to learn how to apply makeup to perk up your deep-set eyes.

how to nail the makeup look for deep set eyes (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

This is your ultimate guide on makeup for deep-set and hooded eyes. Remember that with the right technique, products, and skills you can easily doll up your deep-set eyes and make them appear brighter and more beautiful. The makeup placement is also crucial to ensure you highlight and focus on the right areas and make them stand out. We hope the beauty tips and tricks discussed in the article will help you do the perfect eye makeup to make your eyes pop. Go ahead and try them today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you accentuate deep-set eyes?

To accentuate deep-set eyes, select a lighter eyeshadow and highlight the contour of the eye. You may also apply a little highlighter to the inner corners of the eyes.

Do people with deep-set eyes have dark circles?

Not necessarily. But the superior orbital ridges (bone below the eyebrow) may cast a shadow under the eyes, making it look like they have dark circles.

Is it good to have deep-set eyes?

Having deep-set eyes is a matter of chance and genetics, and there is nothing inherently good or bad about it. As per attractiveness, it is highly subjective, but people with deep-set eyes generally have good craniofacial development (development of face and skull bones).

How can I make my deep-set eyes look bigger naturally?

You can keep your brows on the thinner side, avoid late nights and long hours of screen time, and keep yourself hydrated to naturally make your eyes look well-rested and bigger.

Key Takeaways

  • Using light-colored eyeshadows and highlighters can brighten deep-set eyes and enhance their shape.
  • Use dark shades on the crease for contouring the eyes and add depth to them
  • Curling the lashes and applying mascara make the eye appear prominent. You can also use falsies.
  • A beige or white eye pencil can widen the eyes and make them look youthful.
Makeup For Deep-Set Eyes_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team


From flattering eyeshadow techniques to common mistakes to avoid, elevate your eye makeup game now! Discover the expert tips and tricks for enhancing deep-set or mature eyes in this insightful video.

Personal Experience: Source

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