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There are no bad or better eye shapes — there are only eye shapes that need makeup tricks you have yet to master. If you have close-set eyes, you may focus far too much on what you should be doing to make them appear wider, and not nearly enough time celebrating their gorgeous shape. Close-set eyes are less than one eyeball width apart. If you stand a few feet away from a mirror and notice there’s less space between the inner corners of your eyes than there are between the outer corners of your eyes and temples, you probably have close-set eyes.
Your close-eye celebrity inspiration includes Jennifer Aniston, Miley Cyrus, Rachel Bilson, Nicole Kidman, and Anna Paquin. The goal with your eye makeup, if you want to open up your eye area and make your eyes appear wider, will be to concentrate lighter makeup colors in the inner corners of your eye and keep those dark contrasting colors on the outer corner (and don’t forget lush lashes and clean brows, which can help you get away with wearing no other makeup on mornings you wake up in a hurry).
These 5 makeup tips will make the most of your beautiful close-set eyes. They’re simple, effective, and just right for you.
e.l.f. Cosmetic Eye Primer & Liner Sealer Eye Makeup ($3)
1) Use An Eyeshadow Primer
This first tip is a good one to use, no matter what eye shape you have. Stop thinking of eye makeup primer as a luxury product and start seeing it as an essential step in your beauty routine. Eye makeup primer keeps your makeup in place for hours and hours. Apply a small amount of the product to clean, dry eye lids, blend it in, and let it set for a minute before starting your eyeshadow application. You'll be amazed at how much longer your shadows and liners stay in place and how highly pigmented they appear!
2) Concentrate Light Makeup Shades On The Inner Corner Of Eyes
Work the inner corners of your eyes with light and intensely bright shades that highlight the area and open it up. This will make them appear as if there is more space between your eyes. Apply a light beige, nude, or even a slightly shimmery white shadow to the inner corners of your eyes and blend it in until it extends to about the middle of your eyelid. If you like your eye makeup with a bit of shine, don’t be afraid to add a dab of highlighter to your inner corner, as well.
Milani Brow & Eye Highlighters ($24.63 for 3 Pack)
This cream highlighter for eyes and brows blends right into your eye makeup and provides a luminous glow that reflects light and draws attention to the inner corners of your eyes. It has two sides—one with a matte finish and the other with an iridescent pearl finish for subtle shimmer.
3) Keep The Middle Of Your Eyelid Neutral
After you’ve focused your attention on the all-important inner corners of your eyes, apply a neutral light brown, taupe, or grey to the rest of your eyelid. It’s important to keep this shade on the light-medium side of the spectrum because you don’t want it to compete with darker hues that you’ll be applying to the outer corners of your eyes.
4) Create A Smoky Effect On The Outer Corners Of Eyes
Smoky eye makeup styles look incredible on close-set eyes, but they don’t always have to be so dramatic—especially if you’re trying to create a look for daytime wear. With lighter makeup shades concentrated on the inner and middle of your eyelid, grab a dark brown, black, or (if you prefer color) eggplant eyeliner pencil, and sweep it along the upper lash line, widening the line as you reach the outer corners of your eye. A cat’s eye works great on close eyes because it gives the illusion of them extending even further, making the eyes look wider. If eyeliner is too harsh for you, an eye shadow in these shades works, as well. Dampen a Q-Tip to apply the color and then use a brush to blend it so there are no obvious lines.
Physicians Formula Smoky Eyes ($9.26)
Arm yourself with amazing eyeshadow palettes, like this collection of shimmery shades for smoky eyes, and you’ll have everything you need in one kit—from the lightest shade for your inner corners, to the darkest hues that help widen your eyes.
5) Get Lush Lashes
For the final touch, curl your lashes and apply a mascara that comes with a wand designed to make lashes look more lush and voluminous. An extra layer of mascara on the outer lashes helps make your eyes appear bigger. If you’re up for an extra step on the nights where you're feeling extra fancy, invest in quality faux lashes and apply them only to the outer corners.
For more eye makeup tips, check out the best glossy eye shadows from your favorite makeup brands and 4 makeup tricks that make your eyes look bigger on SHEFinds.com.
