Our eyes are often believed to be one of our most striking features, expressing our personality and emotions at a glance. Whether you're a makeup novice or a pro, these tips will help you maximise your eyes' potential—and with the wide range of cosmetics available today, finding the right products has never been easier. Here are some tried-and-tested hacks to help you find the perfect techniques that suit your unique features.
However, knowing which makeup techniques best enhance our eye shape and colour can be a bit of a challenge. From almond to hooded to round eyes, each eye shape benefits from specific application methods, colours, and textures. The right makeup can brighten and lift your look, helping you achieve a more defined and captivating gaze. With the right selection of products, you'll soon see that a few clever tricks can make all the difference.
In this guide, we'll break down essential makeup hacks that can help you play up the natural beauty of your eyes, whether you want a subtle everyday look or a dramatic evening style. Read on to discover how to make your eyes truly pop.
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1. The Basics: Preparing The Canvas
The first step to creating eye makeup that truly enhances is to prepare a smooth, fresh canvas. This doesn't only mean applying foundation or concealer; it means understanding the skin around your eyes and how makeup can enhance it.
- Start with Primer and Concealer: A good eye primer sets the stage for eyeshadow, making it more vibrant and long-lasting. Apply primer to the lids and a small amount just below the lower lash line to prevent smudging. Next, use a lightweight concealer to hide dark circles and brighten the under-eye area, blending well for a smooth, natural finish.
- Moisturise Wisely: The skin around your eyes is delicate, so using a gentle eye cream can keep it hydrated and plump. This not only ensures smoother makeup application but also helps reduce fine lines, creating a brighter appearance overall.
- Set with Powder: To prevent any creasing or slipping throughout the day, finish with a light dusting of setting powder under the eyes. This simple base will help keep your makeup looking fresh and vibrant.
2. Choosing Colours To Enhance Your Eye Shade
The right colours can enhance your natural eye colour, making it appear more vibrant. Knowing which shades complement your eyes is the first step in creating a look that captivates.
- For Brown Eyes: Brown eyes are incredibly versatile and suit a wide array of colours. Rich golds, emerald greens, and even bold blues can all enhance their natural warmth and depth. Try experimenting with bronze shades for an earthy yet captivating effect.
For Hazel Eyes: Hazel eyes benefit from shades that highlight their mix of green and brown. Plum, warm browns, and soft metallics like champagne can make hazel eyes pop, accentuating their unique colouring.
For Blue Eyes: Neutral tones like bronze, copper, and peach contrast beautifully with blue, making them appear even more striking. Adding a touch of brown eyeliner along the lash line can also add warmth without overpowering.
- For Green Eyes: Opt for purples, plum, and rich burgundy hues that highlight green undertones. Subtle gold or taupe accents can also bring out the vibrancy of green eyes.
3. Defining Eye Shape: Techniques For A Custom Look
Your eye shape determines the best techniques for making your eyes appear bigger, more lifted, or more defined. Identifying your eye shape is key to applying eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara in ways that enhance your unique structure.
- Almond Eyes: This versatile shape looks great with a classic cat eye or a softly smoked-out look. Apply a medium-toned eyeshadow to the outer corners, blending it upwards to lift and elongate the eyes. For eyeliner, a slight wing can accentuate the natural shape beautifully.
- Round Eyes: To elongate round eyes, focus on adding depth to the outer corners. Use darker shades at the edges and blend inwards, avoiding the inner corners. A smudged eyeliner along the upper and lower lash lines can help add intensity without closing off the eye shape.
- Hooded Eyes:Hooded eyes benefit from techniques that open up the space above the eyelid. Apply a light shade to the inner half of the lid and a medium shade just above the crease. Keep eyeliner thin along the lash line, as thicker lines may make eyes appear smaller.
- Monolid Eyes: A gradient effect works well with monolid eyes, as it adds dimension. Start with lighter shades closer to the lash line, and deepen the colour towards the crease. Tightlining—applying eyeliner to the upper waterline—can also make lashes appear fuller.
4. Mastering Eyeliner: A Tool For Shape And Definition
Eyeliner is one of the best tools for enhancing eye shape and adding definition. The right liner can draw attention to your eyes without overpowering them.
- Classic Wing for Lift: The classic cat-eye wing draws the eye upwards, creating a lifted effect. To get the perfect wing, align the outer edge with the end of your eyebrow and taper the line thinner as you approach the inner corner. A liquid or gel liner is best for achieving a sharp, clean finish.
- Tightlining for Subtle Definition: Tightlining involves applying eyeliner on the upper waterline. This technique makes lashes appear fuller without a visible line, ideal for a natural look. Gel or pencil liners work well, as they apply smoothly without irritating the eyes.
- Experiment with Colour: While black eyeliner is a staple, coloured liners can add a playful element that enhances eye colour. Brown, navy or even forest green eyeliner can create subtle variations that make your eyes pop without overpowering the look.
5. Eyeshadow Blending: Adding Depth And Dimension
Blending is the art that takes eyeshadow from basic to beautiful. Knowing where to apply and blend different shades can create depth and lift for any eye shape.
- Transition Shades for Depth: A transition shade, typically one shade darker than your skin tone, helps create a smooth gradient between colours. Apply it to the crease, blending outward for a soft, diffused effect that enhances the eye's natural shape.
- Inner Corner Highlights for Brightness: Adding a touch of shimmer to the inner corners can make the eyes appear larger and more awake. Light shades with a hint of sparkle, like champagne or ivory, work well to draw attention to the centre of your eyes.
- Layering for Dimension: Start with a base shade that complements your skin tone, then layer darker shades on the outer corners and blend towards the centre. Build up colour gradually for a seamless look. Remember, blending is key to achieving a professional finish, so take your time with this step.
- How Mascara and Lashes Transform the Eyes: Lashes frame the eyes, making them appear larger and more defined. With the right mascara or false lashes, you can add volume, length, or curl to suit your look.
- The Power of Curling: Using an eyelash curler lifts lashes and opens up the eyes. Begin at the base and gently pulse as you work your way up for a lasting curl. For extra impact, try heating the curler with a hairdryer for a few seconds before use.
- Layering Mascara for Volume and Length: For fuller lashes, start with a lengthening mascara and layer with a volumising one. Wiggling the brush at the roots adds volume while focusing on the tips lengthens and defines the lashes.
- False Lashes for Drama: For special occasions, false lashes can create a dramatic effect. Choose a style that complements your natural eye shape—wispy lashes suit most eyes, while fuller lashes work well for a bold look. Remember to trim the lashes to fit your eye width for a comfortable and natural finish.
Top Rated Makeup Products On Myntra You May Want To Consider
1. L'Oréal Paris La Petite Eyeshadow Palette - Nudist, 4g
Discount: 33% OFF | Price: ₹870 | M.R.P.: ₹1299 | Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (263 Ratings)
This palette brings together a collection of warm nude shades ideal for adding depth and subtle shimmer to your look. Whether you're going for a soft daytime look or adding a definition for the evening, these buildable shades enhance any eye shape. It's also waterproof and cruelty-free, making it both practical and ethical. With its compact size, this palette is an ideal travel companion.
2. Bobbi Brown 24-Hour Waterproof Kajal Liner - Black, 1.2g
Discount: None | Price: ₹1150 | M.R.P.: ₹1150 | Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars (79 Ratings)
Known for its intense colour payoff, this kajal liner glides smoothly along the lash line and waterline, defining eyes with a rich, matte finish. Perfect for dramatic looks, this long-lasting liner is waterproof, so it stays put all day. Its effortless application makes it a must-have for anyone who wants bold, smudge-free eyeliner.
3. Colorbar Moon Lava Liquid Eyeshadow - Galaxy 005, 3.5g
Discount: 30% OFF | Price: ₹840 | M.R.P.: ₹1200 | Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (127 Ratings)
Add a pop of glam with this glitter-infused liquid eyeshadow. Available in several shades, Galaxy 005 offers a striking red with a luminous shimmer that enhances any eye colour. This lightweight, easy-to-blend formula provides long-lasting wear without creasing, ensuring your eyes remain dazzling from day to night.
4. M.A.C Liquidlast 24-Hour Waterproof Eyeliner - Point Black, 2.5ml
Discount: 20% OFF with code INSIDEREXCL | Price: ₹3100 | M.R.P.: ₹3100 | Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (353 Ratings)
This waterproof liquid liner is loved for its deep black pigment and glossy finish. The precise brush applicator allows for detailed application, making it simple to achieve sharp lines or bold flicks. Ideal for dramatic winged looks, this liner stays intact for up to 24 hours, ensuring your look remains flawless all day.
5. MISS ROSE Glitter Glow Powder 16, 3.4g
Discount: Best Price ₹699 with code MYNTRA200 | Price: ₹899 | M.R.P.: ₹899 | Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars (36 Ratings)
A versatile glitter powder that amplifies any look, this is perfect for layering over your favourite eyeshadow or wearing alone. It's long-lasting, giving your eyes a multidimensional sparkle with a touch of shimmer. With multiple shade options, you can easily find one that complements your style.
6. Clinique Intense Waterproof Quickliner for Eyes - Intense Ebony, 0.25g
Discount: Best Price ₹2000 with code MYNTRA200 | Price: ₹2200 | M.R.P.: ₹2200 | Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
This waterproof eyeliner is designed for smudge-proof wear that lasts all day. Its deep ebony shade brings intensity to your lash line, with a creamy, easy-to-glide formula that's perfect for both thin and bold lines. Clinique's dermatologically tested formulation makes it ideal for sensitive eyes, adding both comfort and sophistication.
7. PUPA MILANO Made To Last Waterproof & Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadow - Seaweed 029, 1.4g
Discount: 18% OFF | Price: ₹1000 | M.R.P.: ₹1220 | Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars
This stick eyeshadow in a metallic seaweed green is a fun yet wearable way to add a touch of colour to your eyes. It's waterproof, creamy, and easy to blend, providing long-lasting wear with a striking sheen. Ideal for a subtle pop or an all-out bold look, this eyeshadow is a versatile addition to any makeup bag.
8. Stila Stay All Day Dual-Ended Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner - Intense Black, 3.4ml
Discount: 10% OFF with code GLAMON | Price: ₹2925 | M.R.P.: ₹2925 | Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
This dual-ended eyeliner features both a fine tip and a bold tip, perfect for creating versatile looks with ease. Its intense black pigment and waterproof formula ensure it won't fade or smudge, keeping your eye makeup fresh all day. Cruelty-free and easy to apply, it's perfect for quick touch-ups or full glam looks.
Enhancing your eye shape and colour with makeup is all about finding techniques that work for your unique features. By selecting the right colours, experimenting with different eyeliner styles, and blending eyeshadows carefully, you can bring out your eyes' natural beauty. With these tips in hand, you're ready to create a captivating look that brightens and lifts your eyes, helping you feel more confident and expressive. Whether you're restocking on beauty essentials or looking to try a new product, Myntra offers a fantastic range of makeup to suit all needs. Discover the tools and products that can take your eye makeup to the next level, bringing out the best in your features. After all, a little makeup magic can go a long way in making your eyes—and your whole look—truly shine.
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