11 Simple Makeup Hacks To Make Small Eyes Look Bigger

Everyone loves the look of big, doe-like eyes, but for most of us, it takes a little makeup magic to get there. If you have small eyes, achieving that wide-eyed effect usually comes down to how you use essentials like mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow. The trick isn’t piling on product—it’s applying it strategically so it enhances your natural eye shape.

The right techniques can completely shift how your eyes read, making them look bigger, brighter, and more defined without masking what makes them unique. Think of it as sculpting with makeup: the placement of your liner, the way you blend your shadow, and even the direction you swipe your mascara can all work together to create a more open look. Ahead, we’ll explain how to make small eyes look bigger with makeup and introduce you to some of our favorite eye makeup products to add to your lineup. 

Makeup Mistakes That Can Make Your Eyes Look Smaller

Before we explain how to make your eyes appear bigger, we thought it’d be useful to go over a few common mistakes that can actually have the opposite effect. If you want to make your eyes appear wider, brighter, and more awake, here are a few mistakes to avoid: 

• Over-applying dark eyeliner: Eyeliner is a staple of most every makeup kit, but if you have small eyes, a less-is-more approach is key. Eyeliner for small eyes should typically be focused on the upper lash line and kept relatively soft. Heavy, dark eyeliner can visually weigh your eyes down, contributing to a closed-off appearance. 

• Not curling your lashes: Your lashes can have a noticeable impact on how big and open your eyes look. To get the most out of your makeup routine, we recommend curling your lashes before applying mascara to create a wide-eyed appearance.

• Applying dark eyeliner to your waterline: A dark, defined waterline can look sultry and cool, but applying dark colors so close to your eyes can also make your eyes appear smaller. If your aim is to make your eyes look bigger, it’s a step best skipped.

• Neglecting your brows: Your brows frame your eyes, so keeping them well-groomed is important. Stay on top of your grooming routine and consider opting for a slight arch to create the appearance of more lid space. 

How To Make Your Eyes Look Bigger With Makeup: 11 Tips To Try

With the right approach, eye makeup can be a powerful tool for creating the illusion of larger, more open eyes. Below, we’ve rounded up 11 simple yet effective techniques that can help small eyes appear bigger.

1. Use shimmery eyeshadow

When applying eyeshadow for small eyes, use shimmery formulas rather than mattes—the slight reflectivity helps catch the light to visually open up the eye area. For a simple application, try sweeping the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Twinkly Rose across your lid, then lightly blending the pigment out with your finger.

2. Define your crease

Using makeup to make eyes look bigger is often about balancing light and shadow to your advantage. Just as contouring can define your cheekbones, contouring your crease can create the illusion of bigger eyes. By adding subtle depth and shadow, this technique helps your eyes appear deeper and, in turn, larger. Try using a neutral matte shade, such as the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Brown Bliss, and blend it into the crease and outer corners of your eyes for a natural, eye-enhancing effect.

3. Tightline your upper lash line

When it comes to makeup tricks that flatter small eyes, tightlining is a standout. The technique involves lining your upper waterline to give the appearance of fuller, more defined lashes. The best part? It subtly enhances your eyes without the visible look of eyeliner, so it won’t close them off or make them appear smaller. For an easy application, use a creamy pencil eyeliner, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner in Brown Denim. The dark hue will add definition without appearing as stark as a pure black shade.

4. Try winged eyeliner

If you want a more statement-making liner look, try a classic wing. Winged eyeliner is great for creating the illusion of bigger eyes since the upward flick helps lift and elongate their shape. Use the L’Oréal Paris Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner, and build your wing with small, thin strokes. Once you reach the outer corner, extend the line slightly up and outward for that eye-opening effect. For a detailed breakdown, see our guide 6 Tips To Help You Achieve The Perfect Cat Eye.

5. Brighten your lower waterline

One of our favorite small eyes makeup tricks involves a product you may not have on hand—white (or nude) eyeliner. Lining your lower waterline with light-colored eyeliner is a simple trick to make your eyes appear bigger. The light shade sits next to the whites of your eyes, making them look larger and brighter, which in turn gives your eyes a wider, more open appearance. It also helps cancel out any natural redness along the waterline for a refreshed, awake look. To achieve a bright-eyed but natural look, we suggest using the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Liner in Nude.

6. Reach for highlighter

Highlighter isn’t just for accentuating your cheekbones—it can also create the illusion of larger, more open eyes. Try blending a creamy highlighter, such as the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Glass Highlighter Stick, onto the brow bone, inner corners, and the center of your lids. These subtle touches of light instantly help brighten and lift the eye area, giving the appearance of a bigger, brighter gaze. 

7. Curl your lashes

Using a lash curler is one of the simplest ways to make your eyes stand out. To achieve the perfect lift, gently clamp the curler at the base of your lashes and slowly move outward toward the tips, creating a natural, full curve. This technique instantly opens up the eyes, making them appear bigger and more open.

8. Apply mascara to your outer corners

When applying eye makeup for small eyes, don’t skip mascara—the right formula can not just lengthen your lashes, but also make your eyes appear larger. For an eye-opening effect, try the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Washable Mascara—the unique formula is designed to create a fanned-out effect that makes eyes appear up to 1.4 times larger. Apply an even coat to your upper lashes, working your way from root to tip. Then, add a second coat just to the outer corners to create a flattering, elongating effect. 

9. Try false eyelashes

If you want to take your look up a notch, false eyelashes can make it happen. It’s essential to find the right style that complements your eye shape, so feel free to trim the lash strip down to size if needed. Once you have the perfect set of falsies, check out our article How To Get Bigger, Bolder Lashes—With or Without False Eyelashes for a how-to on applying them like a pro.

10. Brighten your under-eye

When thinking of makeup to make eyes look bigger, concealer might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, this complexion staple can work wonders for brightening the under-eye area and blurring imperfections that visually weigh down your eyes. To brighten tired-looking eyes, reach for the L’Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer. It’s formulated with caffeine and hyaluronic acid and works to camouflage imperfections while hydrating and de-puffing to promote a smoother, more youthful-looking eye area.

11. Sculpt your brows

Ensuring your eyebrows are neat and well-groomed is a simple way to frame your face and enhance features like small eyes. Start by brushing up your brows with a clean spoolie brush, then lightly fill in any sparse areas with a brow pen, such as the L’Oréal Paris Faux Brow Hair-Like Brow Filling Pen. If your brows tend to lose their shape throughout the day—or you simply want to ensure they stay in place—finish your look with a coat of clear brow gel, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Brow Lamination. It offers all-day hold with a non-sticky, flake-free finish.

Next Up: Eyeliner Hacks That Will Change The Way You Do Your Makeup

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris