How To Make Eyes Look Bigger With Makeup In 2025

Frustrated that your eyes don’t stand out as much as you’d like? You’re not alone! Knowing how to make your eyes look bigger with makeup can completely transform your look.

From clever eyeliner tricks to the right eyeshadow placement, we’ll show you easy techniques on how to make eyes look bigger with makeup.

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How To Make Eyes Look Bigger With Makeup

Making eyes look bigger with makeup involves techniques that lift, open, and brighten the eye area for a more wide-eyed appearance.

  • Eyelash Curling: Curling the lashes instantly lifts the eyes, making them appear larger and more open.
  • Light Eyeshadow on the Lid: Using light, neutral shades on the eyelid brightens the eyes and gives the illusion of more lid space.
  • Dark Shadow in the Crease: Applying a darker shade in the crease adds depth and creates the illusion of a more prominent, open-eye area.
  • Tightlining: Lining the upper waterline with eyeliner enhances the lash line without taking up visible lid space, keeping the eyes open.
  • Nude or White Liner on the Waterline: Using a nude or white eyeliner on the lower waterline makes the whites of the eyes appear larger and more awake.
  • Highlighting the Inner Corners: A pop of light shimmer or highlighter in the inner corners instantly brightens and opens the eyes.
  • Volumizing Mascara or False Lashes: Lengthening and volumizing the lashes with mascara or falsies lifts the eyes and makes them look bigger.

With minimal effort, these techniques help create the illusion of larger, more defined eyes.

Enhancing Your Eyes: Application Techniques

 Eyeliner for Bigger Eyes
by Pinterest

Applying Eyeliner for Bigger Eyes

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How you apply eyeliner can significantly impact the perceived size of your eyes. Start with a thin line at the inner corner and gradually thicken it as you move outward. This creates an elongated effect.

For the lower lash line, use a light touch. Avoid lining the entire lower lid, as this can make the eyes look smaller. Instead, focus on the outer third of the lower lash line.

Try the “puppy dog” eyeliner technique. Draw a slight downward flick at the outer corner instead of an upward wing. This can give the illusion of rounder, bigger eyes.

Use a nude or white eyeliner on your waterline to brighten and open up your eyes. This trick instantly makes your eyes appear larger and more awake.

Using Eyeshadow to Create Depth

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10/10/2024 07:56 pm GMT

Eyeshadow placement is crucial for creating the illusion of larger eyes. Start with a light, shimmery shade all over the lid. This reflects light and makes your eyes pop.

Apply a slightly darker shade in the crease, blending well. This adds depth and dimension. Be careful not to bring the darker shade too far down, as this can make eyes look smaller.

Highlight the inner corner of your eyes with a bright, shimmery shadow. This opens up the eye area and creates a wide-awake look.

Use a matte shade just below your lower lash line, keeping it soft and blended. This can create the illusion of a shadow, making your eyes appear larger.

Highlighting and Contouring the Eyes

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10/10/2024 11:33 pm GMT

Apply a light, shimmery highlight just beneath your eyebrows. This lifts your brow area, making your eyes appear larger.

Use the same highlight in the inner corner of your eyes and on the center of your eyelids. This catches the light, creating a bright, open-eyed effect.

Contour the outer corner of your eye socket with a matte shadow slightly darker than your skin tone. Blend well to create subtle depth.

Dab a pearly eyeshadow or highlighter on the center of your lids for a lifted, awake look.

The Importance of Mascara

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Mascara is your secret weapon for bigger-looking eyes. Start by curling your lashes to open up your eye area.

Apply mascara from root to tip, wiggling the wand as you go. This helps separate lashes and creates volume.

Focus on the outer lashes, applying extra coats. This draws the eye outward, creating a wider-eyed effect.

Don’t forget your lower lashes! Apply a light coat to balance your look. Be careful not to apply too much, as this can create shadows that make your eyes appear smaller.

Consider using individual false lashes on the outer corners for added drama and an eye-opening effect.

Top 10 Makeup Looks To Make Your Eyes Look Bigger

 Bright Inner Corner Highlight
by Pinterest

Bright Inner Corner Highlight: Apply a shimmery white or champagne eyeshadow to the inner corners of your eyes. This creates the illusion of wider, more open eyes.


 Curled Lashes and Volumizing Mascara
by Pinterest

Curled Lashes and Volumizing Mascara: Curl your lashes and apply two coats of volumizing mascara to make your eyes pop.


 Nude Eyeliner
by Pinterest

White or Nude Eyeliner: Line your lower waterline with a white or nude pencil to make your eyes appear larger and brighter.


 Subtle Cat Eye
by Pinterest

Subtle Cat Eye: Draw a thin line along your upper lash line, extending slightly upward at the outer corner for an eye-lifting effect.


 Shimmery Lid
by Pinterest

Shimmery Lid: Apply a light, shimmery eyeshadow all over your lid to reflect light and create the illusion of bigger eyes.


 Defined Crease
by Pinterest

Defined Crease: Use a matte eyeshadow slightly darker than your skin tone to define your crease, creating depth and dimension.

 Highlighted Brow Bone
by Pinterest

Highlighted Brow Bone: Apply a matte highlight just below your eyebrows to lift and open up your eye area.


 False Lashes
by Pinterest

False Lashes: Apply a natural-looking pair of false lashes to instantly make your eyes appear larger and more dramatic.


 Gradient Eyeliner
by Pinterest

Gradient Eyeliner: Create a gradient effect by using a darker shade at the outer corner and gradually lightening as you move inward.

 Arched Brows
by Pinterest

Arched Brows: Shape your eyebrows with a slight arch to open up your eye area and create a lifted appearance.


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Luk Endres
Luk Endres

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