7 Ways to Make Your Eyes Look Bigger and Brighter

There’s something so playful and sexy about big doe eyes—but you don't have to be genetically gifted to get them. Just use these tips from M.J. Forte, a New York City-based makeup artist, to fake big, bright eyes. Go Light In The Corner

 
For eyes that pop, focus a light shadow on the inner-third of your eyelid, closest to your tear duct. “It makes your eyes look bigger instantly,” says Forte. The lighter color acts as a highlight to create an open appearance to the eye, making your eyes look larger, fresher, and more awake. Forte’s favorites are M.A.C. Cosmetics Eye Shadow in Yogurt and Vanilla ($16 each, maccosmetics.com).

 

Highlight The Browbone—But Not with HighlighterAdding a highlight under the tail of your eyebrow on the highest part of your eye socket—the brow bone—will give mega-lift to your eye by drawing the attention up, says Forte. While you can definitely use the same shadow you would use on the inner corner of your eye, Forte recommends using a concealer. Go for a shade slightly lighter than your natural skin tone to illuminate the eye area. “Anything that’s lighter is going to brighten,” says Forte.

Use a Layered Approach to Make Dark Circles Vanish
When it comes to big, bright eyes, any and all dark shades are the enemy. Forte says that the biggest mistake a girl can make is not concealing her undereye circles. "Darkness around your eyes will make them look smaller,” says Forte. Her concealing secret is to start with a pink-toned concealer before layering a yellow-toned concealer on top. She recommends Laura Mercier Secret Concealer ($24, sephora.com) as your base and Chanel Correcteur Perfection Long-Lasting Concealer ($40, nordstrom.com) for your second layer.

Visually Extend Your Eyes
White liner opens up your eyes instantly. Use it on the inner rim of your lashes to extend the whites of your eyes and make them look larger and more awake with one stroke. Forte's go-to: M.A.C. Cosmetics Eye Kohl in Fascinating ($16, maccosmetics.com).

Rock a Nude Lip
If you want all eyes on your eyes, Forte says it’s important to keep the rest of your face as natural as possible. “Make your lips a lighter color because then the attention will be on your eyes,” says Forte. Her favorite for nude lips is Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Bellissima ($22, sephora.com).


Double Up on Falsies
There’s a reason those models in mascara commercials have that doe-eyed look. Forte says that she uses false lashes for all of the shoots she works to give the models a wide-open eye. In fact, she uses two sets of falsies instead of one. “I always layer two sets of lashes, one for length and one for thickness,” says Forte. This means serious drama in the eye area. Try Ardell lashes ($1.99-$5.49, ulta.com).

Lash Curlers Are A Must
Creating length coming up and out of the eye draws the focus away from the lash line, making the eye look wide open, says Forte. To achieve this effect, invest in a pair of lash curlers, and curl before applying mascara. Try Tweezerman Classic Lash Curler ($12.15, ulta.com). “They’re a lifesaver,” says Forte. “Every girl needs a pair.”