10 Pro Tips for Making Small Eyes Look Bigger Naturally

Do you ever wish you had bigger, wider eyes? Those with smaller or narrow-set eyes are often looking for ways to make their eyes appear larger and more awake. The good news is there are many makeup, grooming, and eye care tips that can help create the illusion of larger, brighter peepers.

In this post, we’ll share 10 pro tips for making small eyes look bigger without relying on surgery. With the right techniques and a few clever makeup tricks, you can make your eyes look wide-open and gorgeous!

Use an Eyelash Curler for Lifting and Opening

One of the simplest ways to make eyes look bigger is curling your eyelashes. Using an eyelash curler really helps open up the eyes and make the whites appear larger and brighter.

Invest in a good quality eyelash curler – preferably one that uses gentle heat to curl the lashes. Make sure to curl from the base of the lashes, squeezing the curler for 5-10 seconds from root to tip. This lifts the lashes up rather than curling them out. Do this for both top and bottom lashes. What a difference it makes!

Apply White or Nude Eyeliner to the Waterline

Use a white or nude eyeliner pencil on the inner rims (waterlines) of your eyes. This helps brighten the whites of your eyes, making them look wider and more awake.

Many makeup artists swear by applying a flesh-toned eyeliner to the waterline instead of white, as it looks more natural. Draw it along the entire lower waterline and about halfway into the upper waterline. This makes eyes pop!

Use Eye Brightening Makeup and Highlighting Tricks

There are several other makeup application tips that can help add the illusion of larger eyes:

• Use a flesh-toned eye shadow primer to neutralize discoloration on lids. This provides a clean, bright base for other shades.
• Apply a shimmery champagne or gold shadow at the inner corners of eyes. This catches the light for a wide-awake look.
• Use a subtle highlighter shade just under the brow bone and in the inner corners. Matte highlighting is best for daytime.

Wear Darker Liner and Mascara on Top Lids Only

Here’s an easy trick for opening up eyes – avoid wearing eyeliner or mascara along the bottom lash line. Keeping the lower rims bare helps lift the eyes.

Instead, focus your liner and mascara efforts on the top lid only. Use a black or brown liner close to the upper lashes, with a slightly thicker line at the outer corners. Finish with two coats of volumizing mascara on your top lashes. This technique keeps all the emphasis upstairs for a more awake look!

Use Eyeliner Shapes and Techniques to Widen Eyes

The shape and placement of your eyeliner can also help widen small eyes. Here are some liner techniques to try:

• Create a puppy eye shape by extending and lifting the liner into a subtle wing at the outer corners
• Only apply liner to the outer 3/4 of your upper lid – avoid lining the inner rims
• Use black or dark brown shadow smoked along the upper and outer lash lines in a “V” shape
• Angle the liner up and out a bit at the edges

Consider Semi-Permanent Options Like Lash Lifts

Longer, lifted lashes can also help open up eyes. If you don’t want the hassle of false lashes, consider a lash lift.

This semi-permanent treatment uses silicone pads and a gentle perm solution to lift and curl your natural lashes. The results last 6-8 weeks. Lash lifts create wide-eyed drama for a fraction of the cost of lash extensions!

Get a Brow Lift for Wider-Looking Eyes

Did you know that eyebrows can help create the illusion of larger eyes too?

Grooming and shaping your brows with an arch can visually lift the eyes. Brush brows up and out for a broader, more awake look. Get regular brow shaping/waxing to keep brows defined.

You can also use makeup to fill in any sparse areas in the brows and accentuate the arch. Well-framed brows really help open up the eyes!

Reduce Puffiness and Dark Circles

Any puffiness, bags or dark circles around your eyes can make them appear smaller. Making sure the under eye area is hydrated and brightened makes a big difference.

Use cool cucumber slices or chilled metal spoons to reduce any puffiness. Drink lots of water and use an eye cream with caffeine to improve circulation. Get enough sleep each night and your eyes will look refreshed.

Conceal blue undertones with a color correcting primer before foundation and powder. Follow with a brightening concealer to banish those raccoon eyes!

Use Eye Makeup Colors that Contrast With Your Eye Color

Certain eye makeup shades can help make your actual eye color “pop” more. Choosing shadows, liners and mascaras in complementary, contrasting colors helps eyes stand out.

For example, purples and golds intensify blue eyes. Browns and coppers make hazel/green eyes bold. Pinks and burgundies flatter brown eyes. Play around and see what shades look best on you!

Open Your Eyes Wider Physically!

Here’s an easy physical tip for instant eye enhancement – open your eyes wider!

Simply making the conscious effort to open up your eyes fully makes a noticeable difference. Over time you can even train yourself to keep your eyes more open.

Do exercises like looking up and down rapidly to strengthen your eye-opening muscles. Roll your eyes in circles and massage the ocular area. Keep eyes wide open while applying makeup. It’s an easy free trick!

In Conclusion

If you have smaller eyes, don’t be disheartened. With the right makeup tricks, lash techniques, color choices and eye care, you can help make your eyes look stunningly bigger and brighter.

Focus on opening up the eye area with lighter liners, lid brighteners and curled lashes. Define the lids and brows for extra framing. Reduce any puffiness or dark circles. And take care of your gorgeous peepers!

What tips do you find best for enhancing smaller eyes? Share your favorite eye makeup and widening techniques with us below!