Eyes are our most noticeable features. Naturally, many women wish to have big, youthful looking eyes, but unfortunately, nature does not always cooperate. The application of eye makeup for small eyes requires an understanding of unique techniques—did you know that black eyeliner on the lower lash can narrow the eye even further? Unfortunately, a dark, smokey eye is also completely out of the picture.
From white eyeliner to lash curlers, we reveal the secret makeup tips for small eyes.
1. SPRUCE UP YOUR BROWS
Whether you’ve been blessed by the brow gods or your arches are a on the sparse side, your eyebrows frame your eyes, so keeping them neat and tidy is a must. Any stray hairs at the bottom of the brow will make your eyelid appear smaller, while messy hairs at the top will serve as a distraction—so pluck, brush, and fill your brows in.
2. CONCEAL DARK CIRCLES
Dark circles make your eyes look smaller, so use a concealer underneath the eye to banish them. Ensure that you use a shade slightly lighter than your foundation to lift and enhance your eyes.
3. EMBRACE WHITE EYELINER
By tracing the bottom waterline with a fleshy colored eyeliner (think white, nude, or peach), your eyes will instantly look wider and brighter.
4. HIGHLIGHT ABOVE AND BELOW THE BROW
Anything you highlight comes forward visually so try highlighting below the brow and above the highest point of the arch to give yourself a mini brow lift and help open up your eyes. The Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight US $22; AED/SAR 80 is a great option as it’s formulated with light-reflecting optics to illuminate the face.
5. ALWAYS USE A LASH CURLER
Perfectly curled lashes will help widen your eyes because the lashes are being lifted, meaning that more of the eye will be seen. For added oomph, heat your eyelash curler with your hair dryer or warm water before using it.
6. LIGHTEN THE INNER CORNER OF YOUR EYE
Try applying white eyeliner or shadow to the inner corners of the eye (that’s the “V” around the tear duct) to elongate and brighten the eye simultaneously.
7. USE LIGHT, SHIMMERY SHADOWS
If you have small eyes, avoid using dark eye shadows, as they will make the eyelids appear heavy and closed. Instead, opt for light, shimmery shades like gold and beige that will catch the light and help open the eyes. The Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow in Sunset At The Beach US $10; AED/SAR 36 provides superior color, coverage, and long-lasting wear thanks to the Color Eye Last complex, which includes an exclusive combination of up to 70 percent pigments, pearls, and shimmer particles.
8. LINE TACTFULLY
Lining your entire lid when you have small eyes can result in eyes that look even smaller. Instead, try only lining the outer two thirds of the lid and wing it out beyond the outer corners of the lid to draw the eye out and pull it upward. Try using a navy eyeliner (as an alternative to black) as it brings out the white of the eye, and instantly makes your eyes look wider and brighter.
9. USE A LENGTHENING AND CURLING MASCARA
After curling your lashes, you’ll want to coat them with a lengthening and curling mascara like the Burberry Curve Lash Mascara US $29; AED/SAR 106, which creates beautifully curved and volumized lashes for a wide-eyed effect, thanks to a specially designed, precision fiber brush. Focus most of your attention on the center of the upper lash line to draw the eyes upwards and don’t forget to coat your bottom lashes for the ultimate doe-eyed look.
