by Donyale Anise

Created on: September 18, 2011   Last Updated: September 21, 2011

Many women with small eyes are challenged with liner application.  Either they feel they cannot wear it at all, or when they do, the results are disappointing.  Proper eyeliner application will actually open up the eye; giving it the illusion of being larger.  There are several techniques for effective eyeliner application to give those with smaller eyes more pop.

PENCIL, LIQUID & GEL LINER

A kohl pencil, liquid or gel liner will open smaller eyes when applied correctly. After a neutral shadow is added to the lid, decide on a liner in a consistency you prefer. Then, determine the most complimentary shade based on your own eye color.  Whether your choice is pencil, liquid or gel, the key is to line as closely to the lash line as possible, on the top only.  Beginning at the outer corner work your way in, although you will not see a distinct line, you will actually be creating the look of a thicker lash line using this technique. 

Once the liner is placed, add a slightly thicker line only on the outer portion of the top lash line.  Using a small synthetic detail brush, blend the entire line out a bit to soften it.  If you opt for a liquid liner, after you have blended, set it with an eye shadow in the same colour as the liner using a flat synthetic liner brush.  Finish with mascara on the top and use the excess on the bottom.

EYE SHADOW AS LINER

Eye shadow is a great alternative to an actual eye lining product.  Start by applying a shadow base to the lid; followed by a medium eye shadow determined based on your skin tone.  Pat the shadow on the lid close to the lash line with a small brush made with natural hair.  The shadow base will allow more of the pigment to be pulled from the shadow.  Since the shadow is acting as a liner with this technique, the shadow base is an important step for this reason. 

Next, dip a blending brush into the same shadow, you will pick up just enough colour to blend and finish the look.  This brush should be fuller than the initial brush used so less colour is picked up.  Apply it to the lid and blend it out.  Finally, add mascara to the top and again sweep the excess on the bottom lash line.

WHITE LINER

White liner is a brilliant way to brighten and open any eye shape, especially a small eye.  After your shadow and mascara are applied using either technique above, and you are finished with the eyes, add a white liner to the inner rim of the lower lash line from the outer to inner corner.  Blend the line with a synthetic brush so it isn’t obvious you’ve added white liner.  Most white liner is formulated to blend easily and conform to any skin tone; the result will create a gorgeous highlight as well.

Typically, a smaller eye shape will always call for simple clean application overall.  Eye shadow choices should remain rather neutral, ranging from light to medium.  Dark shadows are usually overwhelming on a small eye.  To add drama, it is best to experiment with lip colour shades.  Variations of browns, plums and reds are great choices to add for evening. 

Lastly, a set of professional makeup brushes is integral for a flawless makeup finish, furthermore, when choosing products, seek out a line created by a professional makeup artist such as:  MAC, Smashbox or Nars to name a few.

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