How to Brighten Your Eyes with Nude Eyeliner

Nude eyeliner is a versatile makeup essential that can instantly make you look more awake and refreshed. Nude eyeliner pencil does a great job of brightening your eyes, and it can be used to fake a refreshed, wide-awake gaze or even a bigger eye shape.

While it may not take the place of a classic black eyeliner in your makeup bag, nude liner is a seriously handy makeup product that is worth keeping on hand. To prove just how valuable light eyeliner can be, take notes as we share five ways to use it in your makeup routine to illuminate your eyes. Whether you are looking for or just a quick morning fix, this tool is a game-changer. Read ahead to discover how to master the art of bright, beautiful eyes using professional techniques.

What Is the Point of Nude Eyeliner?

Nude eyeliner (along with white eyeliner) has been used by makeup artists for years to make eyes look bigger, and faces look more awake and radiant. Applying nude eyeliner on the waterline (the thin line of skin between the lashes and eyeball) is the most common use, as brightening this small area makes the eyes more refreshed in a subtle way. This technique helps hide redness or fatigue by mimicking the natural color of the eye area. So, if you prefer a softer look than stark white, a light eyeliner like this is the perfect solution.

Why Nude Eyeliner Makes Your Eyes Look Brighter

Beige eyeliner is a soft, subtle makeup detail that goes a long way toward making your eyes look bigger and brighter. Here are the reasons:

Opens up the eyes

Applying nude eyeliner on the waterline makes the whites of the eyes appear larger and more expansive. This simple addition to your makeup routine creates a clean, polished look that works for any occasion.

Reduces the look of redness

Nude waterline eyeliner is particularly effective because neutral tones cancel out any visible redness in the waterline area. Think of nude eyeliner correcting for your eyes.

Creates a more awake appearance

Using a nude eyeliner on the waterline is especially helpful for tired eyes during early mornings or on minimal makeup days. It provides a subtle lift that complements any look perfectly.

5 Ways to Use Nude Eyeliner in Your Makeup Routine

Nude eyeliner is unparalleled among makeup products for its brightening effect on the eyes. Here are five ways to use it in your makeup routine.

1. To brighten the appearance of your eyes

In the same way that you learn how to apply highlighter to your upper cheekbones to create a glowy, lifted appearance, you can also highlight your eyes to help make them appear brighter. To do so, grab a nude eyeliner pencil and apply a thin line along your lower waterline.

We suggest the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner in Nude, which is a long-lasting gel formula that delivers intense color payoff. This mechanical pencil includes a built-in sharpener and a smudger to help you create a long-lasting gel formula look that stays in place. You simply glide it along your waterline for a precise finish.

You may also like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Nude because it glides across the lids without smudging and wears for up to 36 hours. This waterproof pencil offers a creamy texture that is comfortable for all-day wear. You can apply it in one smooth stroke to define your eyes with ease.

2. To make your eyes look bigger

Taking a cue from the doe eyes makeup trend, using a waterline eyeliner nude shade can also help you fake the illusion of a bigger eye shape. To get a wide-eyed look, use a heavy hand to line the waterline and apply a dab of nude eyeliner to the inner corners of both eyes. Use your pinky finger or a small blending brush to gently feather the nude liner out.

3. To make your eyes pop

If your gaze seems sunken or your lids simply aren’t popping as much as you’d like, grab a beige eyeliner that’s lighter than your skin tone and color in the center of your eyelids to create a bit of dimension. When the center of your lids is lighter than the sides, it creates the illusion of rounder eyes, which tend to look wider and more awake. This simple trick adds a subtle highlight that catches the light whenever you blink.

4. To shape your brows

Bold, groomed eyebrows are trendier than ever. One way to fake the appearance of perfectly shaped brows, or to accentuate the shape you already have, is to use nude eyeliner to carve them out. The key to achieving this hack is to trace your arches with the nude eyeliner pencil, then blend it out with your fingers or a blending brush to eliminate any obvious lines.

For the best results, pair this technique with the L'Oréal Paris Faux Brow Hair-Like Brow Filling Pen (pictured below), a brow tint that mimics the look of real hair. This pen features a multi-prong tip to fill in sparse areas with natural-looking strokes. Use short, upward motions to define your arches before cleaning the edges with your liner.

Another excellent option is the L'Oréal Paris Infallible 24H Brow Lamination, which is a clear brow gel that provides a salon-inspired lift. This formula keeps hairs in place without feeling stiff or sticky. You simply brush it through your brows in an upward direction to lock the shape.

5. To rework the classic winged liner

Instead of a sharp black wing at the outer corner of your eyes, use nude eyeliner under darker eyeshadow to create a bright contrast that illuminates your entire makeup look. This technique gives a slightly mod touch, which refers to a bold 1960s-inspired style, that transforms your entire makeup look into one that is charming and fresh.

Pro Tips for Brighter, Bigger-Looking Eyes

To take your look to the next level, combine your nude eyeliner with curled lashes and a few coats of L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara, which is a lengthening mascara that separates lashes for a dramatic effect. This mascara features a flexible precision brush that reaches even the smallest lashes. You should apply it from the base of the lashes to the tips for maximum length.

You can also add a light shimmer to your inner corners with the L'Oréal Paris Lumi Le Glass Highlighter Stick, a multi-use highlighter that provides a glass-like glow. This stick formula blends easily and works well on both the face and the eyes. Simply tap a small amount onto the skin for instant radiance.

For the lids, use the L'Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick (pictured below). This long-wear shadow glides on effortlessly and can be blended with your fingertips. You can use it as a base or a standalone shadow for a quick eye look. Finally, remember to avoid heavy liner on the lower lash line to keep the eyes looking open.

Next Up: 8 White Eyeliner Looks We Can’t Get Enough Of

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris