Round deep set eyes need a slightly different makeup placement than classic round eyes or classic deep set eyes. The goal is to keep the eye open, add lift to the outer corner, and avoid making the lid look heavier than it is.
This tutorial is for eyes that look round and open, but also sit a little deeper under the brow bone. My model Linda has that mix: the inner part of the eye is naturally round, while the lid area can look a little hidden because the eye is set deeper. The same placement also works if your lids sometimes look lightly hooded from swelling or skin texture.
If your eyes are more protruding than deep set, start with my makeup for protruding eyes guide instead. If your main challenge is that eyeshadow disappears under a heavy crease, my hooded and deep set eyes makeup trick is the better first read.
Quick summary: makeup for round deep set eyes
- Keep the crease shade soft and fairly high so it is still visible when the eye is open.
- Add most of the definition to the outer corner, not the deepest part of the socket.
- Create a soft sideways V or lifted outer-corner shape to balance the roundness.
- Use shimmer on the mobile lid, but do not take it too high under the brow bone.
- Keep lower-lash shadow close to the lashes so the eye stays lifted.
- Choose liner that lifts outward instead of wrapping the whole eye in a round frame.
Is this your eye shape?
You may have round deep set eyes if your eyes look big or open from the front, but the brow bone or crease casts a shadow over the lid. The eye can look roundest near the inner corner, while the outer corner needs a little lift or length.
The easiest test is makeup placement. If a normal round-eye tutorial makes your eyes look too round, but a classic deep-set tutorial hides too much of the lid, you are probably somewhere between the two. This page is for that middle ground.
The best eyeshadow placement for round deep set eyes
For this eye shape, I like to build the makeup outward. The lid gets a soft shimmer or satin shade, while the outer corner gets the darker matte color. That darker color should point slightly up and out, almost like a very soft cat-eye.
The important part is not to make the crease too dark or too low. Deep set eyes already have natural depth, so a heavy crease shade can make the eye look smaller. Instead, use a light transition shade to make the socket look soft, then add your real definition closer to the outer lashes.
Everyday makeup tutorial for round deep set eyes
- Prime the lid, especially if your eye makeup tends to crease under the brow bone.
- Blend a light matte brown just above the natural crease so it is visible when your eye is open.
- Add a medium matte brown to the outer corner in a soft sideways V shape.
- Apply a satin or shimmer shade to the mobile lid and blend it into the outer corner.
- Keep the lower lash line soft and narrow. Do not pull the shadow too far down.
- Line the upper lash line thinly and lift the outer corner slightly.
- Finish with mascara, adding a little extra volume to the outer lashes.
Festive gold makeup for round deep set eyes
A festive look can work beautifully on this eye shape. The same rule still applies: keep the darkest color in the outer corner and close to the lash line, then let the gold or glitter sit on the mobile lid. If you bring shimmer too high into the socket, the eye can start looking puffy instead of lifted.
For this look, I would now keep the upper edge softer than I did in the original photos. A slightly cleaner outer corner and a thinner lower lash line make the look more flattering for a deep set eye.
Useful products and tools for this technique
The product links in this section are affiliate links. You do not need these exact products, but the categories matter: a reliable primer, a balanced neutral palette, and a small blending brush make this placement much easier.
- Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion or another eye primer helps shimmer and liner stay put on deep set lids.
- Urban Decay Naked3 Soft Pink Eyeshadow Palette is a balanced rosy neutral palette if you want mattes, satins, and soft shimmer in one palette.
- SEPHORA COLLECTION PRO Crease Brush #19 is the kind of small blending brush that helps place shadow without making the eye too smoky.
FAQ: round deep set eye makeup
Should round deep set eyes use eyeliner?
Yes, but keep it strategic. A thin upper-lash line with a small lifted outer corner usually works better than a thick line around the whole eye. Heavy liner all the way around can make the eye look rounder and smaller.
Where should shimmer go on round deep set eyes?
Put shimmer on the mobile lid and inner corner. Keep it below the deepest part of the socket, especially if shimmer tends to disappear or transfer when your eyes are open.
What should I avoid?
Avoid taking dark crease color too low or too far under the eye. That can make a deep set eye look heavier. If the makeup feels too round, add more definition to the outer corner instead of adding more darkness everywhere.
What should I read next?
Compare this tutorial with my guides for deep set and lightly hooded eyes, downturned eyes, and protruding eyes. And if you want more real-life makeup examples, come say hi on Instagram.
