How to Apply Eyeliner to Small Round Eyes

Co-authored by Charina Redugerio and Kyle Hall

Last Updated: February 16, 2022

Eyeliner is a great tool for shaping the eyes and making them pop. When it comes to small, round eyes, eyeliner is no different, but it can be a little trickier to work with. Too much eyeliner or the wrong eyeliner color can make your eyes look smaller and rounder. Fortunately, by using lighter shades and applying eyeliner strategically to your eyes, you can achieve a flawless eye makeup look that complements your eye shape.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Making Your Eyes Look Bigger

1
Apply a light-colored eyeliner to your waterline. Use a white or nude colored eyeliner on the inner rim of your eyelid. This will open and brighten your eyes so they look bigger.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Charina Redugerio
Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 26 May 2020.}
- Apply a softer line of eyeliner on your waterline for a more natural look.^{[2]
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- Avoid applying eyeliner all the way across your waterline if you have close-set eyes, as this will make them appear closer together.^{[3]
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2
Line your upper eyelid. Use your eyeliner sparingly and only line the outer half of the lid to avoid a heavy look that makes your eyes look smaller. You should also taper the liner so the line gets thicker toward the outside corner. Eyeliner on your upper lids will give your eyes more dimension, making them seem bigger.^{[4]
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3
Use liquid eyeliner for a dramatic effect. Be careful not to apply too much. Too much eyeliner can actually make your eyes appear smaller.^{[5]
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- If you want eyeliner with an easier application, use an eyeliner pencil or a gel eyeliner.^{[6]
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4
Use eyeliner in vibrant colors. Line your upper lid with a vibrant eyeliner like bright blue or purple to make your eyes pop and appear bigger. Pair your eyeliner with a colorful eyeshadow to enhance the effect.^{[7]
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- Choose a colored eyeliner that will pair well with your eye color. Gold eyeliner will make blue eyes pop, while purple eyeliners contrast nicely with green eyes. Use a blue eyeliner if you have brown eyes.^{[8]
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5
Smudge the eyeliner in the outer corners of your eyes upward. Avoid harsh, defined lines that will make your eyes look smaller. Smudging your eyeliner away from your eye will result in a smoky-eye effect, creating the illusion that your eyes extend further than they really do.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Charina Redugerio
Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 26 May 2020.}
- While wearing heavy eyeliner on your lower lid can make your eyes look smaller, a little liner on the outer corner of your bottom lid can help tie your look together, especially if you're wearing smokey eyeshadow.^{[10]
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  Charina Redugerio
  Makeup Artist
  Expert Interview. 26 May 2020.}
6
Shape your eyebrows. Your eyebrow should follow the shape of your eyes, so a round eye would have a slightly rounded eyebrow. Pluck the stray hairs between your eyes and between your eye and eyebrow to open up your eye area.
- You can also use an eyebrow pencil to fill in your eyebrow or slightly darken them.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Elongating Your Eyes

1
Use an eyeliner pencil. Draw a line that runs along your lashes on your upper and lower lids to create a balanced, elongated effect.
- To avoid unwanted smearing, don't use eyeliner pencils that are too creamy. Find a pencil that is thick enough to stay in place, but not so thick that it pulls at your skin when you're applying it.^{[11]
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2
Go with the cat eye look. Extend eyeliner off your upper eyelid and away from the outer corner of your eye, flicking upward with the application tool to create a subtle wing. The cat eye will draw attention to the outer corners of your eyes, giving the appearance that your eyes are more elongated.
- Use a fine-tipped liquid eyeliner pen when applying a cat eye for the best results.^{[12]
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- If you mess up one of the wings, use a Q-tip with makeup remover to avoid ruining the rest of your eye makeup.^{[13]
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3
Smudge eyeliner into your lash lines. Use a darker colored eyeliner for a more noticeable effect. The smudged eyeliner will give your eyes a lengthier shape.^{[14]
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- For help smudging your eyeliner, purchase a brush designed specifically for smudging. Using a brush will give your eye makeup a more natural look.
4
Finish with mascara. Apply your mascara to both the top and bottom lashes. Start at the bottom of the lashes and pull the wand up through them.
- Bright colors or soft browns are best for enlarging your eyes.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you apply eyeliner on small, round eyes?

Charina Redugerio
Makeup Artist
Charina Redugerio is a Makeup Artist based in New York City. With over 13 years of experience in the beauty industry, Charina has worked for Sephora, NARS Cosmetics, L'Oreal, Parfums Christian Dior, Natasha Denona Makeup, and is now a freelance makeup artist. She has conducted makeup for numerous fashion week shows, editorial shoots, and one-on-one client makeovers. She has worked and trained with several global celebrity makeup artists including Dior's Ricky Wilson.

Charina Redugerio

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

One way you can make your eyes appear larger is to use a flesh-toned eyeliner on your waterline. That will really open up your eyes.