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If you have small eyes, eyeliner can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. Apply it right, and it opens up your eyes, making them look bigger, more defined, and brighter. Apply it wrong, and it can make them appear even smaller or tired. The key is knowing what techniques to use and what to avoid.
This expert guide reveals the top eyeliner tips for small eyes to help you enhance your natural shape and create the illusion of larger, more lifted eyes with ease.
Know Your Eye Shape First
Before reaching for your liner, take a moment to assess your eye shape. Small eyes can also be round, almond-shaped, hooded, or deep-set. Knowing your exact shape helps tailor your liner technique for the best results.
Signs you have small eyes
- The iris touches both the top and bottom lids.
- Your eyes appear smaller compared to other facial features.
- Eyelid space is limited when the eyes are open.
Once you’ve confirmed that your eyes are on the smaller side, let’s talk about how to make them pop.
Avoid Thick, Harsh Lines
A common mistake when lining small eyes is drawing thick or overly dark lines, especially on both the upper and lower lids. This can overwhelm your features and shrink your eyes visually.
Instead
- Use a fine-tipped pencil, gel, or liquid liner.
- Apply thin lines as close to the lash line as possible.
- Focus on precision and subtle enhancement, not bold statements.
Pro Tip: A dark brown or charcoal liner can give a softer look than black while still adding definition.
Master the Art of Tightlining
Tightlining is a game-changer for small eyes. This technique involves lining the upper waterline (the area beneath your upper lashes), which defines your eyes without taking up lid space.
How to tightline properly
- Gently lift your eyelid.
- Use a waterproof gel or pencil liner.
- Line the upper waterline from corner to corner.
- Blink a few times to blend naturally.
This lifts and opens the eyes, giving the illusion of fuller lashes and bigger eyes—no extra makeup required.
Skip the Bottom Liner (or Go Soft)
Lining the entire lower lash line with black or dark colors can make small eyes look closed off and even smaller.
Better options
- Apply a nude or white pencil to the lower waterline to brighten the eyes.
- If you want a definition below, use a light brown or taupe shadow to softly smudge the outer third of the lower lash line.
- Blend well to avoid harsh lines.
Pro Tip: A champagne or beige shimmer pencil in the waterline can reflect light and give a more awake appearance.
Wing It Right
Wings aren’t just for big eyes. When done properly, winged eyeliner can elongate small eyes and lift the outer corners for a more open effect.
How to do it
- Draw a thin line along the upper lash line.
- Flick the liner slightly upward at the outer edge, keeping the wing small and clean.
- Use a fine brush or felt-tip liner for precision.
Avoid downward-facing wings or thick cat-eyes, which can make your eyes look droopy or crowded.
Highlight the Inner Corners
A little shimmer goes a long way for small eyes. Highlighting the inner corners with a light or shimmery pencil or eyeshadow makes your eyes appear wider and more awake.
Apply like this
- Dab a champagne, pearl, or light gold highlighter at the inner corner of each eye.
- Blend slightly into the lower lash line and upper lid.
Pair this with a nude lower waterline pencil for maximum brightness.
Use Mascara to Your Advantage
While this isn’t eyeliner, mascara plays a vital role in framing small eyes. Always curl your lashes first, then apply mascara to lift and separate.
Mascara tips for small eyes
- Use a lengthening, non-clumping formula.
- Focus on the center and outer lashes to open up the eye.
- Add a touch to the lower lashes if desired—but avoid heavy application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’S)
Q1: Can I use black eyeliner on small eyes?
A. Yes, but use it strategically. Avoid thick lines or applying them on the lower waterline. Opt for a thin upper lash line application or use black for tightlining to define without crowding your eye space.
Q2: How do I make my small eyes look bigger naturally with eyeliner?
A. Use light-colored liners (nude or white) on the lower waterline, tightline the upper lash line, and apply thin upper eyeliner with a slight upward wing. Highlighting the inner corners also helps brighten and open the eyes.
Q3: Is winged eyeliner good for small eyes?
A. Absolutely! A small, upward wing can elongate and lift small eyes. Just keep it subtle and avoid overly thick or long wings that overpower your eye shape.
Final Thoughts
With the right eyeliner techniques, small eyes can appear bigger, brighter, and beautifully defined. Stick to thin lines, use light shades strategically, and embrace tightlining to maximize your eye shape. Whether you’re going for a subtle enhancement or a dramatic winged look, these expert-approved tips will help you apply eyeliner with confidence and precision.
Remember—less is more when it comes to small eyes. Focus on enhancing, not overpowering, and let your natural beauty shine through.
