When it comes to eye makeup, one size unfortunately does not fit all (but then again, where would be the fun in that?). What flatters one shape, size or colour isn't necessarily going to do any favours for another one, so it's worth brushing up on the right technique to really bring out the best in your peepers.
We asked Debbie Finnegan, MAC Senior Artist and face painter extraordinaire, the most flattering shapes and shades for each and every eye. Get the low-down…
Downturned eyes
"This eye shape looks amazing with a softly winged flick to gently lift and open the eye area. Try applying an eyeshadow base in an upwards flick shape - we like MAC Paint Pot in Frozen Violet (£16.00) and adding a line of smudgy kohl pencil lifting upwards at the outer corner. Add an extra coat of mascara to the outer eye lashes to boost the lifting effect."
Almond shape eyes
"Pretty much anything goes with this eye shape. Looks super feline and sultry with a flicked eye liner using M·A·C Liquid Last Liner In Point Black - it's water proof, rain proof, sweat proof, dancing proof.... You name it, nothing will move this product!"
Small eyes
"This eye shape looks best when the outer corners are deeper in colour and the inner corners are lighter. This creates the illusion of the eyes being bigger, brighter and rounder. Blend colour slightly above the eye crease/socket line to achieve the above. Plus, a pop of metallic colour on the inner corner of the eye can also brighten and make the eyes appear more awake. Try M·A·C Cream Colour Base in Pearl (£16.00) for this."
Large eyes
"Big eyes are an incredible feature that looks beautifully enhanced with a super smoky eye. Try M·A·C Eyes x 9 in Burgundy (£30.00), which has enough shades to create a variety of eye looks & suits all eye colours. Add kohl pencil - super jet black is best - and line all around the eye after applying your eyeshadow to add drama and incredible attitude. Don't be shy...With big eyes you can be bold."
Hooded eyes
"Matte or satin eyeshadows work best on this eye shape. Try MAC Eyeshadow in Patina, Mystery or Print (£13.00) for a sultry smokey feel. Avoid anything highly frosted as this will make the eye appear more hooded."
Monolid eyes
"I call this a shallow smooth eye - where there isn't a lot of eyelid visible. Apply a soft kohl pencil like MAC Pearl Glide (£16.00) along the lash line and blend upwards, adding eyeshadow to soften the line as you work up. Do not try to draw an artificial crease as this will just look unnatural."
Holding image credits: David Wadlow at Premier Hair & Make-up. Make-up: Alex
Babsky using Lancôme. Nails: Kim Treacy using Lancôme Vernis In Love. Model: Valeriia at Premier Model Management.