How to Make Your Eyes Look Smaller with Makeup

There’s no doubt about it—turn to almost any beauty site and you’ll find an endless source of tips on how to make your eyes look bigger. Large eyes are almost always a beauty trend, and there are plenty of ways to fake them with eye makeup. What about help for everyone who wants to make their eyes look smaller instead? Smaller eyes may not be the beauty look you most often hear about, but it can be a seriously sultry and flattering look. That’s why we’re filling in the information gap and providing you with six tips for making your eyes look smaller with makeup, using all the essentials like eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara, and false lashes.

Eye Makeup Tip #1: Wear Matte Eye Shadows

The reasoning behind wearing matte eye shadows is pretty simple. Shimmery eye shadows reflect light, effectively making eyes look larger and wider, while matte eye shadows don’t. In fact, matte eye shadows can make eyes look like they’re receding. When selecting your matte eye shadows, stick with dark shades, which can also help make eyes look smaller. Try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Cafe Au Lait, Noir Cest Noir, or Matte-ison Avenue.

Eye Makeup Tip #2: Switch to Liquid Eyeliner

If you’ve already mastered liquid eyeliner, you’re in luck. Whether you prefer to create a cat eye, or define your eyes with a thin line, liquid eyeliner can help to visually close off the eyes. Making a perfectly precise, almost harsh, line along your upper lash line can create make eyes look smaller, whereas a soft, smudged eyeliner can do the opposite. Have your pick from our liquid eyeliner options below.

If you prefer a brush tip…try the L’Oréal Paris Lineur Intense Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner.

If you prefer a felt tip…try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible The Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner.

If you prefer waterproof…try the L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Waterproof Precision Liquid Eyeliner.

Eye Makeup Tip #3: Line Your Waterline

Wearing eyeliner along your lower lashes is a surefire way to make your eyes look smaller, but if you want them to appear even smaller, there’s a slight adjustment you can make. Rather than pressing the eyeliner into your lashes, apply it slightly above, along your waterline. Fill in the gap with a stark black line and it can have a shrinking effect. As for what kind of eyeliner to use, you’ll want to let your liquid eyeliner sit this one out. Instead, reach for a waterproof pencil, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner in Black.

Eye Makeup Tip #4: Extend Your Eyeliner

We’ve covered lining above and below your eyes, but there’s one more spot you can use eyeliner to make your eyes look smaller. Carry your eyeliner (you can choose any formula you like, whether that’s a liquid, pencil, or gel) all the way around your eyes to make them seem extra small. All it takes is connecting the two lines you already made, bring them together at the inner corner of each eye.

Eye Makeup Tip #5: Don’t Use Highlighter

As beautiful as highlighters can be, if you want your eyes to appear smaller, save the luminous products for your cheeks. As for your eyes, don’t follow the traditional technique of using a light or shimmer-packed shade around the inner corner of your eye. This look happens to open up the eyes, making them look bigger.

Eye Makeup Tip #6: Sport Thick Falsies

Don’t shy away from big, bold false eyelashes. In fact, the bigger the better. When your lashes look as thick as can be, it makes your eyes look smaller by contrast. (Here are our 7 Hacks to Make Applying False Lashes Easier.)

If you want smaller-looking lips to match your minimized eyes, makeup can make it possible. Find out How to Make Your Lips Look Smaller.