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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.

Image Source: Getty

Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara

Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara (£21) makes light work of imparting serious volume without any clumping or flaking.

Image Source: lookfantastic.com
Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara
£21
from lookfantastic.com
Buy Now

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.

Image Source: itcosmetics.co.uk
It Cosmetics Superhero Mascara
£20
from itcosmetics.co.uk
Buy Now

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.

Image Source: nyxcosmetics.co.uk
NYX Worth the Hype Volumising & Lengthening Mascara
£9
from nyxcosmetics.co.uk
Buy Now

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.

Image Source: johnlewis.com
Chanel Le Volume Mascara
£28
from johnlewis.com
Buy Now

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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.

Image Source: cultbeauty.co.uk
Benefit They're Real Tinted Primer
£21
from cultbeauty.co.uk
Buy Now

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.

Image Source: superdrug.com
L'Oréal Paris Paradise Extatic Mascara
£12
from superdrug.com
Buy Now

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.

Image Source: cultbeauty.co.uk
Stila Lash Stunner Extreme Lash Primer
£19
from cultbeauty.co.uk
Buy Now

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.

Image Source: amazon.co.uk
Burt's Bees Nourishing Mascara
£13
from amazon.co.uk
Buy Now

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