11 Make-Up Hacks For Bright, Wide-Awake Eyes

“Mascara is transformative – it’s capable of opening up the eyes and drawing attention to their shape. For maximum impact, choose one with a small silicone brush to prevent clumping. Thicker wands tend to pick up too much product and create a heavier look. Placement is also important – for a lifted, fox-eye effect, focus on the outer lashes. If you prefer a more open, doll-like look, apply more towards the inner corners and follow it through the entire lash line. Benefit BADgal BANG!  and Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof are excellent options for volume and longevity.” – Andrada Rusu 

“Good brows can lift the face. My trick is to brush them downwards with a spoolie, lightly fill them in with a pencil starting at the top and then brush them back up. By doing this you add depth, creating the appearance of a fuller, more youthful brow. Then, go over the shape with a brushstroke pen, filling in any gaps. The one I like is by Fyne; it has a great colour range and gives you realistic, hair-like strokes.” – Talia Sparrow 

“Steer clear of white as the contrast against black mascara often appears too harsh. But creamy nude pencil along your waterlines balances out any pinkness, making your eyes look brighter and more awake. I rate Victoria Beckham’s version as well as M·A·C’s Studio Chromagraphic Pencil in ‘NC15/NW20’ for fairer skin, and then ‘NW25/NC30’ if your skin tone is deeper.” – Talia 

“If you’re after intensity, try black. Otherwise, a coloured mascara can not only open up your eyes but also accentuate your natural eye colour. As a rule of thumb, purple pairs well with hazel, blue with brown or amber, and then brown mascara looks lovely and fresh for a more natural look.” – Frankie Neal 

“Make-up always looks better with proper skin prep first. The skin around the eyes is thinner than on the rest of the face, and therefore more susceptible to fine lines. Keep eye patches in the fridge to give them that fresh, cooling sensation – I rate the ones by Augustinus Bader. For eye cream, I like the Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Crème. Just a small amount helps colour correct and it acts as a great primer for underneath eye make-up.” — Talia

“If you have hooded eyes, choose a light neutral matte eyeshadow, draw the shape of a crease just above your natural crease and blend it out so there are no harsh lines. This acts as a second crease and gives the illusion of larger lid space. Avoid heavy eyeliner as this can actually make your eyes look even smaller. A subtle wing can lift the outer corners, but the key is to draw it while looking straight in the mirror with your eyes open.” – Andrada 

“Using a dedicated colour corrector means you needn’t use as much concealer as it actually balances out discoloration under the eyes. Finding the right shade depends on your skin tone. If you’re fair-to-light, go for peach, medium-to-tan, orange and if your skin is deeper, opt for a dark orange or red tone. Blend your corrector well and allow it enough time to set before layering concealer over the top. I use a Beautyblender to guarantee that soft, seamless finish.” – Frankie

“Tight-lining is extremely effective for emphasising the eyes. This technique essentially involves closely lining your upper waterline. This defines your eyes without closing them off, plus it makes them appear bigger by making your lashes look fuller. You can also use a winged eyeliner to create an uplifted effect but pay close attention to the angle otherwise it can drag down the eye.” – Frankie

“Neutral, champagne, and beige tones are perfect for achieving that brightening effect. Apply a shimmery shade to the inner corner and sweep it across the first half of the lid for an instantly brightening effect. It focuses the attention on this lighter area, making your eyes look bigger.” – Andrada 

“Apply a soft, light-reflecting highlighter to the brow bone and inner corners using a small, precise brush to add dimension. Avoid chunky glitter and instead go for a finely milled formula for a seamless, natural-looking glow. I swear by Rare Beauty’s Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter.” – Andrada

“One of the most important tips I picked up on early in my career was that curling the lashes makes the world of difference when it comes to opening up the eyes. The Kevyn Aucoin tool is my go-to. Look directly into your mirror, wiggle your curler into place slowly before clamping down. I always like to give it three hard pulses before releasing. Ensure you place your curler right at the root otherwise you’ll end up denying your lashes.” – Frankie 

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