How to Make Small Eyes Look Bigger with Makeup

How to Make Small Eyes Look Bigger with MakeupLashify

Eyes are often hailed as the windows to the soul, and their appearance can significantly influence our overall facial aesthetics. For those with smaller eyes, the desire to make them appear larger and more expressive is common. Fortunately, with the artful application of eye makeup and the strategic use of lash extensions, achieving a wide-eyed, captivating look is entirely within reach. Lashify's customizable lash extensions offer an effortless solution to enhance and open up the eyes, allowing for a personalized approach to beauty.

The Art of Creating Bigger, Brighter Eyes

Mastering specific eye makeup techniques can dramatically transform the appearance of your eyes. Utilizing light-reflecting eyeshadows and precise eyeliner placement can create the illusion of larger eyes. However, lashes play a pivotal role in framing the eyes and adding lift without relying on heavy makeup. Lashify’s Gossamer® Lashes are designed to provide a natural yet eye-enhancing effect, making the eyes appear more open and awake.

Choosing & Applying Lash Extensions for Smaller Eyes

Selecting the appropriate lash style is crucial in creating the illusion of larger, more open eyes. Opting for shorter, curled lashes can lift the eyes without overwhelming smaller eye shapes. Lashify offers a variety of styles that cater to this need, ensuring a seamless enhancement.

Picking the Right Lash Extensions for Your Eye Shape

Understanding your natural eye shape is essential in choosing the most flattering lash style:

  • Hooded Eyes: Longer lashes placed in the center can create a rounder, more awake appearance.
  • Almond-Shaped Eyes: This versatile shape can accommodate various styles but looks particularly stunning with a cat-eye effect, achieved by applying longer lashes toward the outer corners.
  • Downturned Eyes: To lift the eyes subtly, apply shorter lashes to the inner corners and longer ones to the outer corners.

The Best Lashify Styles for Small Eyes

Lashify offers several styles ideal for enhancing smaller eyes:

The Lashify Control Kit allows for customizable application, making it easy to find the perfect lash placement for your unique eye shape.

Focus on Lash Placement for a Lifted Look

Strategic lash placement can significantly impact the perceived size and shape of your eyes:

  • Center Focus: Applying longer lashes toward the center of the eye can create a rounder, more open shape.
  • Cat-Eye Effect: Placing longer lashes at the outer corners elongates and lifts the eyes, adding a subtle allure.

Makeup Techniques to Make Small Eyes Look Bigger

#1 Light, Reflective Tones for a Brighter Effect

Using soft, light-catching tones—like champagne or nude shimmer—on the center of the lid and inner corners brings a natural glow. These hues help reflect light and give the appearance of a more lifted lid. Pairing this with a lightweight lash style keeps the overall effect airy and fresh.

#2 Soft Definition in the Crease

Adding a matte neutral tone just above the crease adds gentle contrast without harsh lines. It helps shape the eye without weighing it down, especially when blended slightly higher than the natural fold for a lifted finish.

#3 Tightlining for Fuller Definition

Lining the upper waterline with eyeliner adds fullness at the base without closing off the lid space. A soft black or brown pencil works well here—subtle but impactful. This technique also blends beautifully with Gossamer® Lashes for a seamless transition.

#4 Skip the Heavy Lower Line

Instead of applying dark pigment along the bottom, opt for a smudged brown or taupe pencil to keep things soft. This maintains dimension without making the eye appear smaller. A light touch of mascara on the lower lashes adds balance and polish.

#5 Highlight the Brow Bone

Thoughtfully A touch of soft, luminous pigment just beneath the arch of the brow draws the eye upward. Go for a satin or pearl finish—not overly shimmery—to keep it refined and clean.

These small adjustments may seem subtle, but they’re powerful tips when working with more petite or close-set shapes. Combined with the right lash placement, they can bring lift, clarity, and definition without piling on heavy product.

Find the Right Look with Lashify

By incorporating simple makeup techniques and selecting the appropriate lash style, small eyes can appear significantly larger. Lashify’s customizable lash extensions elevate any look, helping to enhance and define the eyes with ease. Experimenting with these tips can lead to a transformative and amplified eye shape, showcasing the beauty of your unique features.

Brighten the Waterline for an Instant Eye-Opening Effect

One of the simplest ways to create a bigger, brighter eye look is by using a nude or white eyeliner on the lower waterline. Unlike dark liners, which can shrink the appearance of the eyes, a light-colored pencil enhances contrast, making the whites of your eyes pop.

Pair this trick with Lashify’s Curl Gossamer® Lashes for an extra lift that keeps your eyes looking fresh, awake, and absolutely stunning.

Winged Liner—The Right Way for Small Eyes

Eyeliner can be a game-changer, but it’s all about technique when working with smaller eyes. A thin, precise line along the upper lash line keeps the eye open, while a flick at the outer corner creates an elongating effect.

For a soft, lifted look, try a brown or deep espresso shade rather than jet black—it defines without looking harsh. And instead of taking your wing outward, try a slightly upward angle to create an instant lift. Pair this with Lashify’s Whisper Light Flexible Bond, which ensures a seamless blend between your natural lashes and Gossamer® Lashes.

Skip Heavy Bottom Liner—Go for Soft Definition Instead

Lining the lower lash line with a heavy black liner can visually close off the eyes. Instead, use a soft brown shadow or a smudged pencil liner for subtle definition. Keeping the lower lash line light and airy enhances the illusion of larger eyes while still adding a touch of depth.

For an ultra-natural, fluttery finish, apply a few Plushy Tame Gossamer® Lashes to the outer corners. This technique lifts the eyes subtly while maintaining balance.

Highlight the Brow Bone for a Subtle Lift

A well-placed highlight on the brow bone (just below the arch) draws attention upward, giving the illusion of more space between the lid and the brow. A soft, pearlescent champagne or vanilla shade works beautifully—just avoid anything too shimmery to keep it chic, not disco.

Pair this with Lashify’s Intimates Collection, our soft, natural hues provide just the right amount of enhancement without overpowering delicate eye shapes.

Lashify’s Customizable Lash Extensions—Your Secret Weapon for Bigger Eyes

If there’s one thing that makes the biggest difference in making small eyes look bigger, it’s lashes. Lashify’s Gossamer® Lashes provide the ultimate customizable experience, allowing you to enhance, lift, and transform your eye shape without damaging your natural lashes (unlike strip lashes or extensions that weigh your eyes down).

Here’s why Lashify is the ultimate solution:

✔ Lightweight & Customizable – Unlike traditional falsies, Gossamer® Lashes blend seamlessly with your natural lashes for a featherlight feel.

✔ No Heavy Strips or Harsh Glues – Strip lashes can overwhelm small eyes, but Lashify’s whisper-light bond technology makes it easy to create a lifted, natural effect without any stiffness.

✔ Perfect for Any Eye Shape – Whether you want a subtle enhancement or a dramatic transformation, Lashify offers a variety of styles to complement hooded eyes, almond eyes, downturned eyes, and more.

How to Apply Lashify for a Wide-Eyed, Lifted Look

Want to make sure you’re getting the maximum lifting effect? Follow these expert Lashify placement techniques:

1. Use Shorter Lashes for a Natural Lift

Smaller eyes benefit most from shorter, curled Gossamer® Lashes—they create a natural, wide-eyed effect without overpowering your features. Try layering Curl Gossamer® Lashes in lengths 8mm-12mm for a soft, lifted look.

2. Play with Placement for an Instant Lift

Where you place your lashes matters!

  • For rounder eyes → Apply longer lashes in the center to enhance openness.
  • For almond-shaped eyes → Use a cat-eye effect with longer lashes at the outer corners.
  • For hooded or downturned eyes → Apply a mix of longer lengths at the center and outer edges to subtly lift and open up the eyes.

3. Use a Bond That Won’t Weigh You Down

Traditional lash glue can be thick and heavy, making your eyes look droopy instead of lifted. Lashify’s Whisper Light Flexible Bond is flexible, lightweight, and comfortable, ensuring your Gossamer® Lashes stay in place without tugging on delicate lids.

4. Experiment with Layering for Extra Dimension

If you want to go bold, layering multiple styles of Gossamer® Lashes can add depth and texture. Try layering Starburst™ Gossamer® Lashes over Plushy Tame Gossamer® Lashes for a multi-dimensional, eye-opening effect.

5. Don’t Forget the Lash Comb for a Seamless Finish

For a flawless, professional finish, always gently comb through your lashes with Lashify’s Fuse Control Wand. This step blends your natural lashes with the Gossamer® Lashes, preventing clumping and ensuring a natural, lifted effect.

Unlock Bigger, Brighter Eyes with Lashify

Enhancing smaller eyes doesn’t mean piling on heavy makeup—it’s all about smart eye makeup  techniques and the right lashes. With Lashify’s customizable lash extensions, you can effortlessly create the illusion of bigger, brighter eyes without the struggle of traditional falsies or the damage of salon extensions.

Whether you’re going for a subtle enhancement or a full-on transformation, Lashify has you covered. Experiment with different styles, tweak your placement, and find the perfect lash map that amplifies your unique beauty—because when it comes to your eyes, it’s all about playing up your best features, effortlessly. 

Now That You Know… What’s Next?

✔ Explore more lash tips: How to Make Hooded Eyes Look Bigger

✔ Find the best lashes for your eye shape: Lashes for Small Eyes

✔ Get inspired: The 6 Best Eyelash Looks for Almond Eyes

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Posted by Bridget Reed on

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