Eyeliner for Small Eyes: How to Make Your Eyes Look Bigger

If you have small eyes, you may have heard that eyeliner makes them look even smaller. It doesn't have to. With the right technique, liner can open up your eyes and make them look bigger. Here's how to do it step by step.

Why some liner looks make eyes look smaller

• Very thick lines that take up the whole mobile lid.
• Lining all the way around the eye in black, which "closes in" your eyes.
• Dark liner on the lower waterline.
• Wings that drop down instead of lifting up.

The basic technique: a thin line that widens

1. Prep your lid with primer or concealer so the liner doesn't transfer.
2. Start at the center of the lid and work outward, right against the lash line, with a very thin line.
3. Widen the line slightly only on the outer third.
4. Finish the inner corner with an almost invisible line, or leave it unlined.
5. Lift the wing toward the tail of your brow.

The tightlining trick

This means lining your upper waterline, between the lashes. It makes lashes look fuller without taking up any lid space, so it's ideal for small and hooded eyes. Use a gel or waterproof pencil and look down into the mirror.

Hooded eyes: liner that actually shows

If your crease covers part of your lid, the line can disappear when your eyes are open. Try this:

• Draw with your eyes open, looking straight ahead, to see where the wing lands.
• Bat-wing liner: the line lifts and bends over the crease so it's visible when your eye is open.
• Smudged liner: blend the line with a dark shadow. It looks softer and hides imperfections.

Colors that open up the eyes

• Brown: softer than black, ideal for daytime.
• Gray or navy: define without looking harsh.
• Nude or white pencil on the lower waterline: makes eyes look more open.
• Highlighter on the inner corner: adds light and freshness.

Gel, liquid or felt-tip liner

A gel pencil is the easiest for beginners and for smudging. Liquid gives a precise line. Stamp markers help you get symmetrical wings in seconds. Compare techniques in perfect liner with gel and liquid.

Finish the look

• Curl your lashes before mascara and focus it on the outer lashes. More in clump-free mascara.
• A light shadow all over the lid and a medium shade on the outer corner. If you need a palette, see how to choose an eyeshadow palette.
• Defined brows that frame your eyes without visually weighing them down.

Common mistakes

• Lining with your eye fully closed while pulling the lid.
• Making the wing too long or too thick.
• Wearing black liner on top and bottom for a daytime look.
• Forgetting to set it with shadow if your lids are oily.

Shop it at BeautyRosee

Eyeliners, mascaras, false lashes and palettes in our makeup collection. Also check out Beauty Creations and Kevin & Coco.

FAQ

Does black eyeliner make eyes look smaller?

Only if the line is very thick or goes all the way around. A thin line on top usually opens the eyes.

Which eyeliner style suits hooded eyes?

A lifted wing, bat-wing liner and smudged liner, all drawn with your eyes open.

Should I line my lower waterline?

With a nude or white pencil, yes: it creates a sense of space. With black, eyes tend to look more closed.

How do I keep my liner from smudging?

Prep your lid with primer, use waterproof formulas and set with a shadow in the same shade.

Keep reading

• Makeup Guide: Everything You Need, Step by Step
• How to choose an eyeshadow palette
• Natural makeup for work