5 Ingenious Ways to Make Your Eyes Look Smaller

Make your eyes look smaller

Is your big, beautiful eyes making you conscious due to any reason? Do you want to make your big, doe eyes appear smaller with a few makeup hacks and tricks and find the best tips and tricks to make your eyes appear smaller? Then keep reading this article and get ready to transform your large, expressive eyes into a mesmerizing and captivating pair that complements your facial features perfectly.

While some people may strive to enhance the size and prominence of their eyes, others with naturally large eyes may seek ways to minimize their appearance. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply want to experiment with different eye makeup looks, knowing how to make your eyes look smaller can open up a world of possibilities. Fortunately, with the right techniques and a little practice, you can create the illusion of smaller eyes, achieving a more balanced and harmonious facial aesthetic.

To begin, let’s explore the art of contouring the eyes. Contouring involves using darker shades to create depth and definition while using lighter shades to highlight and bring forward certain areas. When it comes to making eyes appear smaller, the key is to apply a darker shade in the crease of the eyelid and blend it upward and outward, creating a soft and subtle shadow that gives the illusion of a smaller eye socket. Additionally, extending the contouring slightly beyond the outer corner of the eye can further enhance the effect of minimizing the eye’s size.

Narrowing the Lid Crease

The lid crease, or fold, is a natural fold in the upper eyelid that can vary in depth and prominence. People with deep lid creases may have a more hooded appearance, which can make their eyes look smaller. To make your eyes look smaller, you can try narrowing your lid crease.

Here are a few ways to do this:

Use an eyelid primer. An eyelid primer can help to create a smooth, even base for eyeshadow and make the crease appear less prominent.
Apply eyeshadow in a dark shade to the crease. This will help to define the crease and make it look narrower.
Blend the eyeshadow well. Be sure to blend the eyeshadow well so that there are no harsh lines. This will help to create a more natural look.
Use a cotton swab to smudge the crease. This will help to soften the look of the crease and make it appear less defined.

Here is a table summarizing the steps for narrowing the lid crease:

Step	Description
1	Apply an eyelid primer.
2	Apply eyeshadow in a dark shade to the crease.
3	Blend the eyeshadow well.
4	Use a cotton swab to smudge the crease.

Contouring the Brow Bone

Creating the illusion of a smaller brow bone is a subtle technique that can dramatically enhance the overall appearance of your eyes. Here’s a comprehensive guide to contouring your brow bone for a more defined and refined look:

Preparation:

Before you begin contouring, ensure your brow bone is clean and free of any makeup or skincare products. A matte eyeshadow primer can help create a smooth base for the contour shade.

Materials:

* Matte eyeshadow in a cool-toned shade slightly darker than your skin tone
* Small, angled brush
* Blending brush

Steps:

Identify the Brow Bone:

Run your finger along the lower edge of your eyebrow to locate the brow bone. This will serve as your target area for contouring.

Apply the Contour Shade:

Using the angled brush, apply the contour shade to the outer two-thirds of the brow bone, just below the lower edge of the eyebrow. Gently blend the shade upward into the crease of the brow to create a soft, gradual transition. Avoid applying the contour too high, as this can make the brow bone look smaller and more lifted.

Blend and Smooth:

Using the blending brush, gently blend the contour shade outward to create a seamless transition into the surrounding skin. Pay special attention to areas where the contour meets the brow bone and the crease of the brow.

Highlight (Optional):

If desired, you can highlight the inner third of the brow bone with a matte eyeshadow in a light, warm-toned shade. This will help balance out the contour and create a more natural-looking effect.

Set:

To ensure the contour stays in place, apply a setting spray or translucent powder over the area.

Tips:

* Use a light hand when applying the contour shade to avoid creating a harsh or unnatural look.
* Blend thoroughly to prevent any visible lines or edges.
* Practice and experimentation are key to finding the perfect contouring technique for your eye shape and size.
* If you have very prominent brow bones, avoid contouring them heavily, as this can make them appear even more pronounced.

Using Dark Eyeshadow on the Outer Corners

Applying dark eyeshadow to the outer corners of your eyes is a classic technique for creating the illusion of smaller eyes. By darkening the outer edges, you draw focus inward and minimize the appearance of the eye’s size. Follow these steps for optimal results:

Choose a deep eyeshadow shade: Select a matte or shimmery dark shade, such as black, brown, or deep gray, depending on your desired intensity.
Apply to the outer third: Using a small eyeshadow brush, apply the dark shade to the outer third of your eyelid, blending it upwards and outwards.
Blend and define: Softly blend the dark eyeshadow into the crease of your eyelid, using a lighter shade or skin-tone eyeshadow to create a smooth transition. Remember to blend well to avoid harsh lines or patchy areas.
Add a finishing touch: If desired, you can apply a small amount of highlighter to the inner corner of your eye to further enhance the illusion of smaller eyes.

Eye Shape	Recommended Dark Eyeshadow Shades
Almond	Brown, Charcoal
Round	Black, Navy
Upturned	Gray, Purple
Downturned	Black, Brown
Hooded	Shimmery Gray, Taupe

Applying White or Light Eyeshadow to the Inner Corners

Applying white or light eyeshadow to the inner corners of your eyes is a subtle yet effective way to make them appear smaller. This technique creates an illusion of depth and width, which helps to balance out the overall proportions of your face.

Choosing the Right Shade

When selecting a white or light eyeshadow, opt for a shade that is close to your natural skin tone. This will ensure a seamless blend and avoid creating an unnatural contrast.

Application

To apply the eyeshadow, use a small, fluffy brush. Dip the brush into the eyeshadow and gently pat it into the inner corner of your eye, starting from the lash line and blending outwards towards the crease. Be sure to blend the edges well to avoid any harsh lines.

Additional Tips

Use a light hand to avoid applying too much eyeshadow, which can make your eyes look smaller.
Pair this technique with applying a darker eyeshadow to the outer corners of your eyes to create even more definition.
Experiment with different shades of white or light eyeshadow to find the one that best suits your skin tone and eye shape.

Step	Instructions
1	Choose a white or light eyeshadow close to your natural skin tone.
2	Use a small, fluffy brush to apply the eyeshadow to the inner corner of your eye.
3	Start from the lash line and blend outwards towards the crease.
4	Use a light hand and blend the edges well to avoid any harsh lines.

Tightlining the Upper Waterline

Tightlining is a technique that involves applying eyeliner to the upper waterline, the inner rim of your eyelid. This helps to create the illusion of thicker lashes and makes your eyes appear smaller. To tightline your upper waterline, follow these steps:

1. Start by gently pulling your upper eyelid taut to expose your waterline.
2. Use a waterproof eyeliner pencil or gel eyeliner in a dark shade, such as black or dark brown.
3. Hold the eyeliner pencil at a 45-degree angle and carefully apply it to the inner rim of your eyelid, starting from the inner corner.
4. Move the eyeliner pencil along the waterline, pressing gently to ensure that the color is evenly distributed.
5. Keep your hand steady while applying the eyeliner to avoid smudging or creating a thick line. If necessary, use a small brush or cotton swab to clean up any excess eyeliner.

Tips for Tightlining the Upper Waterline

* For a more natural look, use a brown or gray eyeliner pencil instead of black.
* If you have watery eyes, use a waterproof eyeliner formula to prevent smudging.
* To make your eyes appear even smaller, apply a thin line of eyeliner to the outer corner of your upper lash line.
* Avoid applying eyeliner to the lower waterline, as this can make your eyes appear larger.
* If you have hooded or deep-set eyes, tightlining the upper waterline may be more difficult. In this case, you may want to use a kohl pencil or liquid eyeliner, which can be applied with more precision.

Applying Soft Strokes of Liquid Eyeliner

To create the illusion of smaller eyes using liquid eyeliner, follow these steps:

1. Start with a clean base: Ensure your eyes are free of any oil or makeup residue to create a smooth canvas for the eyeliner.

2. Draw a thin line near the lash line: Using a soft brush or felt-tip liquid eyeliner, draw a thin line as close to your upper lash line as possible. Avoid creating a thick or noticeable line.

3. Extend the line slightly past the outer corner: Extend the eyeliner subtly past the outer corner of your eye to create a slightly elongated shape. This helps to narrow the appearance of the eye.

4. Fill in the empty spaces: Gently fill in the spaces between your lashes with the eyeliner to create a more defined and even line.

5. Apply a second coat: If desired, apply a second thin coat of eyeliner to enhance the intensity and definition.

6. Use different eyeliner finishes: Experiment with different eyeliner finishes, such as matte or shimmer, to create different effects. For smaller eyes, matte finishes tend to be more flattering as they create a less noticeable line.

Eyeliner Finish	Effect on Smaller Eyes
Matte	Less noticeable, creating a slimming effect
Shimmer	More noticeable, drawing attention to the eyes

Curling the Eyelashes Downward

One of the most effective ways to make your eyes appear smaller is to curl your eyelashes downward. This will create the illusion of shorter, less prominent lashes, which will help to reduce the size of your eyes. To curl your eyelashes downward, follow these steps:

1. Start by applying a small amount of mascara to your lashes. This will help to hold the curl in place.

2. Use a lash curler to curl your lashes downward. Place the curler at the base of your lashes and gently squeeze for a few seconds.

3. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have curled all of your lashes.

4. Apply a second coat of mascara to your lashes to help hold the curl in place.

Here is a table summarizing the steps for curling your eyelashes downward:

Step	Instructions
1	Apply a small amount of mascara to your lashes.
2	Use a lash curler to curl your lashes downward.
3	Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have curled all of your lashes.
4	Apply a second coat of mascara to your lashes.

Defining the Lower Lash Line

To create the illusion of smaller eyes, it’s crucial to define the lower lash line. This technique draws attention away from the upper lid, making the eyes appear smaller.

Begin by applying a thin line of dark eyeshadow along the base of your lower lashes. Use a soft brush to gently blend the color, avoiding any harsh lines.

Next, use a black or brown eyeliner to create a thin line on the inner rim of your lower eyelid. This technique creates a subtle shadow that makes the lashes appear longer and denser, further minimizing the size of your eyes.

8. Applying Mascara

When applying mascara, focus on the outer corners of your upper and lower lashes. This technique creates a lifting effect, making the eyes appear more almond-shaped and less rounded.

Avoid applying mascara to the center of your lashes, as this can make your eyes look wider.

Do	Don’t
Apply mascara to outer corners of upper and lower lashes	Apply mascara to center of lashes
Use lengthening mascara	Use volumizing mascara

Avoiding Heavy Mascara

Mascara is an essential tool for making your eyes look bigger and more defined, but it can also be used to make your eyes look smaller if applied correctly. Here are a few tips for avoiding heavy mascara:

Choose a mascara with a natural finish.
Avoid mascaras that are too thick or clumpy.
Apply mascara to the top lashes only.
Use a light touch when applying mascara.
Avoid applying multiple coats of mascara.
If you do apply multiple coats of mascara, wait for each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
Use a clean mascara wand.
Replace your mascara every 2-3 months.
Wipe off any excess mascara from the wand before applying it to your lashes.
Use a mascara primer to help your mascara stay in place and prevent it from smudging or flaking.

For optimal results, try looking for mascaras that specify “natural finish” or “lengthening” instead of “volumizing” or “thickening”. Here’s a summary of different types of mascara wands and their effects:

Wand Type	Effect
Straight wand	Separates lashes and defines them without adding volume
Curved wand	Lifts and curls lashes, creating a more open-eyed look
Spoolie wand	Creates a natural, feathery look by separating and grooming lashes
Dense brush wand	Adds volume and thickness to lashes, making them appear fuller

Using a Concealer to Minimize Puffiness

Concealing puffy under-eyes can create the illusion of smaller eyes. To effectively minimize puffiness, follow these steps:

Choose a Corrective Concealer: Opt for a concealer with a shade that corrects the blue or purple undertones of puffiness, such as peach or yellow.
Apply Sparingly: Use a small brush or sponge to apply a light layer of concealer to the inner corners and under the center of the eyes.
Blend Thoroughly: Gently blend the concealer outward to avoid harsh lines. Use a damp sponge or your fingers to ensure seamless incorporation.
Set with Powder: To prevent creasing, set the concealer with a translucent powder. This will keep it in place and prolong its concealing effect.
Conceal All Over: Apply the concealer not only to the puffy areas but also to the entire under-eye region to create a uniform base.
Use a Color-correcting Primer: Before applying foundation, use a color-correcting primer to neutralize any blue or purple undertones that contribute to puffiness.
Choose a Concealer with Light-Reflecting Properties: Ingredients like mica and silica in concealers can reflect light, which helps diffuse puffiness and create a radiant, brighter appearance.
Target Puffiness with Eye Drops: Certain eye drops, such as those containing caffeine or decongestants, can temporarily reduce puffiness and create a more awake, refreshed look.
Apply Cold Compresses: Place a cold compress or a chilled spoon over your eyes for a few minutes to constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation.
Hydrate Regularly: Dehydration can exacerbate puffiness. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

How to Make My Eyes Look Smaller

Many people desire to have smaller eyes to achieve a certain aesthetic look. While it is not possible to physically alter the size of your eyes, there are makeup techniques and styling tricks that can create the illusion of smaller eyes. Here are some effective methods to make your eyes appear smaller:

**Use Darker Eyeshadows:** Applying dark eyeshadows to your lids creates depth and definition, which can make your eyes look smaller. Choose shades like brown, gray, or black and blend them well to avoid harsh lines.

**Line Your Lower Lash Line Only:** Eyeliner can help define your eyes, but it can also make them look larger. To minimize the size of your eyes, apply eyeliner only to your lower lash line, smudging it slightly for a softer effect.

**Curl Your Lashes Downward:** Curling your lashes downward can create the illusion of smaller eyes. Use an eyelash curler to gently curl the tips of your lashes towards your skin, avoiding a dramatic upward curl.

**Avoid Excessive Mascara:** Applying too much mascara can weigh down your lashes and make your eyes appear larger. Opt for a light coat of mascara, focusing on the outer corners of your lashes.

**Use False Lashes Sparingly:** False lashes can enhance the appearance of your eyes, but using too many or applying them too close to your lash line can make your eyes look bigger.