The right placement of concealer, liner, shadow, and mascara can shift the entire expression of the face. Makeup artists like Tasha Reiko Brown and Kate Lee have used subtle adjustments—not extreme trends—to create that soft, open, doe-eyed effect.
Here, we’ll look at five pro-approved moves that work for small, hooded, round, and deep-set eyes. We’ll cover strategic brightening, smart shadow choices, careful lash lifting, thoughtful liner placement, and brow shaping that helps the eye area look lifted rather than crowded. Let’s begin.
Tips to make your eyes look bigger at any age
Creating the illusion of larger eyes starts with understanding how light and depth work on the face. Makeup artists often treat the eye area like a sculpted surface: light brings features forward, and darker tones pull them back. With that in mind, simple edits to your routine and application can add clarity and shape without creating a heavy look.
1. Shape your brows to open the eye area
Brows have a big influence on how large the eyes appear. A brow tail that dips too low pulls the eye downward, while brushed-up hairs and a tidy arch create more space between the lash line and brow. A strong-hold gel helps the hairs stay lifted, giving the entire area a lighter, more open look.
2. Brighten targeted areas with concealer
A small amount of concealer in the right place can instantly wake up the eyes. Tapping a lightweight formula onto the inner and outer corners helps diffuse shadows that make the eyes look smaller or tired. A tiny touch under the brow arch can lift the line of the brow without looking overdone. The goal here is subtle contrast—not full coverage—and using something that won’t crease is essential for keeping the area smooth.
3. Use nude and luminous shadows to open the lid
Soft, neutral tones create a clean base that makes the eyes look naturally wider. Makeup artists often lay down a bright nude shade across the lid, then place a bit of shimmer just above the iris and at the inner corners. For dimension, a muted gray or taupe blended into the socket works without closing off the eye. Skipping dark shadows on the lower lash line keeps everything lifted instead of pulled downward.
4. Choose liner shades that enhance, not close in
Pro artists often skip stark white pencil because it can look harsh. A nude liner on the lower waterline gives a softer, brightening effect and looks more natural. On the upper lid, warm browns, soft grays, or slightly shimmery neutrals add definition without shrinking the eye. A slim line on the outer third, finished with a small upward flick, lifts the eye shape without heavy drama.
5. Lift your lashes without weighing them down
Getting close to the base with the curler and pressing gently creates the strongest lift. Mascara belongs mostly at the roots, not the tips. Too much product at the ends can drag the lashes down and undo the shape you just created. A quick-drying formula helps hold the curl, and nudging the lashes upward as it sets keeps them lifted longer.