Small eyes? Don’t worry, darling—this isn’t a problem. It’s an opportunity to play with makeup and highlight those eyes in ways that’ll leave everyone wondering if you’ve just come from a professional glam session. Eyeshadow can be your best friend when it comes to making those peepers pop, creating depth, and opening up your gaze. But here’s the thing: it’s all about technique. You don’t need 20 steps and a dozen brushes to make your eyes look bigger—you need the right techniques that actually work.
Let’s chat about how you can use eyeshadow like a pro to make your small eyes appear larger, brighter, and more awake. And trust me, it’s simpler than you think!
1. Lighten Up the Inner Corners ✨
There’s a reason why makeup artists are obsessed with the inner corners of your eyes. It’s where the magic happens. Applying a light, shimmery eyeshadow in the inner corner is like a mini wake-up call for your eyes. It opens them up immediately, giving the illusion of more space and brightness. Think of it like a soft glow at the end of a candle—a little touch of light goes a long way.
Tip: Try a soft champagne or pearl shadow for the perfect effect. You can even go for a hint of iridescent white if you’re feeling a bit extra. Bonus? This technique also hides any redness in your eyes, giving you that “well-rested” look.
2. Don’t Skip the Brow Bone Highlight 🌟
While you’re at it, don’t forget the area just beneath your brows. A little highlight on the brow bone can lift the eyes, creating a more open, lifted look. It’s like a subtle optical illusion, but with no tricks involved—just a brush and some light eyeshadow. Keep it soft though; too much shine can go from fabulous to distracting real quick.
Tip: Choose a matte or satin shadow in a neutral tone—nothing too bright or too dark. Think soft beige or a subtle peach. It’ll define the brows and make your eyes appear more rounded and awake.
3. The Power of a Well-Defined Crease 💁♀️
Small eyes are all about depth. To make them look bigger, you want to create the illusion of a deeper crease. Start by applying a mid-toned, matte eyeshadow in your crease. It doesn’t need to be a bold color—just something a few shades darker than your natural skin tone. The goal is to contour your eyes, not to create a cut crease, so keep it soft and blended. This step is your secret weapon for creating a wider, more open eye shape.
Tip: Use a fluffy brush for a seamless blend. Keep the shadow light and airy—it’s all about making your eyes look like they’ve got more room to breathe.
4. Wing It—But Make It Subtle 🎯
You don’t need a dramatic cat-eye to pull off the winged eyeliner look if you have small eyes. A subtle wing, just a tiny flick at the outer corners, can work wonders. It elongates your eyes and gives them a more almond shape without overwhelming your lids.
Tip: Choose a pencil liner that you can smudge out for a softer finish, or use a gel liner and a small angled brush for more precision. The key here is subtlety—just a little extra definition to make your eyes stand out without making them feel boxed in.
5. Opt for Soft, Light Shades 💫
Dark colors can close in your eyes if you’re not careful. It’s tempting to go for bold shades, but when you’re working with smaller eyes, you want to keep things lighter. Soft, neutral tones like taupe, peach, soft browns, and dusty pinks are your best friend. They enhance the natural shape of your eyes without overwhelming them.
Tip: If you’re craving a bit of drama, use a deeper shade on the outer corners and blend it towards the center, keeping the inner third light. This will add definition without shrinking the eye space.
6. Get That Lower Lash Line on Point 👁
Don’t ignore your lower lash line! Applying a bit of eyeshadow underneath your lashes can make a huge difference. Just a light sweep of color along your lower lash line can balance the upper lids and add definition.
Tip: Stick with soft colors here, too. A brown or taupe works wonders to add depth, but don’t go too dark. You want your eyes to look awake, not tired, so skip the heavy black eyeliner.
7. Brighten the Waterline 💖
Now here’s a little trick that works wonders for small eyes: Use a nude or white eyeliner on your waterline. This simple move makes your eyes look bigger, more open, and brighter. It’s like opening a window in a dark room, letting in all the light.
Tip: If you’re not into white liner, a soft peach or nude pencil works just as well. It’s subtle, but it’ll do wonders for making you look more awake, especially if you’re running on no sleep.
8. Curl Those Lashes! 🌸
Okay, this one’s a no-brainer but essential. Curling your lashes is like opening the curtains in the morning—it lets your eyes shine. Lashes that are lifted and curled make your eyes appear larger and more awake, which is exactly what we want.
Tip: Apply a few coats of volumizing mascara after curling your lashes to give them that added lift. You’ll be shocked at the difference. It’s almost like you’ve suddenly got more eye space!
“Eyes are the window to the soul—make sure yours shine bright!”
9. Try False Lashes (But Keep It Natural) 💫
False lashes don’t need to be dramatic to make a difference. A few individual lashes or a thin strip of natural-looking lashes can add volume and length without making your eyes feel crowded. This trick opens up your eyes in ways that mascara alone can’t do.
Tip: Opt for natural lashes that are wispy and not too thick. They’ll enhance your eyes without making them look heavy. Apply them close to the lash line, and voilà—instant eye-opening magic!
Conclusion: Small Eyes, Big Impact 💖
No more hiding behind heavy makeup or worrying about your eye size—these eyeshadow techniques are here to make you feel empowered and confident. Small eyes are just an invitation to get creative with your makeup, so don’t be afraid to play around with textures, colors, and shapes. With a little bit of practice and the right tools, your eyes can go from “small” to “stunning” in no time.
So, the next time you’re standing in front of the mirror wondering how to make your eyes look bigger, remember: less is more, light is your friend, and definition is key. And above all—have fun with it!