To make small eyes appear larger, avoid applying dark eyeliner to the inner corners.
Here's a breakdown of techniques to enhance your eye size with eyeliner:
Eyeliner Techniques for Small Eyes
The key to using eyeliner on small eyes is to create the illusion of more space and openness. Avoid techniques that close off the eye or make it appear smaller.
1. Avoid Lining the Entire Eye
- Why: Lining the entire eye, especially with dark colors, can make small eyes look even smaller. This is because it defines the actual shape and constricts the visible area.
- Instead: Focus on lining only a portion of the eye, as described in the following points.
2. Start at the Outer Corner
- Technique: Begin applying eyeliner about two-thirds of the way across your upper lash line, starting from the outer corner.
- Benefit: This draws attention outwards, creating a wider, more open appearance.
3. Winged Eyeliner
- Technique: Create a subtle wing at the outer corner, extending slightly upwards and outwards.
- Benefit: A small wing lifts the eye and adds definition without closing it off. Be careful not to make the wing too thick or heavy, as this can overpower small eyes.
4. Use Lighter Colors
- Why: Dark eyeliner can make eyes appear smaller, especially when used heavily.
- Instead: Consider using brown, grey, or even colored eyeliners like navy or plum. These softer shades are less harsh and can still provide definition.
5. Highlight the Inner Corner
- Technique: Use a light, shimmering eyeshadow or eyeliner in the inner corner of the eye.
- Benefit: This brightens the area and creates the illusion of more space.
6. Tightlining Strategically
- Technique: Tightlining is applying eyeliner to the upper waterline (the skin just above the upper lashes). For small eyes, tightline only from the middle of the eye outwards. Avoid tightlining the inner corner.
- Benefit: This subtle definition makes lashes appear thicker without closing off the eye.
7. Eyeliner on the Lower Lash Line - Use Sparingly
- Caution: Lining the entire lower lash line can make small eyes look smaller.
- Instead: If you want to line the lower lash line, use a light-colored pencil (like nude or white) on the waterline or smudge a small amount of eyeliner only on the outer third of the lower lash line. This can add subtle definition without closing off the eye.
8. Thinner is Better
- General Rule: Always err on the side of thinner lines, especially on the upper lash line. Thick eyeliner can easily overwhelm small eyes.
By following these tips, you can effectively use eyeliner to enhance the size and shape of your small eyes.
