How to Make Your Eyes Look Bigger With Mascara
The Simple Mascara Trick That Makes Your Eyes Look Bigger and More Awake Looking
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When it comes to mascara, you slick it on, pray for zero smudges and clumps, and that's that right? Well, yes, but did you know there is actually a super simple mascara trick you can employ that actually makes your eyes look bigger? And, if you already have a mascara, you don't need to buy a thing.
The secret is to just use mascara on your upper lashes and leave your lower lashes bare. It's a simple and effective illusion that makes your eyes look more open and wide awake.
If the idea of leaving your lower lashes complete bare seems a little odd, you can either apply a clear mascara to give them some subtle definition or you can create a similar effect by using a black volume-enhancing, thickening, mascara on top and then applying a light coat of a more subtle lengthening mascara in brown onto your lower lashes — a trick makeup artist Pat McGrath often employs backstage at shows like Stella McCartney when she's doing a no-makeup makeup look. It gives you that eye-opening effect but doesn't make your lashes look top heavy. The key with the second tactic is to go heavier with your application on the top lashes and lighter on the lower ones, that way both the colour and texture will work in your favour. Give it a try and see what works for you.
As we said, you can try the trick with your existing mascara, but ahead we've rounded up the best jet-black, volumising mascaras that will give your top lashes a boost and the brown lengthening mascaras that work a treat on adding subtle definition to your lower lashes.
Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara
Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara (£21) makes light work of imparting serious volume without any clumping or flaking.
It Cosmetics Superhero Mascara
If you want to create the look of a lash lift, then you need It Cosmetics Superhero Mascara (£20) in your life. It lifts, separates, and intensifies each lash with ease.
NYX Worth the Hype Volumising & Lengthening Mascara
At just £9 and with rave reviews, NYX Worth the Hype Volumising & Lengthening Mascara (£9) is the perfect choice if you want standout lashes for less.
Chanel Le Volume Mascara
A favourite mascara of makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes, Chanel Le Volume Mascara (£28) defines and curls lashes while leaving them supple and shiny.
Benefit They're Real Tinted Primer
You can use this Benefit They're Real Tinted Primer (£21) as a brown mascara as it coats every lash with a hint of water-resistant colour. It also nourishes lashes with hair-strengthening vitamin B5.
L'Oréal Paris Paradise Extatic Mascara
Packed with castor oil, L'Oréal Paris Paradise Extatic Mascara (£12) is a buildable formula that coats each lash with a tint of brown and leaves them soft, feathery, and subtly defined.
Stila Lash Stunner Extreme Lash Primer
You can use Stila Lash Stunner Extreme Lash Primer (£19) on its own to give lashes a natural boost or layer it under mascara for standout volume.
Burt's Bees Nourishing Mascara
For anyone with naturally darker lashes, look to a black-brown shade like this Burt's Bees Nourishing Mascara (£13). The formula is 100-percent natural, boasting jojoba oil and glycerin to help leave lashes beautifully soft and shiny.
