How to Tell If You Have Deep-Set Eyes (Plus, Makeup Tips to Accentuate Them)

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Expert advice on how to flatter deep-set eyes with makeup

Co-authored by Alicia D'Angelo and Devin McSween

Last Updated: July 22, 2025 Fact Checked

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• What are deep-set eyes?
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• How to Tell You Have Them
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• Deep-set vs Hooded Eyes
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• Causes
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• Makeup Tips
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• Cosmetic Procedures
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• Are they attractive?

|Show more |Show less

Deep-set eyes are a common eye shape that lots of people have. These eyes rest further back in your eye sockets, making your brow bone look more prominent. If you think you might have deep-set eyes and want to learn more, keep reading! In this article, we’ll explain what deep-set eyes are, how to tell if you have them, and what causes them. We also spoke with expert makeup artists and board-certified dermatologists to learn what makeup flatters deep-set eyes, as well as what cosmetic procedures can help them appear bigger and brighter.

What does it mean if you have deep-set eyes?

Deep-set eyes mean that your eyes sit deeper inside your eye sockets. This usually gives you a deep, pronounced eyelid crease and makes your brow bone appear more prominent. Ways to flatter deep-set eyes include wearing a light eyeshadow, highlighting the middle of the eyelid, and concealing the under eyes.

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Section 1 of 7:

What are deep-set eyes?

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1. 
   Deep-set eyes sit further back in the eye sockets. Deep-set eyes are a common eye shape that means your eyes are located deeper in your eye sockets, giving you a very defined eyelid crease. Having deep-set eyes usually causes your brow bone and eyebrows to appear more prominent, and they might even cast a shadow over your eyes.

   • Celebrity examples: Angelina Jolie, Chanel Iman, Cameron Diaz, Selena Gomez, Kim Kardashian, Keira Knightley, Taylor Swift, Jason Momoa, Zac Efron
   • Because deep-set eyes are set further into the skull, they can cause someone’s eyes to appear smaller and make them more prone to dark circles and eye bags. For this reason, some people might want to bring their eyes forward. We’ll provide some makeup tips and cosmetic procedures that can help brighten deep-set eyes and make them appear larger.
   • There’s nothing wrong with having deep-set eyes, though! This is a beautiful and unique eye shape that can give someone an alluring and mysterious look.
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Section 2 of 7:

How to Tell if You Have Deep-set Eyes

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1. 
   Examine your eyelid crease and brow bone in a mirror. To determine your eye shape, look straight in a mirror under natural light while keeping your gaze neutral. Then, inspect your eyes closely. Is your eyelid crease deep and pronounced? Do your eyes appear far back in the sockets? Is your brow bone prominent, sticking out past your eyes? Does your brow bone cast a shadow over your eyelids?

   • If you answered yes to the above questions, you likely have deep-set eyes.
   • If you’re having trouble telling if your eyes are deep-set or not, turn your head slightly to the side. This can help you see if your eyes are set back in the sockets and if your brow bone is prominent.
   • To help confirm your eye shape, makeup artist Janet Miranda recommends searching for images of deep-set eyes on Google or YouTube and comparing your eyes to them.

Section 3 of 7:

Deep-set vs Hooded Eyes

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1. 
   Deep-set eyes have a deep crease, while hooded eyes have a hidden crease. Deep-set eyes and hooded eyes are often mixed up, as both eye types can obscure the eye and make the upper eyelid appear smaller. However, deep-set eyes are characterized by having a deep and prominent eyelid crease. On the other hand, hooded eyes are defined by excess skin under the brows covering the eyelid crease (either partially or fully), says makeup artist Cordelia Frost.

   • It is possible to have both deep-set and hooded eyes. This is a common pairing if you have very deep-set eyes, as the skin below the brow can naturally fold down onto the crease. It’s also natural to develop hooded eyes as you age.
   • It’s also possible to have a different eye shape combined with deep-set eyes. For instance, your eyes can be deep-set and almond-shaped, round, downturned, or upturned.
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Section 4 of 7:

What causes deep-set eyes?

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1. 
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   Deep-set eyes are usually determined by your genetics. For the most part, having deep-set eyes comes down to your DNA. Like your eye color and other facial features, your eye shape is something you can inherit from your parents. So, if you have deep-set eyes, it’s likely that someone else in your family does, too.
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   Deep-set eyes can develop as you age. It’s common to notice your eyes growing deeper set and gaining a sunken-in appearance as you age. You lose collagen, facial fat, and bone density as you grow older, which causes your face to lose volume and structure. This can make your eyes appear hollow and deep-set.
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   Deep-set eyes can be a shared feature in some genetic conditions. People with certain genetic conditions sometimes share physical features. Deep-set eyes can be a common shared feature in people who have SHORT syndrome, Sanjad Sakati syndrome, and acromegaly.
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Section 5 of 7:

Makeup Tips for Deep-set Eyes

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1. 
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   Apply a light eyeshadow shade all over your lids. To help your eyes appear bigger and brighter, makeup artist Luca Buzas suggests applying lighter eyeshadow shades all over your lid. For instance, go for a brown, cream, or pink shadow that’s the same or a bit lighter than your skin tone. Simply brush the color all over your lids with a fluffy eyeshadow brush.

   • If you want to add a bit more dimension to your eye, makeup artist Alicia D'Angelo recommends applying a darker eyeshadow shade just along the outer corner of your eye. Just make sure to blend out the color well with a brush.
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   Place a shimmery shadow on the center of your lid and inner corner. According to Frost, a light and shimmery eyeshadow helps to open up your eyes and make them appear brighter. She suggests choosing a light gold, silver, or pink shimmer shade and dabbing it along your inner corner with your pinky or a small brush. Then, apply the same shade on the center of your lid to widen your eyes even more.
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   Apply eyeliner to your upper lash line. Swiping on some eyeliner is another great way to open up your eyes, says D'Angelo. Using either eyeliner (liquid, pencil, gel, etc.) or a dark eyeshadow, she recommends drawing a line along the outer ⅓ of your upper lash line. Keep the line thin if you like a subtle look, or thicken the liner if you like a more bold look.

   • To help elongate your eyes, consider winging out your eyeliner by extending the line a bit past the outer corner of your eye.
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   Line your lower waterline with a flesh-tone eyeliner. One of the best ways to brighten and widen your eyes is to apply a flesh-toned or white eyeliner on your lower waterline, says makeup artist Charina Redugerio. To do this, gently pull down your lower eyelid with your finger. Then, run the eyeliner along your waterline, taking it from the inner to outer corner.
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   Curl your eyelashes and apply mascara. According to D'Angelo, “curling your eyelashes…will immediately make the eyes appear larger.” Simply use an eyelash curler to lift and lengthen your lashes. Then, to make your eyes stand out even more, she recommends applying a few coats of mascara. Opt for a lengthening formula, as deep-set eyes can handle lots of length!

   • If you’re interested in wearing false eyelashes or getting lash extensions, opt for a classic, hybrid, or staggered set with a defined curl (like a B or C). Longer lengths suit deep-set eyes really well, too.
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   Cover up any under-eye darkness with concealer. People with deep-set eyes can be prone to under-eye bags and dark circles, so makeup artist Christin Birckhead recommends covering up any discoloration to help your eyes appear brighter, bigger, and more awake. Simply apply a concealer that’s 1 to 2 shades lighter than your skin tone in a triangle shape under your eyes. Then, blend the concealer into your skin with a brush or beauty sponge.
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Section 6 of 7:

Cosmetic Procedures to Get Rid of Deep-set Eyes

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   Brightening or tightening eye creams There are plenty of eye creams made with ingredients that can brighten dark under eyes and lift up the skin around your eyes, which can help your eyes appear less deep-set. For instance, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kaveri Karhade, MD says “caffeine-containing eye creams,” like The Ordinary Caffeine Solution, “can help reduce puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.”

   • For a tightening product that can help firm up your eye area, consider trying the Clarins Total Eye Lift or Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel.
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   Laser resurfacing If you’re dealing with dark under eyes or sagging skin that’s making your deep-set eyes look sunken in, laser resurfacing can help. This non-surgical procedure uses a laser device to remove old skin cells around your eye area, helping your skin appear more even, brighter, and smoother. It also stimulates collagen production, which can help your eye area stay plump and smooth.

   • Most people get several laser treatment sessions in order to get the results they want.
   • Your skin may appear red and swollen and feel itchy after the treatment. This usually gets better after 1 week.
   • Laser resurfacing is not considered a permanent procedure, but the results often last for several years.
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   Ultrasound therapy Ultrasound therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses an ultrasound device to lift the skin around your upper eyelids and brows, firm up the area, and stimulate collagen production. This can help your eyes appear bigger, brighter, and less deep-set.

   • Most people only need 1 treatment session, though some people can benefit from several.
   • Your skin might appear red and bruised, and feel tender, for a few hours after the treatment.
   • This treatment is not permanent. Results typically last for 1 year.
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   Fillers Dermal fillers placed around your under eyes can restore volume to the area, helping your deep-set eyes look less pronounced. During this procedure, a licensed physician or nurse numbs your under eyes. Then, they inject the filler into any hollow areas.

   • Filler is a temporary treatment that usually lasts for 12 months.
   • Your under-eye area may appear bruised or swollen for a few days after the treatment.
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   Brow lift Non-surgical and surgical brow lifts raise your eyebrows, which can help pull up sagging skin and help your eyes appear more open, bright, and youthful. Non-surgical brow lifts are done with Botox injections, which are placed along the brow to raise it and smooth out your skin. A surgical brow lift is performed by a surgeon under local or general anesthesia, who makes an incision near your scalp to reposition and shape the brows.

   • A non-surgical brow lift is temporary, usually lasting for 3 to 4 months.
   • Surgical brow lifts are a permanent procedure. However, they are more invasive, and it can take several months to recover from the procedure and see your results.
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Section 7 of 7:

Are deep-set eyes attractive?

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1. 
   Yes, deep-set eyes are considered an attractive eye shape. Lots of people find deep-set eyes an attractive and desirable eye shape. When the eyes are set farther into the face, it can give someone a mysterious and alluring (think: bedroom eyes). These eyes are often referred to as “hunter eyes,” as they can give someone a striking gaze and make them appear observant and intelligent.

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