How to Apply Eye Makeup to Make Eyes Look Bigger

If you open your eyes to a whole new world of possible colors, your peepers may start attracting more attention. For those who aren't born with naturally large eyes, including many celebrities, there are several ways to make them appear larger. The following will lead you through the basics.

Things You'll Need

• Eyelash curler Eye liner Two to three shades of eye shadow Tweezers Mascara Brow brush

Instructions

1. Starting with a clean face, use your eye lash curler to gently curl lashes. Be sure to use a clean eye lash curler that is solely your own, as sharing items can spread bacteria and cause illness. Keep in mind that curling your lashes plays a major part in making your eyes appear bigger because it draws out the full area of your eye. Wait until later to apply mascara.

2. Next use your eye pencil to outline the shape of your eye. This makes your eyes pop even more. Starting at the outer corner of your eye, line the color along your bottom lash line first and fade it out when you get to the center of your lid. You don't want eyeliner at the inner corner of your eyes. Starting at the outer part of your eye, next line the top of your lid along the lash line. Similarly fade the line when you reach the center of your eyelid. Black eyeliner appears bolder than others and can work to create a smoky look. Don't hesitate to experiment with colored eyeliner. Using eyeliner in a similar shade to that of your eye can draw added attention. Cerulean blue eyeliner for someone with light blue eyes for example has a powerful effect.

3. Understand that there must be more than a thousand shades of eye shadow. It helps to have a variety of colors on hand. Start with a dark or medium shade and use at the corner of your eye. Use a lighter color and blend over the rest of your lid. An even lighter shimmer used just below your brow bone is an excellent way to make your eyes look bigger and to create extra space between the lids and eyebrows.

4. Know that the next application is mascara, preferably black though dark brown can look good on people with red hair. Start from the base of your lashes and comb through with the mascara brush until each top lash is coated. Then lightly coat the bottom lashes. Use the fine-toothed brow brush to comb through any clumps the mascara brush may have left, and to separate any lashes that may be stuck together. This dramatically increases the volume of your eyes.

5. Use your tweezers to pluck any stray hairs from your brows. Brows should be slightly arched but not overly and should hold a natural density. An over-plucked brow looks too sparse and draws attention away from your eyes and too-thick brows can make the eyes and face appear too heavy.

Tips & Warnings

• Practicing and experimenting with eye makeup is the only way to find the best look for your complexion and eye color.