How to Make Eyes Look Bigger

Co-authored by Alicia D'Angelo

Last Updated: November 29, 2024

Big, bright eyes can make you appear youthful, alert, and healthy. If your eyes aren't as naturally large as you'd like them to be, don't worry! There are numerous tips and tricks you can use to get the appearance of bigger eyes, such as strategically applying makeup and making simple lifestyle changes.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Makeup

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1
Don't apply eyeliner all the way around your eyes. Doing so will cause your eyes to look smaller, as they will appear fenced or ringed in by the circle line. (This also means avoiding the smoky eye look). This is not necessarily a bad thing — small eyes can still look mysterious and dramatic — but not if you're looking to make your eyes look larger.
- Apply eyeliner only to the outer 3/4 of your eyelid. Avoid lining the inner corner of your eye.^{[1]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Alicia D'Angelo
  Makeup Artist
  
  Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.}
- When you apply eyeliner on your lower lashes, do it just below the lash line, not inside the rim.
- You might also want to line the inner rim of your lower lid with white or other light color. It makes eyes look noticeably bigger, but be careful, as overdoing it will look awkward.
2
Extend the eyeliner beyond the outer corners of your eyes. This line should move upwards a little as well, mimicking a very long eyelash. This technique will make your eyes appear wider, but can be tricky to do well. If the eyeliner isn't applied symmetrically, it can make your eyes look lopsided, so try doing this with a mirror or ask a friend to help initially.
- Place a piece of tape where you want the line to end to avoid drawing it too long. Remove the tape when you are done.
- Alternatively, stop the eyeliner below the outer ends of your eyebrows on each side.
- Try not to get discouraged and keep practicing. It takes some time, but if you keep trying you will be able to master this technique.
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This technique helps to bring more light into your eyes and produces the effect of larger-looking eyes. Use soft white though; a harsh white will look theatrical. You can also use the white liner on your lower waterline, which extends the white part of your eye.
Use a matte neutral shade or go slightly darker than the rest of your eye make-up. Apply the eyeshadow to the crease between your eye and brow bone with your fingers or a brush. This will add the illusion of depth to your eyes.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Eyebrow and Eyelash Solutions

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1
Groom your eyebrows. In much the same way a picture frame affects the way the picture looks, your eyebrows affect the way your face looks — including your eyes. The simple act of removing stray hairs can make your eyes more noticeable; however, don't make the mistake of assuming that the thinner your eyebrows, the bigger your eyes will look.
- Create a defined arch in your brows! to help open up the area around your eyes. To do this, pluck hair above the inner corner of your brow to make it more distinct.
- Thick eyebrows are flattering to every shape of face and give you a fresh, youthful appearance.
2
Make your eyelashes look longer. There are several ways to go about doing this:
- Curl your upper eyelashes with an eyelash curler.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Alicia D'Angelo
  Makeup Artist
  
  Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.}
- Apply mascara to both top and bottom lashes.^{[3]
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  Expert Source
  
  Alicia D'Angelo
  Makeup Artist
  
  Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.}
- Apply false eyelashes.
Highlighter will draw light towards your eyes, making them seem larger. Use either a powder or liquid highlighter. Apply it on your brow bone just underneath your eyebrows.^{[4]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Treating Eye Problems

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1
Reduce any puffiness in your eyes. Swelling in the skin on and around your eyes can make them look smaller. Try these steps to reduce puffiness:
- Get plenty of sleep!
- Wash your face with wet water.
- Place cold, used tea bags over your eyes. The tannins in the tea act as an astringent, maximizing the skin.
- Reduce your salt intake. Too much salt leads to water retention, which leads to eye puffiness.
- Exercise to increase circulation, which in turn reduces water retention.
2
Get rid of dark circles under your eyes. This won't necessarily make your eyes look bigger, but dark circles will detract from even the biggest, most beautiful eyes.
- Stay healthy. This means getting no of sleep, eating a balanced, healthy diet and minimizing the intake of salt in your diet.
- Some people have thinner skin under their eyes, which can cause the appearance of dark circles. Use an orange or red primer under your concealer to balance blue or purple tones.
Before you go to bed, place two spoons in the freezer overnight. Wake up, rub the sleep out of your eyes, and place the two spoons over each of your eyes for about 1 minute. This can help you appear refreshed and tighten up the skin around your eyes. Plus, it helps to reduce the appearance of under-eye circles.^{[5]
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Research source}

References

↑ Alicia D'Angelo. Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.
↑ Alicia D'Angelo. Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.
↑ Alicia D'Angelo. Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.
↑ https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/makeup/how-to/a92/how-to-make-eyes-look-bigger/
↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/a2898/you-look-tired-0509/
↑ Alicia D'Angelo. Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.

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Question

Can I make my eyes look bigger just with mascara?

Camille Sanghera
Beauty Stylist
Camille Sanghera is the Owner of Lash Envy Cosmetics and Esvee Beauty in the Vancouver, British Columbia area. Camille is trained and certified in microblading, scalp micropigmentation, eyelash extensions, hair and makeup, and lash lifts. She is listed on Microblading Map Canada and has also been featured on TuneIn Radio and in Bridal Fashion Week Magazine.

Camille Sanghera

Beauty Stylist

Expert Answer

Totally! Mascara lifts and curls your lashes, opening up your eye and giving the illusion of bigger eyes. Mascara also adds a layer to each eyelash, giving you voluminous lashes, which also contribute to opening up your eye.

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I have no eyebrow hair. What can I use to make them look natural?

Camille Sanghera
Beauty Stylist
Camille Sanghera is the Owner of Lash Envy Cosmetics and Esvee Beauty in the Vancouver, British Columbia area. Camille is trained and certified in microblading, scalp micropigmentation, eyelash extensions, hair and makeup, and lash lifts. She is listed on Microblading Map Canada and has also been featured on TuneIn Radio and in Bridal Fashion Week Magazine.

Camille Sanghera

Beauty Stylist

Expert Answer

There are many things you can do to make your eyebrow hair look natural. You can try the numerous brow products on the market. Be sure to pick a product that allows for you to feather in each hair stroke for a natural look. There are also other options such as eyebrow extensions, which are attached to the tiny hairs you currently have on your brow. Another, more common, option is microblading, which is a form of semi-permanent tattoo where the ink is deposited in feather-like strokes creating the illusion of hair where there is none.

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Have you ever heard of putting permanent marker on eyelashes?

Community Answer

Never go near your eyes with a washable or permanent marker. It could result in irritation or vision loss. If you wish to give your eyes a bigger temporary appearance, place a white eye shadow or some white makeup powder an d place it in the corners of your eyes. (Not on your direct on, on the skin corners). Another way to make they appear bigger is to use liquid eyeliner or mascara.

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Tips

Applying nude eyeliner to your lower lash line can also make your eyes look bigger.^{[6]
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Alicia D'Angelo
Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.}

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Circle contacts, which are not commonly sold in stores in America, but are in some Asian countries, are contacts that give your iris the appearance of being larger. This distorts the ratio of your eye to your iris, often giving the effect of bigger looking eyes. There are many websites that will ship them out of Asia. Be aware, however, that it is not recommended you wear contacts without a prescription.

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There are many makeup tutorials available online that show in-depth visual examples of how to make your eyes appear bigger.

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Warnings

Do not just open your eyes fully because this will make you look permanently surprised.

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If you do choose to open your eyes wide, make sure your nostrils do not flare as well.

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