How to Make Your Eyes Look Bigger with Simple Makeup Tricks

Bigger-looking eyes are a popular trend because they make your face look brighter and more awake. If your eyes don’t stand out in photos or your makeup doesn’t make them pop, this guide has you covered. 

We’ll share easy tips on how to make eyes look bigger, apply eyeshadow, use eyeliner, and boost your lashes for that wide-eyed look. Whether it’s a bold evening style or a simple daytime look, these tricks are the secret to making eyes better for beginners and pros alike.

With the right steps and cruelty-free products from Rude Cosmetics, bigger, brighter eyes are just a few tips away!

Step-by-Step Tips for Bigger-Looking Eyes

Transform your eye makeup routine with our expert tips designed to help you make eye makeup work for that sought-after, wide-eyed look. Keep reading to learn how to prep your eyes like a professional makeup artist, enhancing their natural beauty.

1. Prep Your Eyes Like a Pro

Prepping your eyes is essential for achieving flawless makeup looks eyes and enhancing the appearance of bigger, more radiant eyes. Proper preparation helps makeup apply smoothly and last longer, which is vital for maintaining the illusion of larger eyes throughout the day.

Hydrate with Eye Cream

Begin by applying an eye cream to moisturize the area. This reduces puffiness and smoothens fine lines, making the eye area look fresher and more receptive to makeup.

Apply a Primer

Use an eyelid primer to create an even base. This helps prevent creasing and ensures that your eyeshadow stays vibrant and in place for hours. A primer also helps neutralize any discoloration on the lids, providing a clean canvas for color application.

By following these steps, you create the perfect foundation for any eye makeup look, ensuring that each product performs at its best and contributes to making your eyes look bigger and more expressive.

2. Create Depth with Eyeshadow

Mastering the use of eyeshadow to create depth is a key technique in making your eyes appear larger and more captivating. The strategic placement of different shades can visually enlarge and improve the eyes' shape.

Light Shades

Start with applying light eyeshadow shades on the eyelid and in the inner corners. This brightens the eyes and makes them appear more open.

• Key Areas: Focus on the center of the lid and around the tear duct to catch light and add a pop of brightness.

Medium Shades for Transition

Smoothly transition to a medium shade in your crease.

• Blending Tips: Softly blend upwards toward the brow bone to create a gradient effect without sharp lines.

Darker Shades for Definition

• Crease and Outer V: Apply darker shades in the crease and extend to the outer corner of the eye. This adds depth and dimension.
• Blending: Ensure to blend well to merge the darker shades seamlessly with the lighter ones, avoiding any harsh lines.

This approach not only improves the eyes' natural beauty but also leverages shading and light to create a more dramatic, wide-eyed effect.

3. Use Eyeliner to Make Eyes Pop

Using eyeliner effectively is an important step in creating the illusion of bigger, more expressive eyes. The right techniques can dramatically improve the natural shape and size of your eyes, drawing attention and giving them a brighter, wider appearance.

Tightlining the Upper Lash Line

Start by tightlining the upper lash line. This involves applying eyeliner very close to the lash roots to fill in gaps between lashes, creating the effect of fuller lashes and a more defined eye. This subtle technique improves the natural contour of your eyes without looking overly made-up.

Creating a Small Wing

To give your eyes a lifted appearance, add a small wing at the outer corner of each eye. This elongates the eye shape and adds an upward lift, making the eyes appear larger and more almond-shaped. The key is to keep the wing delicate and proportional to the rest of your eye makeup to maintain a natural look.

Nude or White Eyeliner on the Waterline

Applying a nude or white eyeliner to the waterline is a well-known trick to make the eyes appear bigger and more awake. This lighter shade on the waterline contrasts with the darker lashes and eyeshadow, creating a visual effect that the eyes are larger than they actually are.

These eyeliner techniques are simple yet effective for anyone looking to improve their eye size visually. By focusing on these key areas, you can maximize the impact of your eyeliner and achieve a stunning, wide-eyed look that makes your eyes truly pop.

4. Lash Techniques That Open Up the Eyes

Enhancing your lashes is a powerful way to open up the eyes and give them a larger, more lifted appearance. From curling your natural lashes to applying mascara and false lashes, each technique contributes significantly to the visual impact of bigger eyes.

Curling Your Lashes

Begin by curling your lashes, which is fundamental for opening up the eyes. Use a high-quality eyelash curler before applying mascara. This step helps to lift your lashes upwards, creating an instant effect of wider, more alert eyes. 

For best results, gently clamp the curler at the base of the lashes and hold for a few seconds before moving slightly upward and clamping again. This creates a smooth, natural curl rather than a sharp bend.

Applying Mascara

Mascara is essential for defining and enhancing the curl you've just created. Start at the base of your lashes and wiggle the brush upward to the tips to thoroughly coat each lash. This technique not only adds length but also volume, which is important for making the eyes appear larger. 

For even more volume, consider layering two different mascaras: one for lengthening and one for volumizing.

Using False Lashes

For an immediate and dramatic effect, false lashes can be a game changer. Choose a style that improves your natural eye shape and adds the desired volume and length. 

When applying false lashes, ensure they are trimmed to fit the natural curve of your eyelids and secure them with a reliable adhesive. 

This addition not only enhances your lash volume but also extends beyond the natural lash line, further enlarging the appearance of your eyes.

These lash techniques are designed to maximize the visual size of your eyes, making them look brighter and more captivating. 

Whether you’re aiming for a natural daytime look or a more dramatic evening appearance, these methods are sure to make your eyes stand out beautifully.

Quick Everyday Tricks for Bigger Eyes

Improve your daily look with straightforward techniques that amplify the appearance of your eyes. Read on to learn how subtle changes can dramatically increase the perceived size of your eyes, making them more captivating.

Brightening the Inner Corners

Adding a touch of shimmer to the inner corners of your eyes is a simple yet incredibly effective trick to make your eyes look bigger and more awake. 

This technique leverages the power of light reflection to draw attention to the eyes and create a sense of increased openness. By applying a light, shimmering eyeshadow or a highlighter to these areas, you can instantly brighten the entire eye area. 

This small addition helps combat the appearance of tired-looking eyes by reflecting light, which can visually enlarge the eyes and make them pop against your face. It's a quick fix that suits all eye shapes and sizes, providing a fresh and lively look with minimal effort.

Define Your Brows for Better Framing

Well-defined brows are important for framing the face and enhancing the perceived size of your eyes. Proper grooming and shaping of your eyebrows can lift the entire eye area, making your eyes appear larger. 

Start by finding the natural arch of your eyebrows; this is typically located just outside the iris. Plucking any stray hairs below the arch can help accentuate this natural lift. 

Filling in sparse areas with a brow pencil and powder that matches your hair color can also add fullness and definition. For the most flattering look, focus on creating a gradual fade from lighter at the inner corners to darker towards the ends of your brows. 

This not only gives a natural appearance but also improves the structural aesthetic of your eyes, making them stand out more prominently on your face. The right eyebrow shape can dramatically affect how big your eyes look, serving as a natural frame that improves your overall eye makeup.

Choosing the Right Products for Bigger Eyes

Must-Have Eye Makeup Products

Choosing the right eye makeup products is important for achieving the illusion of bigger, more expressive eyes. Essential items in your makeup arsenal should include high-quality mascara, versatile eyeliner, and eyeshadow palettes that offer a range of shades suitable for various looks.

Mascara

A good mascara can make a dramatic difference by volumizing and lengthening your lashes, which naturally improves the size of your eyes. Look for mascaras that offer curling and lifting effects to maximize this impact.

Eyeliner

Eyeliners are pivotal for defining the eyes and can be used strategically to shape and enlarge the eye's appearance. Angled brushes or felt-tip liners make application precise and allow for techniques like tightlining and winging, which are great for opening up the eyes.

Eyeshadow Palettes

Choose palettes that include both light and dark shades. Light colors help to brighten the eye area, while darker shades are used for contouring and creating depth. Palettes with a mix of matte and shimmer shades are particularly versatile for day-to-night transitions.

Using these products in your routine can significantly improve the visual size of your eyes, giving you a more vibrant and engaging look. Know more about essential eye makeup tools like angled brushes and lash curlers that can help achieve these effects.

Best Eyeshadow Shades for Small Eyes

Selecting the right eyeshadow shades is key to making small eyes appear larger. The choice of color and texture plays a significant role in how your eyes are perceived.

Choosing Shades

Opt for lighter, neutral shades to brighten the eye area and darker shades to create depth in the crease. Avoid using overly dark or heavy shadows across the entire lid as this can make the eyes appear smaller.

Consider Skin Tone and Eye Shape

When selecting eyeshadow, consider your skin tone and eye shape. Warmer undertones are complemented by peaches and soft browns, while cooler tones pair well with grays and blues. 

Understanding your eye shape can also guide you in choosing the best places to apply these colors to improve the eye’s natural contours.

By carefully selecting eyeshadow shades that complement your individual features, you can effectively improve the size and shape of your eyes, giving them a brighter, more lifted look. Explore some of the best options for your eye shape and color in our exclusive collections, such as the versatile manga collection.

Extra Tips for Special Looks

Elevate your eye makeup game with these specialized tips for both day and night. Whether you’re stepping out for an evening event or keeping it casual during the day, follow our guides below to ensure your eyes always look their best.

Evening Makeup for Dramatic, Bigger Eyes

Creating a dramatic evening look that makes your eyes appear larger involves several key steps that will ensure your eyes are the standout feature of your makeup.

1. Start with a Primer: Apply an eyeshadow primer over the entire lid to ensure your makeup stays put all evening.
2. Apply a Base Shadow: Choose a light shimmering base shade to apply across the lid. This will help to reflect light and serve as a backdrop for darker colors.
3. Define the Crease: Use a darker shade in the crease to add depth and dimension. Blending well here is important to avoid harsh lines.
4. Add Glitter: Apply a glitter eyeshadow to the center of the lid to catch the light and add sparkle, perfect for evening events.
5. Statement Lashes: Attach false lashes to improve volume and length, dramatically enlarging the appearance of your eyes.
6. Highlight Key Areas: Add a touch of highlighter to the inner corners of the eyes and beneath the brow bone to further improve and open up the eyes.
7. Bold Eyeliner: Finish with a bold eyeliner, extending slightly beyond the lash line with a wing to lift the eyes outward and upward.

These steps will help you achieve a bold, eye-catching look perfect for any evening occasion, making your eyes appear larger and more expressive.

Daytime Looks That Keep it Simple

For daytime, the goal is to create a look that improves your eyes without appearing overdone.

1. Light Eyeshadow: Sweep a light, matte eyeshadow across the lid. Choose a shade slightly brighter than your skin tone to open up the eye area.
2. Subtle Definition: Use a medium shade on the outer half of the crease and blend gently. This adds subtle depth without the intensity of a nighttime look.
3. Minimalist Lashes: Apply a single coat of volumizing mascara to avoid clumping, keeping the lashes looking natural and neat.
4. Brighten with Liner: Line the waterline with a white and nude eyeliner to make the eyes appear bigger and more awake.
5. Groomed Brows: Brush and lightly fill in your eyebrows to frame the eyes naturally, enhancing the overall shape and size of your eyes.

These quick tips are perfect for a natural, everyday look that still makes your eyes pop, providing a fresh and awake appearance throughout the day.

Solving Common Makeup Issues

Tired of dealing with makeup mishaps that ruin your look? Keep reading to find out simple solutions to fix common eye makeup issues and achieve a flawless finish every time.

1. What are common eye makeup mistakes that make you look older?

Several eye makeup errors can inadvertently add years to your appearance:

• Using All Powder Products: Relying solely on powder-based makeup can result in a flat, dry look. Using liquid or cream products can provide a dewy, youthful finish.
• Curling Lashes After Applying Mascara: This practice can cause lash damage and a crimped appearance. It's advisable to curl lashes before applying mascara for a smoother curl.
• Choosing Overly Light Under-Eye Concealer: Selecting a concealer that's too light can create a washed-out effect. Opt for a shade one or two tones lighter than your skin to brighten without overdoing it.

2. How can I prevent my eye makeup from smudging or creasing?

To maintain fresh-looking eye makeup throughout the day:

• Apply Primer: Start with an eyeshadow primer to create a smooth base and improve longevity.
• Use Lightweight Formulas: Choose lightweight, non-greasy products to minimize creasing.
• Set with Powder: Lightly dust translucent powder over your eye makeup to lock it in place.
• Finish with Setting Spray: A setting spray can help keep your makeup intact and reduce smudging.

3. How can I make my small eyes appear larger with makeup?

improve the appearance of smaller eyes with these techniques:

• Brighten the Waterline: Applying nude or white eyeliner to the waterline can make the eyes look bigger and more awake.
• Highlight the Inner Corners: Adding a touch of shimmer to the inner corners can brighten the eyes and create the illusion of larger eyes.
• Define the Crease: Using a medium-toned eyeshadow in the crease adds depth and dimension, making the eyes appear larger.
• Apply Mascara Strategically: Focusing mascara on the center lashes can open up the eyes while curling lashes before application improves this effect.

By addressing these common concerns and implementing the suggested techniques, you can achieve a more polished and youthful eye makeup look.

Conclusion

Enhancing the appearance of your eyes with makeup involves a combination of the right techniques and carefully chosen products. We’ve explored step-by-step tips for achieving bigger-looking eyes, from prepping like a pro to creating depth with eyeshadow and using eyeliner effectively. 

You’ve also learned about lash techniques to open up your eyes, quick everyday tricks for a fresh and vibrant look, and the importance of choosing products designed to your needs. Lastly, we addressed common makeup mistakes and how to overcome them for a flawless application.

At Rude Cosmetics, we believe in empowering your beauty journey with products that are cruelty-free, affordable, and designed for bold self-expression.

As a brand that champions conscious beauty, none of our products are tested on animals, so you can create stunning looks with peace of mind.

Why settle for nice when you can Rude!, your daring side with MAKEUP WITH AN ATTITUDE? Explore our collections today and take your eye makeup game to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I make my small eyes look bigger with makeup?

Utilize light eyeshadow shades on the eyelids, apply darker tones in the crease for depth, and use white or nude eyeliner on the waterline to create the illusion of larger eyes.

2. What eyeliner techniques help eyes appear larger?

Tightlining the upper lash line and creating a subtle wing can lift and define the eyes, making them look more prominent.

3. Which mascara is best for making eyes look bigger?

Volumizing and lengthening mascaras that lift and separate lashes can open up the eyes, giving them a wider appearance.

4. How do I prevent my eye makeup from smudging throughout the day?

Applying an eyeshadow primer and setting your makeup with a translucent powder or setting spray can help maintain a fresh look and prevent smudging.

5. What are the best eyeshadow colors to make small eyes look bigger?

Neutral tones like beige, taupe, and light browns can brighten the eye area while avoiding overly dark shades that may make the eyes appear smaller.

6. How can I use false lashes to improve the size of my eyes?

Applying false lashes that are longer in the center can create a rounded, open-eye effect, making your eyes look larger.

7. What are common eye makeup mistakes that make eyes look smaller?

Using dark eyeliner on the waterline, applying heavy dark eyeshadows, and neglecting to curl lashes can all contribute to making the eyes appear smaller.