Make Your Eyes Stand Out

Eyes are one of the most important facial features. With just our eyes, we can communicate with others, let people know our emotions and create a whole new look. However, sometimes our eyes need a little help to be noticed. If you're looking for a way to make people's eyes drawn to your own, then look no further; this article is for you.

Steps

Choosing the Right Eyeshadow Color

  1. Choose eyeshadow in mostly warm tones if you have blue eyes. Orange is opposite of blue on the color wheel, so using orange-tinted eyeshadow will make your blue eyes even brighter. This does not mean that you have to wear bright orange eyeshadow, however; you can also wear copper and gold. Here are some color suggestions for you:[1]
    • Warm metallics, such as gold or copper
    • Fall colors, such as orange or brown
    • Dark blue or purple can make blue eyes appear deeper.
    • Blue eyeliner in the waterline can help bring out the blues as well.
  2. Choose any color of eyeshadow you want if you have brown eyes. Brown-eyed girls are lucky in that almost any color of eyeshadow will look good against their eyes. There are certain colors, however, that will look better than others. Here are some colors that will make brown eyes stand out even more:[2]
    • Cool colors, such as: purple, blueish purple, blue, and green
    • Metallics, such as: bronze, copper, and silver
    • Silvery browns (such as taupe) and peachy browns
    • Use gold with care; it will make your eyes look more yellow.
    • Neutral browns tend to blend in with brown eyes. If you want to wear brown eyeshadow but make your eyes stand out, try adding a little bit of purple, teal or green on lower lash line or waterline. This will make the color pop.
  3. Choose warm colors if you have green eyes. Red is opposite of green on the color wheel, so any red-tinted eyeshadow will make green eyes appear brighter. You can also try wearing some purple-tinted colors as well. Here are some suggestions to get you started:[3]
    • Reds and pinks (especially dark or warm pinks)
    • Plums and purples
    • Darker greens
    • Consider wearing some peach blush on your cheeks.
  4. Choose warmer colors for gray eyes. Gray-eyed girls are lucky in that they can make their eyes look more gray, green, or blue depending on what color eyeshadow they wear. Here are some ideas to get you started:[4]
    • To bring out the grays, choose gray tones, such as silver, gray, charcoal, or black.
    • To make your eyes look more blue, choose orange tones, such as: brown, copper, coral, peach, salmon, and melon.
    • To make your eyes look more green, choose red or purple tones, such as: red-brown, pink, wine, maroon, plum, and purple.
  5. Choose eyeshadow in greens and golds if you have hazel eyes. Hazel eyes are a combination of green and brown. As such, hazel-eyed girls can choose which color in their eyes they want bring out. Here are some suggestions to get you started:[5]
    • Metallics, such as gold and bronze, will bring out the gold/brown flecks.
    • Purple and eggplant will make your eyes appear brighter.
    • Green, warm green, and army green will bring out the green flecks.
    • Warm, neutral brown/earthy brown will also make your eyes appear brighter.

Doing The Rest of Your Makeup

  1. Use light colored eyeshadow in the inner corners of your eyes to brighten up your eyes. Take some highlighter or light, shimmery eyeshadow (such as champagne or ivory), and tap it onto the inner corners of your eyes. This will help open up your eyes and make them appear brighter.
  2. Wear black or brown eyeliner on the upper lid. This will help frame your eyes, and give them some definition. You can wear liquid or pencil eyeliner. If you want, you can flick out the end of your eyeliner when you reach the outer corner of your eye to create a winged or cat eye style.
    • To open up close-set eyes, apply eyeliner only to the outer corners of both your upper and lower lash lines. Stop the eyeliner halfway across your lash lines.[6]
  3. Use eyeliner on the waterline with care. Applying eyeliner to the waterline can help define your eyes, but it can also close them up. It is best to avoid applying black eyeliner to the waterline, especially if you have small eyes. It can make your eyes appear even smaller.[7]
    • To make your eyes larger, apply white or ivory eyeliner to the waterline of your lower lid.[6] Remember to apply mascara to your lower lashes as well as to your upper when you are done.
    • To bring out the color of your eyes: choose an eyeliner that contrasts your eye color (such as gold for blue eyes, purple for green eyes, or blue for brown eyes) and apply it to the waterline.
  4. Wear mascara to thicken and lengthen your eyelashes. When applying mascara, hold the wand just below your upper eyelashes, close to the lash line. Then blink slowly while pulling the wand upwards. Let the first coat dry first if you need to apply another. Use mascara on your lower lashes sparingly and with care, as it can smudge easily.
    • If you need to wear mascara on your lower lashes, consider dusting some powder under your eye first. When you are done applying the mascara, dust the powder off. The powder will have caught any stray mascara.
    • Try to get waterproof mascara. It is less likely to run or smudge.
    • If you have dark hair, try black mascara. If you have lighter hair, try a brown or dark brown mascara.
  5. Consider wearing false eyelashes to make your eyelashes appear more voluminous. These are perfect for a night out or for when you want to feel glamorous. You can choose a natural style that simply enhances your lashes, or a heavier style to make your eyes stand out even more. Place the false eyelash against your upper lid and note where the excess is; trim off the excess with a clean pair of scissors. Apply a thin line of eyelash glue to the band, and wait for the glue to turn tacky. Carefully place the eyelash against your upper lid, as close to the lash line as possible.
    • Most eyelash glues come out opaque. They are tacky when they just begin to turn clear.
    • While waiting for the glue to turn tacky, consider curving the eyelash into a narrow U shape. This will help it curve against your eye better.
  6. Consider curling your eyelashes to open up your eyes. Open up an eyelash curler and bring it close to your upper lashes. Place your upper lashes in the mouth of the curler, making sure the mouth is parallel to your lashes. Move the curler closer to your eye until it's at the base of your eyelashes. Keeping your eye open, slowly close the curler. Hold it like this for about five seconds. Repeat, if necessary, for more volume.
  7. Use concealer to hide under eye shadows or to brighten the eye area. Apply your foundation first, then apply your chosen concealer. If you are applying/blending the concealer with your fingers, be sure to use your ring finger. It is the weakest and gentlest finger, and thus less likely to damage the delicate skin. Once you have finished applying your concealer, consider blotting the area with a thin tissue. This will soak up any excess concealer and prevent it from looking cakey later in the day. Here are some more tips on using concealer:[8]
    • To hide shadows: choose an orange or peach-tinted concealer. Apply it under your eye using your ring finger, then blend it in. Cover it with a concealer that matches your skintone.
    • To brighten the under eye area: Choose a concealer that is one shade lighter than your skintone. Draw an upside down triangle under your eye. The triangle should be the same wide as your lower lash line. The point of the triangle should touch the top of your cheek bones. Blend it in well.
    • To hide under eye puffiness: mix eye cream, highlighter, and concealer on the back of your hand. Use your ring finger to apply the mixture under your eye. Blend it in well.
  8. Don't forget about your eyebrows. Eyebrows help frame the face and eyes. Keep your eyebrows neatly groomed.[9] You can pluck them or keep their natural shape. If you are choosing to keep their natural shape, however, you might want to pluck away any stray hairs.
    • If your eyebrows are thin, define the shape first using an eyebrow pencil that is slightly lighter than your hair color. Dust some brow powder (or matte eyeshadow) that matches your hair color onto your eyebrows when you are done.[10]
    • If you want to leave your brows natural, consider combing over them with a brow comb or a toothbrush. Reserve this toothbrush for makeup purposes only; don't use it to brush your teeth. This will help smooth any unruly hairs.
  9. Consider downplaying the rest of your makeup. Bright, bold lipstick and blush may take attention away from your eyes.[11] Instead, try leaving the rest of your makeup subtle, especially if you are going to work or school. Choose some lip gloss or neutral lipstick, and save that bold color for when you don't want to draw attention to your eyes. Keep your blush to a minimum. Use just enough to give your skin that healthy glow, but not so much that your cheeks look rosey like a doll's.

Doing Makeup for Glasses

  1. Use eyeshadow primer before applying eyeshadow. This will make your eyeshadow appear brighter and more vibrant when you put it on. Sweep it all over your upper lid before you put on your eyeshadow.[12]
  2. Wear brighter eyeshadow colors. Glasses tend to cast shadows upon your eyes. You can make your eyes stand out more by wearing brighter eyeshadow. Try using an eyeshadow that contrasts with your eye color.
    • If you don't like bright colors, try a smokey eye style instead.[13]
  3. Use concealer below your eyes to brighten the under eye area. Choose a concealer that is one shade lighter than your skin tone. Apply it beneath your eye and blend it in downwards towards your cheekbone. You're creating something that looks like an upside-down triangle. Glasses tend to cast shadows beneath your eyes, so the concealer will help brighten that area up.
  4. Use highlight to brighten your entire eye area. Choose a light colored eyeshadow, such as ivory o champagne, and apply it to your brow bone, the inner corners of your eyes, and on top of your cheekbones. This will help reflect the light and open up your eyes.
    • If you have very dark skin, ivory or champagne might be too light for you. Instead, choose a color that is a few shades lighter than your skintone. You want the highlight to look nature.
  5. Use eyeliner to frame your eyes. Eyeglasses tend to detract attention from your eyes because their frames are heavier than your eye shape. Apply some black or dark brown eyeliner to your upper lid to give your eyes some shape and definition. Avoid making the eyeliner too thick, unless you are going for a Gothic look.
    • Flick the end of your eyeliner out for winged or cat eye style for the eyeliner. This will help elongate your eyes and make them appear larger.
  6. Consider curling your eyelashes with an eyelash curler. This will help lift the lashes upward and open up your eyes. To curl your eyes, open up an eyelash curler and bring it towards your upper lashes. Try to get it as close to the lash line as possible. Close the curler for about five seconds, then open it back up.
  7. Wear mascara to define your lashes. Try to choose a lengthening and/or volumizing mascara. This will help define and shape your eyes, making them stand out more.
  8. Finished.

Tips

  • Put a cold wet cloth on your eyes in the morning to help the swelling go down and wake you up.
  • Put very thin layer of Vaseline on your eyelids to moisturize and make them shine.
  • Getting enough sleep should be your top priority above all other steps. Be sure you are getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep every single day. If you don't get enough sleep, your eyes may look red or puffy the next day.
  • Use damp, green tea teabags or a cotton ball dipped in milk to make your eyes appear well rested.
  • Try using eyedrops to get rid of redness and make your eyes appear brighter.[7]

Warnings

  • If you wear glasses, consider taking them off a few times during the day to give your eyes a break.

Things You'll Need

  • Eyelash curler (optional)
  • False eyelashes and eyelash glue (optional)
  • Mascara (black or clear)
  • Eyeliner pencil (black or brown)
  • Eyeshadow (in various shades)

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Sources and Citations

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