To make your eyes look bigger, there are a few methods you can try. Avoid lining the entire upper and lower lash lines. Instead, extend the eyeliner slightly past the outer corner of the eyes. Shape your eyebrows neatly. Lengthen your lashes by curling them, applying mascara, or using false lashes. Finally, conceal imperfections around the eyes such as puffiness or dark circles.
Steps
Using Makeup Techniques

Do not line your eyes along the upper and lower lash lines. Doing this will make your eyes appear smaller because they will be enclosed in a circular shape. This also means you should avoid using smoky eyeliner. While it’s not necessarily a bad thing, small eyes can still appear mysterious and alluring, but if you want a larger-eye effect, this is not the technique to go for.
- For the lower lash line, apply eyeliner just below the lash line, not inside it. Most importantly, do not extend the eyeliner all the way to the corner of the eye.
- You can also use white or other light-colored eyeliner. This will make your eyes look bigger, but be cautious as it could look unnatural if not done carefully.

Extend the eyeliner towards the outer corner of the eye. This line should also be slightly angled upwards to create the illusion of longer lashes. This technique will make your eyes appear larger, but it can be tricky to master. If the eyeliner is uneven, it can make your eyes look asymmetrical, so try practicing in front of a mirror or have a friend help you when you're starting out with eyeliner.
Apply eyeshadow or white eyeliner at the inner corner of the eyes. This technique brightens and enlarges the eye area. However, it's best to use a light white shade as a darker white might look unnatural. You can apply white eyeliner to the lower lash line to give the effect of enlarged sclera (the white part of the eye).
Finish up.
Care for Your Eyebrows and Lashes
Shape your eyebrows. Just like how the frame affects the appearance of a painting, your eyebrows influence the overall look of your eyes. A well-groomed brow will make your eyes appear more captivating. However, don’t assume that thinner eyebrows will make your eyes look bigger. Refer to eyebrow shaping guides for tips on achieving the perfect brow shape.
Make Your Eyelashes Look Longer. Follow the steps below to achieve this:
- Curl your lashes with an eyelash curler.
- Apply mascara.
- Use false lashes.
Define the Eyes. Use white eyeliner on the lower lash line or apply black eyeliner from the outer corner to the middle of the eye, but avoid lining the entire eye.
- Curl the lashes.
- Use light-colored eyeshadows such as cream, beige, or white.
- Apply a thin line on the upper lid and slightly flick it upwards at the outer corner.
Address Eye Imperfections

Reduce Puffy Eyes. Swollen eyelids and the surrounding areas can make your eyes appear smaller. Try these steps to reduce puffiness:
- Get enough sleep.
- Wash your face with cold water.
- Place cooled, used tea bags over your eyes. The tannins in tea can help tighten and firm the skin.
- Reduce your salt intake. Excessive salt leads to water retention, causing puffiness.
- Exercise to improve circulation, which can reduce swelling.
Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Your Eyes. While this might not make your eyes look larger, dark circles can detract from your beauty, even if you have large, alluring eyes.
- Live a healthy lifestyle. This includes getting enough sleep, maintaining a balanced and healthy diet, and reducing your salt intake.
Place cold spoons on your eyes. Before going to bed, place two spoons in the freezer overnight. When you wake up, rub your eyes to wake up, then place the spoons on your eyes for one minute. This method helps make your eyes appear larger and brighter throughout the day. (Plus, it can help reduce dark circles under the eyes.)[citation needed]
Tips
- You can check online makeup tutorials to get a clearer idea of how to make your eyes appear larger.
- There is no scientific proof that using olive oil on your eyelashes will make them longer. However, olive oil can make your lashes shiny, which in turn can make your eyes look bigger, though it doesn’t stimulate lash growth.
- Colored contact lenses can make your irises appear larger. They change the proportion between your iris and the white of your eye, so your eyes will look bigger. You can purchase colored contacts at optical stores or online.
- If you’re aiming to open your eyes wider, don’t shape your eyebrows too high to maintain proportion; otherwise, you might look permanently surprised. Therefore, be careful when shaping your brows.
- If you don’t have an eyelash curler, you can use a spoon soaked in warm water and gently comb through your lashes. To get the curl you want, press your lashes against the spoon’s curve with your fingers. Then, apply mascara and use a blow dryer on a warm setting to set the curl longer.
Warnings
- Don’t try to open your eyes too wide, as this will make you look constantly surprised.
- If you choose to widen your eyes, make sure your nose doesn’t flare up.
