7 Creative Ways To Make Eyes Look Smaller

Every person has different physical facial features, one of which is eye size. Large or prominent eyes often create an impression of youthfulness and make a person appear more approachable. However, some people may prefer to have smaller eyes for various reasons. Achieving this look requires specialized makeup techniques that cleverly minimize the appearance of the eyes.

The first step is to prime the eyelids with an eyeshadow primer. This helps to create a smooth, even surface for the makeup to adhere to and prevents creasing. Next, apply a matte eyeshadow in a neutral shade to the entire lid. This will help to neutralize any redness or discoloration and create a base for the darker shades. Using a small, angled brush, apply a darker shade of eyeshadow to the outer corner of the eye, blending it inward toward the crease. This will create a subtle contour that helps to define the shape of the eye and make it appear smaller.

To further minimize the appearance of the eyes, use a dark eyeliner to line the upper lash line. Begin by drawing a thin line at the inner corner of the eye and gradually thicken it as you move toward the outer corner. Smudging the eyeliner slightly with a cotton swab or brush can help to create a softer, more natural look. Finally, apply a volumizing mascara to the lashes, focusing on the outer corners. This will help to draw attention away from the size of the eyes and make them appear smaller.

Facial Contouring for Eye Reduction

Highlighting and Contouring Techniques

To create the illusion of smaller eyes, focus on minimizing the appearance of the outer corners. Apply a light-colored concealer or highlighter to the inner corners and blend it towards the middle of the eyes. This will draw attention to the center, making the outer corners seem narrower. Conversely, contour the outer corners with a darker shade to recede them. Blend the contouring seamlessly into the crease of the eye and soften the edges for a natural finish.

Shading and Smudging

Smokey eyes can add depth and definition to the eye area, but excessive smudging can widen their appearance. To achieve a narrowing effect, apply a dark eyeshadow to the outer corners and blend it upwards, following the socket line. Use a light eyeshadow to blend the transition and create a gradient. For an even more dramatic reduction, smudge a dark pencil liner along the upper and lower lash lines, focusing on the outer corners.

Subtle Eyeliner Placement

Eyeliner can enhance or diminish the size of the eyes. For a reducing effect, apply a thin line of eyeliner to the upper lash line, starting from the middle of the eye and extending it outwards. Avoid extending the line too far past the outer corner, as this will elongate the eyes. Use a dark, matte eyeliner to achieve a precise and defining effect.

Eyeliner Techniques for Minimizing

Eyeliner Application: Apply a dark, matte eyeliner along the upper lash line, extending slightly past the outer corner. Avoid lining the waterline or smudging the liner.

Winged Eyeliner: For a more dramatic effect, create a small winged eyeliner at the outer corner. Extend the line upwards and slightly outwards, keeping it thin and sharp. This helps elongate the eye shape.

Thickened Upper Eyeliner: To further minimize the appearance of the eyes, thicken the upper eyeliner gradually from the inner corner to the outer corner. The thicker line creates a bolder definition, making the eyes appear smaller.

Winged Eyeliner Variations

To add variety and customize the winged eyeliner look, consider the following variations:

Variation	Description
Flared Wing:	Extend the eyeliner outward into a slightly wider flare at the end, creating a more dramatic and eye-catching look.
Cat Eye:	Extend the wing upwards and slightly inwards, ending in a sharp point. This classic variation elongates the eye shape even further.
Half-Wing:	Draw a thin line from the outer corner of the eye halfway towards the crease, creating a subtle wing effect. This variation is ideal for those with smaller eyelids.

Mascara Application for Smaller Eyes

Applying mascara strategically can help to make your eyes appear smaller. Follow these tips for optimal results:

4. Use a Volumizing or Lengthening Formula

Mascara that adds volume or length to your lashes can create the illusion of larger eyes. Volumizing mascara coats each lash with a thicker layer of product, making them appear fuller and more prominent. Lengthening mascara extends the length of your lashes, making them appear more pronounced and drawing attention away from the size of your eyes.

Here are some tips for applying volumizing or lengthening mascara effectively:

Start by applying a thin coat of mascara to your upper and lower lashes.
Go back over your lashes with a second coat, focusing on the outer corners of your eyes.
Use a mascara wand with a curved brush to curl your lashes as you apply the mascara.
Avoid using mascara on your lower lashes if your eyes are particularly small, as this can make them appear even smaller.

Mascara Type	Effect
Volumizing	Makes lashes appear fuller and thicker
Lengthening	Extends the length of lashes, making them appear more pronounced

Eye Shadow Tricks for Narrowing

Apply eyeshadow to the crease and outer corner of the eye, blending it inwards towards the center of the lid. This will create an illusion of depth and narrow the appearance of the eyes.

Use Darker Shadows on the Outer Corners:

Apply a darker eyeshadow to the outer third of the eyelid, extending it slightly towards the crease. This will draw attention away from the inner corners of the eyes, making them appear narrower.

Blend the Edges of the Shadow:

Thoroughly blend the edges of the darker shadow into the lighter transition shade on the inner third of the lid. This soft transition will prevent harsh lines and create a more natural effect.

Highlight the Inner Corners:

Apply a light, shimmering eyeshadow to the inner corners of the eyes. This will reflect light and draw attention to that area, making the eyes appear wider and less narrowed.

Create a Winged Eyeliner:

Extend the eyeliner outwards into a thin wing at the outer corner of the eye. This will elongate the shape of the eye, creating a more almond-shaped appearance and making the eyes look narrower.

Draw a Thin Upper Eyeliner:

Line the upper lash line with a thin, dark eyeliner. Avoid thickening the line at the outer corner, as this can make the eyes appear fuller. Keep the line as close to the lash line as possible to define the shape of the eye.

False Lash Application for Eye Reduction

False lashes can effectively reduce the appearance of large eyes and create a more balanced look. Here’s a step-by-step guide to apply false lashes for eye reduction:

1. Measure and Trim the Lashes

Measure the false lashes against your natural lash line to determine the optimal length. Trim any excess from the outer corner.

2. Curl Your Natural Lashes

Use an eyelash curler to curl your natural lashes to create a base for the false lashes to adhere to.

3. Apply Lash Adhesive

Apply a thin layer of lash adhesive to the base of the false lashes. Wait a few seconds for it to become tacky.

4. Position the Lashes

Align the center of the false lash with the center of your natural lash line. Gently press it down from the center towards the outer and inner corners.

5. Pinch and Secure

Use tweezers or your fingers to pinch the false lashes and your natural lashes together for 10-15 seconds to secure them.

6. Apply Eyeliner

Trace your natural lash line with eyeliner to blend the false lashes with your own and create a seamless look.

7. Trim and Style

Use scissors to trim any excess false lashes from the inner corner. You can also curl the false lashes further to enhance the reduction effect and create a more natural appearance.

Lifestyle Tips for Reducing Eye Size

1. Get Enough Sleep

When you’re tired, your eyes can appear puffy and swollen, making them look larger. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to help reduce puffiness and give your eyes a more rested appearance.

2. Elevate Your Head While Sleeping

Sleeping with your head elevated can help reduce fluid buildup around your eyes, which can also make them appear smaller.

3. Use Cold Compresses

Applying a cold compress to your eyes can help reduce puffiness and inflammation. Wrap a few ice cubes in a washcloth and hold it over your eyes for 10-15 minutes.

4. Avoid Smoking

Smoking can damage the delicate skin around your eyes, causing it to sag and wrinkle, which can make your eyes appear larger.

5. Wear Sunglasses

When you’re outdoors, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Squinting can cause wrinkles and saggy skin around the eyes, making them appear larger.

6. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

Rubbing your eyes can irritate the skin and cause inflammation, which can make your eyes appear larger. Instead, gently pat your eyes dry with a clean towel.

7. Use Eye Drops

If your eyes are dry or irritated, using over-the-counter eye drops can help soothe them and reduce redness, which can make your eyes appear smaller.

8. Try a Gua Sha Tool

Gua sha is a traditional Chinese massage technique that can help improve circulation and reduce puffiness. Using a gua sha tool on your face can help reduce eye puffiness and make your eyes appear smaller.

9. Consider Cosmetic Procedures

Procedure	Description
Blepharoplasty	Surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the eyelids
Eyelid Ptosis Repair	Surgical procedure to correct droopy eyelids
Injectable Fillers	Hyaluronic acid fillers can be injected into the under-eye area to reduce hollowness and make eyes appear smaller

Makeup Products Specifically for Reducing Eye Size

Specific makeup products can help create the illusion of smaller eyes. These products typically aim to darken the outer corners of the eyes while highlighting the inner corners. Some key players include:

Eye Primer

Use an eye primer to create a smooth, even base for your makeup and enhance the color and longevity of eyeshadow.

Eyeshadow

Choose a darker eyeshadow for the outer corners of your eyes and a lighter shade for the inner corners, blending them smoothly. Matte eyeshadows tend to create a more subtle effect compared to shimmery ones.

Eyeliner

Apply a thin line of dark eyeliner close to your upper lash line, extending it slightly beyond the outer corner. Avoid applying eyeliner on your lower lash line, as it can make your eyes appear smaller.

Mascara

Focus on applying mascara to the outer lashes, which will help draw attention away from the inner corners.

Tightlining

Tightlining involves applying eyeliner along your upper and lower waterline, creating a more defined look that makes your eyes appear smaller.

Highlighting

Use a light-colored eyeshadow or a highlighter to brighten the inner corners of your eyes, which will make them appear larger and draw attention away from the outer corners.

Natural Remedies

While not strictly makeup products, natural remedies like cucumber slices or tea bags placed over your eyes can help reduce puffiness and create a more rested appearance, making your eyes look smaller.

Other Tips

Tips for making eyes look smaller
Avoid bold, dramatic eye makeup
Keep brows well-groomed
Consider wearing glasses or contact lenses with smaller frames

How To Make Eyes Look Smaller

There are a few simple makeup techniques that can help to make your eyes look smaller. One way to do this is to use a dark eyeshadow color to create a smoky eye effect. This will help to make your eyes look smaller and more defined. Another way to make your eyes look smaller is to use a dark eyeliner pencil to line your upper and lower lash lines. This will help to create a more defined look and make your eyes appear smaller.

If you have large eyes, you may want to avoid using light eyeshadow colors, as these can make your eyes look larger. Instead, opt for darker eyeshadow colors, such as brown, black, or gray. You can also use a dark eyeliner pencil to line your upper and lower lash lines. This will help to create a more defined look and make your eyes appear smaller.