How to Make Your Eyes Look Bigger with Makeup
There’s nothing quite like the allure of big, beautiful eyes. With beauty trends like doll eyes and doe eyes taking over the internet, it’s clear that this makeup look is a favourite for many. If the eyes are the window to the soul, then we want to make sure they are looking as stunning as possible - and luckily there are a few techniques that can help with that. It’s time we shared our top tips on how to make eyes look bigger with makeup, no matter your natural eye size or shape.
Our top makeup tricks to make eyes look bigger
Switching up your makeup routine can work wonders when trying to emphasise the appearance of big eyes and luscious lashes. With a small adjustment here or there and a few well-placed products, you can create the illusion of a larger eye shape. Try out a few of our tricks and see the difference for yourself when you look in the mirror.
1. Use a brown or coloured eyeliner
Although black might be the classic choice for eyeliner, mixing up the colour can make all the difference. For example, a subtle brown eyeliner like our 36H Gel Automatic Liner in Brown Denim can make your eyes appear softer and brighter. If you really want to enhance your eyes, try an eyeliner that matches your eye colour - this will draw attention to the iris and give your eyes an unforgettable impact.
2. Highlight with eyeshadow
For eye makeup that makes your eyes look bigger, highlighter is an essential tool. Pick a reflective eye shadow with a little shimmer, a few shades lighter than your skin tone. Apply it to areas of the eye that you want to draw attention to, such as the inner corner, the centre of the eyelid, the cheekbones, and the brow bone.
3. Contour your eye shape
We all know that contour can work wonders. Playing with light and dark shades, if done correctly, can create an optical illusion that appears to change the structure of the face. Apply a darker shade on your eyelid crease to add definition to the eyes. Using a finger or blending brush, draw the colour upwards and outwards to make the eyes appear wider. Finish by adding a touch near the outer bottom corner, and blend to perfection.
4. Get to know the three fourths rule
Our secret to eye makeup to make eyes look bigger is mastering the three fourths rule. While the first impulse may be to draw your eyeliner across the full length of your eyelid or waterline, don’t be fooled. This type of long, solid line can have a narrowing effect. However, lining only three fourths of your lid instead will draw attention to the outer corner of the eye, maintaining a wide-eyed effect.
5. Keep your colour palette neutral
If you’re on the hunt for eyeshadow to make your eyes look bigger, neutral tones will be your best friend. Natural colours will open up and soften the visage, whereas bold tones may have the opposite result. But all eyes are a little different, so you may wish to learn more about the best makeup style for your unique shape.
6. Use white along the water line
If you don’t yet have a white eyeliner pencil in your makeup bag, this is your sign to invest. Dashing a white eyeliner along the waterline is a much-loved trick by makeup artists to achieve a dramatic doll-eye look.
7. Apply a lengthening mascara
Speaking of eyelashes - they are not to be forgotten. A lengthening mascara like the L’Oréal Paradise Mascara will expand your eyes outward and give them a seriously fluttery look. For a little extra love and length, treat your lashes daily with a Clinically Proven Lash Serum. Don’t forget your lower lashes too!
8. Use an eyelash curler
Curling your eyelashes will draw them outward, amplifying their size and giving them a more rounded appearance. At the start of your makeup routine, crimp your lashes a few times with a high-quality curler. If you’re running low on time, a lengthening mascara with curling properties, such as our Pro XXL Mascara, will achieve a similar look.
9. Wing eyeliner up and out
When figuring out how to make your eyes look bigger with eyeliner, always remember our simple motto: upwards and outwards. Use your eyeliner of choice to elongate the corners of your eyes by giving your wings a classic swoop towards your temples. Here’s an extra trick - use the outer tips of your brows as a guide for the direction of your wing.
10. Shape your brows
Brows play a significant role in shaping your features and your face. A gently rounded, arched brow is the ideal shape for makeup to make eyes look bigger. Form the shape using an eyebrow pencil, then use Plumper Eyebrow Mascara to thicken them, brushing and setting hairs diagonally upwards for an eye-widening look.
Skincare tips for bigger eyes
Aside from makeup, skincare can assist in your strategy for how to make eyes look bigger. Puffiness and discolouration around the eyes can make them appear smaller - if this is the case for you, ensure that you are properly removing your makeup properly each night with the Revitalift Filler Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Makeup Remover. Placing a chilled spoon or a slice of cucumber over the eye can also help to relax and depuff the area. Finish with the Revitalift Filler Eye Serum Cooling Tissue Mask for a boost of hydration, to keep the under eye area naturally plumped and nourished.
With just a few small changes to your daily routine, you'll soon be showing off the big, romantic eyes of your dreams. To see how a L’Oréal product will look on you, check out our virtual try-on tool - test everything from hair colours to makeup products from the comfort of your bedroom.
