12 Easy Ways to Make Your Eyes Look Bigger With Makeup, According to the Pros

12 Easy Ways to Make Your Eyes Look Bigger With Makeup

1. Start With Skincare to Make Your Eyes Appear Bigger and Brighter

Before you even begin your makeup routine, you can create brighter eyes using the right skincare products. “Skincare won’t physically enlarge your eyes, but it makes the surrounding area smoother and brighter, which enhances the illusion of bigger eyes,” says Christina Zilber, the founder and creative director of JOUER COSMETICS. She recommends under-eye patches to “hydrate, reduce puffiness, and create a smooth canvas so your eye makeup pops.”

One of our favorite eye masks is the BLAQ Kakadu Plumping Eye Mask Pair, which features antioxidants, phytonutrients, and exfoliating fruit acids to help refresh, hydrate, and brighten tired eyes. The MZ SKIN Anti-Pollution Illuminating Eye Mask Single is another option we love, especially given that it covers the entire eye area to visibly awaken and rejuvenate the area to leave you with bigger-looking eyes, all while shielding it against environmental stressors.

2. Apply False Lashes to the Outer Corners of Your Eyes for an Eye-Opening Look

According to Alice Dickson, makeup artist and educator at GlamCandy UK, this trick will help eyes look more open. Zilber agrees, sharing, “Yes, false lashes can make you appear to have big eyes. The key is to use half lashes or corner lashes that fan outward because they elongate without weighing your eye down.”

The LYS BEAUTY Uplifted Pre-Glued Lash Clusters are a great option because they come in smaller clusters than an entire lash, making it easier to apply to the corners of your eyes. Plus, they’re pre-glued, which means even beginners can apply them with ease.

How to Apply False Lashes for a Natural Look

For those using their go-to falsies, we’ve put together a quick step-by-step guide on applying false lashes to give you larger eyes.

1. Size and Trim Your Lashes: Again, you only need half lashes or corner lashes, not an entire false lash. Use a small pair of scissors to trim your lashes so that they fit in the outer corners of your eyes.

2. Use an Eyelash Curler: Give your natural lashes a curl before applying the false lash so that they blend better. We love that the TRÈSTIQUE Good Vibes Mascara + Eyelash Curler comes with a built-in eyelash curler to give your lashes a lift before applying mascara.

3. Position the Lash: Before you apply the lashes, use a pair of tweezers (like the LITHE BEAUTY False Lash Applicator) to position the lash and see where you want to place it for the largest impact.

4. Dot on Lash Glue and Apply the False Lash: Once you’ve determined where you want the lash to go, dot some lash glue onto the base of the lash and press it in with the same pair of tweezers. Hold the tweezers in place for a few seconds to ensure the glue sets.

5. Blend in the Falsies: Go over your natural lashes and the false lashes with your fave mascara to blend in the clusters with your lashes. You don’t need much; just a few coats will do the trick.

3. Apply Highlight to the Brow Bone to Create a Wider Gaze

You can use the eyebrows and brow bones to help sculpt the look you’re after, too. According to Dickson, applying highlighter to the brow bone is one way to get the job done. Start with a light highlighter, like the CHICA BEAUTY Chica Glow Highlighter Duo, or an eyeshadow stick, like the JASON WU BEAUTY Jewel Eye Stick, to brighten the area. Go in with some gentle dabs of the product, and then blend it out to enlarge your eye size with a subtle glow. 

4. Cover Up Dark Circles With a Light Concealer to Fake Wide-Set Eyes

Dark circles can create the illusion of a shadow around your eye area, making it appear smaller overall. To help make the entire eye area appear brighter and illuminated, use a brightening concealer on the under eyes to even out your skin tone. The ICONIC LONDON Radiant Concealer & Brightening Duo comes in a range of shades for every skin tone; just be sure to choose one that is lighter than your natural skin color so it delivers that brightening effect you’re looking for to make your eyes look bigger.

Zilber says she likes to use a lighter concealer on the inner corners of the eyes as well to create the appearance of wider eyes. “Dust a little setting powder over [the concealer] for a no-makeup look,” she says.

How to Cover Up Dark Circles for Brighter Under Eyes

We have a quick, four-step guide to help you cover dark circles for good with a brightening concealer. Don’t forget to also follow these tips to help brighten your under eyes naturally over time.

1. Apply an Eye Cream as Your Base: Hydrate your under eyes and minimize unwanted texture by applying an eye cream as your base. This will help ensure your product goes on smoothly.

2. Go in With a Brightening Concealer: Dab a few dots of your brightening concealer to the area. You can even use a color-correcting concealer, if you prefer.

3. Blend Your Concealer by Dabbing, Not Dragging: The skin under your eyes is delicate; be gentle with it. Pick up a small amount of product with a concealer brush and dab it under your eyes. Then, blend it gently with your fingers. The finger-tap makeup technique helps prevent your concealer from turning out cakey.

4. Set Your Concealer With a Translucent Powder: Topping your concealer with a translucent setting powder helps ensure it doesn’t settle into any lines and wrinkles underneath your eyes. Gently dab the area with a makeup sponge to help the product last on your skin and appear smoother.

5. Blend Your Eyeshadow Up to Your Brow to Create the Illusion of More Eyelid Space

"My most-used technique to make eyes appear bigger is taking eyeshadow very close to the brow," says makeup artist Lennie Billy. "This gives the illusion that your lid space is bigger and opens the eyes more, especially if you have hooded eyes.”

To blend your eyeshadow up, you have to start with the right color. Anything too dark will make your eyes appear smaller. Be sure you’re using a bright or shimmery shade (more on that below). Grab the WINGME COSMETICS All Over Eyeshadow Brush, pick up the shadow of your choice, then tap off any excess. Work in circular buffs to move the powder upward toward your brow.

6. Use Brightening Eyeshadow Shades to Make Your Eyes Pop

Speaking of eyeshadow, the shades you use can make a big impact on how bright and open your eyes look. "When it comes to eyeshadow colors, using light to medium-tone shadows will help your eyes look more open,” says Billy. Zilber agrees, telling us that “lighter shades with shimmer reflect light, making lids pop.”

The PIXI BEAUTY EyeLift Max will draw attention to your lids in all the right ways to make your eyes appear bigger with its shiny pastel shades. The KIMCHI CHIC BEAUTY Spinning Hearts Eyeshadow Duos are also great because they feature shimmers, along with light to medium earth tones to bring that wow factor to your eyes. A great eyeshadow palette option is the NATASHA DENONA Bronze Eyeshadow Palette, which features dreamy neutrals, shimmering metallics, and dazzling foils.

7. Brighten Your Waterline With a White or Nude Eyeliner

Tightlining the eyes with a dark brown or black liner is great for a boost of drama, but it can also make your eyes appear smaller. For a doe-eyed look, try swapping dark liner for white eyeliner or nude eyeliner like the TARTE™ Fake Awake Eye Highlight. Billy says she loves to use a nude eye pencil along the upper and lower waterline for bigger, wider-looking eyes.

The FENTY BEAUTY Flypencil Longwear Pencil Eyeliner in Bad Bride is a great white eyeliner option that will make your waterline pop. Zilber recommends the JOUER COSMETICS Crème Eyeshadow Crayon in Regency or Rococo to “open the eyes with a soft, subtle shimmer.”

How to Line Your Waterline With Eyeliner

For those who need help lining their waterlines, we have a few steps that will get you through the process with the greatest of ease.

1. Pull Down Your Lower Lashes: You need your waterline exposed if you’re going to line it. So, gently pull down your lower lashes so you can better see where the eyeliner needs to go.

2. Start in the Middle and Work Your Way Ou: Place the liner in the center and sweep the product to the outer corners of your eyes. You may need to go over it with a few gentle swipes to ensure you get the amount of liner you’re hoping for on your waterline.

3. Work the Eyeliner Toward the Inner Corners of Your Eyes: After you’ve drawn the eyeliner out, it’s time to work it in. Follow the same gentle sweeping motion to get the product on your waterline, and voilà.

8. Create Smoky Eye Looks Strategically to Avoid Making Your Eyes Look Too Small

"Depending on the shape of the eyeshadow application, smoky eyes can make your eyes look smaller," says Billy. "It's not that if you have small eyes you can't wear a smoky look, but I would recommend you keep the most pigmented part of your eyeshadow lower on your lid and blend it very well from the middle up, so it looks more like a gradient and less like a huge saturated patch of color."

Billy typically avoids creating a black smoky eye on smaller eyes, but if that's your jam, she says, "I would recommend you incorporate dark browns or even gray to lower the intensity of the black shadow. Also, use a dark brown pencil on the waterline instead of black to avoid making the eyes look smaller."

Following this eight-step tutorial (or watching the video below) will help you achieve a smoky eye look that widens your eyes, rather than makes them smaller.

9. Illuminate the Inner Corners of the Eyes With Shimmery Eyeshadow

"I always recommend adding a hint of shimmer or light matte shade to the brow bone and inner corners to return light to the eyes," says Billy. Adding just a touch of an illuminating shade is key for making the eyes pop—whether you're rocking a neutral eye look or a smoky eye. 

Try using a brightening shimmer eyeshadow stick like the JASON WU BEAUTY Jewel Eye Stick to easily apply product to the inner corner of your eyes. Zilber says you can also dab on a touch of highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes, with her recommendation being the JOUER COSMETICS Face & Body Highlighter in Molten Glow.

10. Curl and Define Your Lashes to Instantly Open Your Eyes

This super-simple step can really make all the difference. Straight lashes can cast a shadow on the eye area, but curling them up with a lash curler will instantly open up the eye area. Follow up this step with a curling mascara like the BENEFIT COSMETICS Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara to further curl and define the lashes along both your upper lash line and lower lash line.

How to Curl Your Eyelashes Like a Pro

Looking for a full makeup tutorial on how to curl your eyelashes? We've got you covered.

1. Choose the Right Eyelash Curler for Your Eye Shape: Not all eyelash curlers are curved the same, so you want to make sure you choose one that works for your unique eye shape. A quick trip to Sephora or Ulta to consult with an expert should help you find the right one for you.

2. Check Your Eyelash Curler Is in Good Shape: Before you curl your lashes, make sure the curler is in good shape. Check that the pad in the curler looks like it’ll protect your lashes and eye area, because that’s what it’s there for. If it looks a little worse for wear, swap it out.

3. Position the Curler at the Base of Your Lashes: Place yourself in front of a mirror to ensure your curler is lined up along your lash line. You’ll find it easier if your eye is about halfway open.

4. Clamp and Pulse the Eyelash Curler for Optimal Results: Clamp down and pulse the curler for five to 10 seconds before releasing. Be sure to go slow and gentle, just in case you have any of your eyelid caught in your curler. Those with super-straight lashes can also draw the clamp up toward the brow to create a more intense curl that’ll last.

5. Pulse the Lash Curler Down the Length of Your Lashes: To avoid your lashes looking crimped, pulse the curler down the length of your lid to create a more even curl.

6. Finish With Mascara: Again, we recommend a volumizing or curling mascara to ensure your hard work pays off, but you can use any mascara you desire.

11. Avoid Thick Eyeliner Lines That Will Make Your Eyes Look Smaller

Creating ultra-thick, Amy Winehouse–style eyeliner lines may not end up doing you any favors if you're looking to create an eye-opening makeup look. Instead, allow those light, illuminating eyeshadow shades to shine by creating super-thin eyeliner lines using either a sharpened eye pencil or a fine-tipped liquid liner. A precision liner like the BLINC Micropoint Eyeliner Pen is perfect for creating razor-thin lines or an eye-opening cat eye.

12. Shape Your Brows to Create the Illusion of More Eyelid Space

A little bit of eyebrow shaping can make a big difference. By creating an arched shape, you're essentially lifting the ceiling of the eye area, allowing it to look bigger and more open. You can further open up the area via the brows by trying laminated brows or by using a brow gel that will help your brow hairs stay lifted throughout the day.

How to Shape Your Brows at Home

This beginner’s guide to doing your brows like a pro will help save you money on salon visits. Follow the five steps below for your best brows yet.

1. Determine the Shape You Want to Achieve: A more arched shape is ideal to create more space on your lids, and therefore, the illusion of bigger eyes. You may need to exaggerate your natural arch a bit in order to achieve this look.

2. Mark Out Where You Need to Shape Your Brows: Begin by placing the end of an eyebrow pencil along the side of your nostril and up to the top of your brow. Place another pencil or brush along the inner corner of your eye. This is where the front of your eyebrow will begin, so dot the area with a brow pencil and move onto the other brow. Next, you’ll find your ideal arch (which may need to be exaggerated a bit) by placing the top of the brush to line up with your pupil. Where it overlaps is where your arch will go. Mark it and move onto the other brow.
   Finally, move the brush to the outer corner of your eye to mark where your brow shape should end. Repeat on the other brow, and you’re all set to connect the dots for a complete eyebrow map.

3. Use Tweezers to Get Rid of Unwanted Hair: Grab a pair of tweezers (we like THE CRÈME SHOP Bunny Perfect Touch-Up Razors) and carefully remove any eyebrow hairs that fall outside of the map area. Be sure to take your time, so you don’t end up overplucking. You can always go back for strays, but you can’t put your brow hairs back in after they’ve been uplifted from the root.

4. Brush Up Your Brows With a Brow Gel: Brow gels help create a polished look and hold your shape in place. We love the shade range of the ONE/SIZE Browkiki Brow Gel (bonus: it lasts up to 12 hours and is smudge-free), though a clear brow gel also works if you don’t want something that’s tinted. Once you’ve determined the brow gel you wish to use, start at the base and move upward and out to maintain the shape while smoothing down unruly hairs.

5. Add Depth to Sparse Areas With a Brow Pencil: Finish the look by adding density to areas that look a little bare. Grab an eyebrow pencil like the BOBBI BROWN COSMETICS Precise 24-Hour Ultra Slim Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil to create natural-looking, defined brows that last.

5 Common Makeup Mistakes to Avoid When Trying Eye-Enhancing Makeup

We’ve mentioned a ton about what to do to make eyes look bigger with makeup, and while we’ve talked about some things to avoid, there are a few we want to highlight. Don’t make these common mistakes the next time you’re trying to create an eye-enhancing makeup look.

1. Using Black Eyeliner All Around Your Eyes

Black eyeliner is ideal for a more dramatic makeup look, but not if you’re hoping to make your eyes look bigger. “Avoid rimming the entire eye with black liner; it closes everything in,” Zilber shares. Instead, use a lighter eyeliner, such as a nude or light brown shade, on your top lid. Then, use a nude or white eyeliner on your waterline to create a bright-eyed look.

We adore the shimmery shades of the KOKIE PROFESSIONAL Chrome Gel Eyeliner. They go on smoothly and feature a color-shifting effect that changes hues at different angles, making your eyes really pop.

2. Avoiding Adding Eyeliner to the Waterline

Going off the above point, Zilber highly recommends adding a light eyeliner to your waterline. “This will brighten the area, giving the illusion of bigger eyes,” she says. The pigmented pastel shade range available in the PACIFICA BEAUTY Vegan Longwear Eyeliners offers long-wear impact, making it one of the best eyeliners for small eyes.

3. Using Dark Eyeshadow on Your Eyelids

“Heavy shadow all over the lid can also shrink the eye,” Zilber tells us. Instead, she recommends “a soft neutral shade” to make your eyes look bigger. Again, this doesn’t mean you can’t try out a smoky eye look; you just need to use more neutral, brightening shades rather than black or dark shadows on your lids.

We’ve found that the LAURA MERCIER RoseGlow Caviar Stick Eye Shadow in Strike a Rose brings life and light to every eyelid, no matter your skin tone. Plus, you can create any look you desire with these blendable, eye-enhancing shades. Zilber says all it takes is a soft smudge on the lash line to draw attention to your eyes in all the right ways.

4. Not Curling Your Eyelashes

Yes, it’s an extra step in your makeup routine, but curling your lashes is an easy way to make eyes look bigger without too much of a fuss. While the right eyeshadow and eyeliner are critical, Zilber says that “curling your lashes and using a lifting mascara will open the eyes even more.”

5. Applying Mascara to Your Bottom Lashes

Mascar is essential for your top lashes, but not so much your bottom ones. “Don’t overload your bottom lashes with heavy mascara,” Zilber shares. “It drags the eyes downward. Instead, keep the focus on lifted, curled top lashes.”

Your Biggest Questions About How to Make Your Eyes Look Bigger, Answered

We know you may still have questions—and we have all the answers.

1. What Is the Best Eyeliner for Small Eyes?

The eyeliner options are endless, though there are certain colors you should stick to for small eyes. Zilber says that “a soft brown or taupe liner is your friend, because black can feel harsh.” Her expert recommendation as the best eyeliner for small eyes? The JOUER COSMETICS Crème Eyeshadow Crayon Stick in Baroque or Surreal “for a softer, more lifted look.” The key is to keep the lines thin and avoid thick, harsh lines that will ultimately overtake your eyes and make them appear small.

2. Can Mascara Really Make Your Eyes Look Bigger?

The short answer? Yes. Zilber notes that curling plus mascara is an instant eye opener, and one of the easiest makeup techniques to make eyes look bigger. Pair the COCUS POCUS Lash Curler Set with the WANDER BEAUTY Mile High Club™ Length and Define Mascara to give your eyes maximum impact.

3. What Color Eyeliner Makes Eyes Look Bigger?

We’ve mentioned soft brown and taupe shades as go-to eyeliner colors to widen your eyes, but those aren’t the only hues you can use. “A nude, cream, or very light pink on the lower waterline makes the whites of your eyes look brighter,” notes Zilber. The JULEP When Pencil Met Gel Sharpenable All-Day Eyeliner comes in a range of lighter shades for a brightening effect that lasts up to 10 hours.

4. Do Certain Eyeshadow Colors Make Eyes Look Bigger?

Similar to the best eyeliner colors to make your eyes look bigger, you want to think light and shimmery when it comes to eyeshadow colors as well. “Lighter shades with shimmer reflect light, making lids pop,” Zilber shares, also noting that darker shades do have their purpose as well. “Deeper shades in the outer corner add depth.”

The KIMCHI CHIC BEAUTY Glazed 2 Go Pressed Pigment Eyeshadow Duo comes with two shades (a matte and a shimmer) to create an entire eye look in minutes. For even more of a shade range, try the pastel colors in the ICONIC LONDON Treat Yourself Eyeshadow Palette. We also love all the products in the RACHEL COUTURE Get The Look Kit, which features everything you need for an eye-opening makeup look.

5. How Do I Make My Eyes Look Bigger Naturally?

Making your eyes look bigger naturally over time is possible, though it does require some work. Zilber says to focus on hydration, de-puffing, and brightening the under-eye area. This looks like “getting consistent sleep, drinking plenty of water, and wearing SPF daily for long-term brightness that makes your eyes appear naturally bigger.” She also recommends using an eye mask (like the ACEOLOGY Hydro Glow & Deep Hydration Watermelon Eye Mask), along with the JOUER COSMETICS Luminize Under Eye Overnight Dark Circle Slugging Balm, “to keep the delicate eye skin plump and smooth.”

Final Recap: All the Steps to Follow to Make Your Eyes Look Bigger With Ease

The key to making your eyes look bigger is all in the products you use. Be sure to use light, shimmery shades of eyeshadow and eyeliner while avoiding dark hues that may overpower your eye shape.

Focus on mascaras and products that lift your lashes to create a wide-eye look with ease. And don’t be afraid to try false lashes when you need a little extra oomph.

To make your eyes look bigger long-term, get enough sleep, drink lots of water, and wear SPF. This will naturally brighten the under-eye area over time, contributing to the appearance of bigger, wider eyes.

Be sure to head to the IPSY Shop to find every makeup product you could need to make your eyes look bigger. And don’t forget to join IPSY to receive curated beauty products delivered right to your door.