“I’m a make up artist and this is the best way to make your eyes look instantly bigger “

They say our eyes are the windows to our souls – but what do you do when you want those ‘windows’ to look a little bigger and more youthful? Whether you feel like your eyes are looking smaller as a result of ageing, or the menopause, or have always dreamt of generally having wider, or brighter eyes, we’ve got the make up routine for you. Yes, that’s right – you can create the illusion of bigger eyes with a little help from your make up bag.

Just like overlining your lips to create a plumper-looking pout, there are plenty of tips and tricks to making eyes appear wider, no matter what your age is or eye shape. Which is ideal if you’ve found the skin around your peepers have been sinking over the years.

Luckily, celebrity make up artist Aimee Adams, who works with the likes of Tess Daley and Ranvir Singh, has spoken to the Yours team to spill the beans on the easiest ways to make mature eyes look brighter – and more importantly bigger – in just a few simple steps.

What eyeshadows will make eyes look bigger?

Applying the right shade and textures to your lids is key when it comes to creating a flattering, brightening eye look. “Generally if you have older eyes, stick to softer, flattering eyeshadow colours like champagne, gold, mink and beige” explains Aimee, “it doesn’t matter if you go for cool or warm tones, those classic neutrals look great on all eyes.”

The type of eyeshadow you use can also make a huge difference. With an array of options on offer, like powders, creams, liquids and sticks, finding the right one can feel slightly daunting. “My favourite kind of formula on mature eyes is a cream eyeshadow” says Aimee, “you can get some really long-lasting ones, like Max Factor’s Eyefinity All Day Eye Shadow. You can also top it up with a bit of powder if you want to make the colour last even longer, as longevity is key when dealing with older eyes."
Aimee continues, "however, you should avoid using anything too shimmery or glittery around the eyebrow. A soft shimmer on the lower lid is great but anything near your eyebrow can be really unflattering on mature skin.”

What eyeshadows will make eyes look smaller?

So now we know that light, neutral tones can make your peepers pop, but what shades will draw your eyes in, making them look more tired? “As you get older, your eyelids can get a bit discoloured, be it a red, pink or even blue-grey colour, so it is best to avoid these shades” advises Aimee, “personally I don’t like black or grey eyeshadow all over a lid, or even pink or red as they can make eyes look really dark and sore” she adds.

“Remember, light colours throw things forward and make things look bigger, while dark colours make things recede and look smaller, so when it comes to your eye make up, avoid that’s really pigmented and dark and matte.”

How to apply eyeliner to make eyes look bigger

Now you’ve created a light, fresh-looking base for your eye make up look, it is now time to move onto a key step – eyeliner. Applying your eyeliner correctly is vital when trying to create that wide-awake look, and can be the difference between making your peepers pop or making them look smaller.

“Unfortunately, everything moves downwards as you get older, which means eyelids can start to become hooded – and look smaller - over the years. To combat this, you need to try to make everything appear more lifted” explains Aimee “I like to use a felt tip pen style eyeliner, or a pencil liner – again you want to opt for a long-lasting product that doesn’t transfer. Avon Power Stay 24-Hour Gel Eyeliner is great, as is offer Estée Lauder Double Wear 24H Waterproof Gel Eye Pencil and Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencil. You want something that doesn’t move once it has set, but still gives you a little bit of playtime.”

Now you’ve got your eyeliner ready, it is time to apply. There are a few options, but lining you top eyelid for a cat eye effect, is usually a fail-safe option when making your eyes look bigger. “You want to flick the end up just little bit” advises Aimee, “it doesn’t have be a massive 60s statement, but by creating a flick you’re giving the illusion that the corner of the eye is slightly lifted. You can do that with your pencil and just smudge it with a cotton bud, a brush or even your finger - it is that easy!"

If you’re not a fan of the classic cat-eye, then fear not as you can also apply eyeliner your waterline to make your eyes appear larger. “If you’re going line your waterline, also known as tight-lining, go for your upper waterline, rather than your lower waterline which can actually close your eyes down” Aimee says, “the upper waterline can actually make you look like you’ve got thicker eyelashes. This can be a little tricky to do, but look downwards into a mirror and apply a long-lasting pencil onto the fleshy bit underneath your lashes. Do this lightly, and it will make a huge difference.”

And eyeliner doesn’t always need to be black, as Aimee recommends “try using a peachy or beige shade, like the Charlotte Tilbury Sleep Cheat Liner Duo on the inner rim of your waterline to instantly make your eyes look brighter and wider.”

Can your eyelashes make your eyes look bigger?

No eye make up look is complete without lashings of mascara, but does the lash lengthening product help to make your eyes look bigger and more youthful? In short, yes.

“Lashes are very important” says Aimee, “as you get older, you can start to lose some lashes, and they may feel a little more sparse. Prevent this by incorporating a lash serum to your routine. At the moment, I’m using Forchics Eyelash Enhancing Serum which I really like, but I’ve also seen great results with UK Lashand Revitalash. I know that several people have done this, and it has really helped their lashes grow longer and upwards. Of course, they still use mascara but it just helps strengthen and build up the lashes that have depleted after turning 50.”

As well as boosting growth, using a lash curler can also help to make your eyes appear larger. “If your lashes are grow outward or slightly down then I would recommend trying to curl them” advises Aimee “this will open your eyes up, as you’re literally lift your lashes up and away, and therefore exposing more of the eye area” she says, “another tip - you have to be very careful with this – blast a metal lash curler with your hairdryer for a few seconds to warm them up. Test it on your chin or hands to check they’re not too hot, and then curl your lashes as usual. The heat helps the curler work like a tong, therefore holding the curl in your lash for longer.”

Finally, it is time for mascara. “Look for long-lasting formulas that don’t smudge or flake” Aimee recommends, “Sculpted By Aimee My Mascara Volume & Lengthis a new favourite of mine as it really lifts lashes. Plus, it comes in a beautiful shade of brown which can be a great option for mature eyes. Depending on your colouring, for example if your lashes have started to go grey, black can feel a little harsh so try a dark brown or aubergine shade instead.”

And if mascara isn’t for you, try popping on a pair of false lashes with a pair tweezers for that fabulous, full flutter.

Can your eyebrows make your eyes look bigger?

“Brows frame your eyes and are incredibly important" says Aimee, “however, women of a certain age may find they’re losing their brows, or us children of the seventies or eighties - who have plucked out our brows - may have found their brows never grew back and therefore need a little extra love.”

So what do you need to do to your brows to make your eyes look bigger? Treatments like microblading can help, but you don’t have to go under the needle to get great brows, as Aimee explains, “again there are serums, I’m currently using Vertue Flurish Brow which nourishes, strengthens and thickens. Whatever you can do to help your brows grow – do it!”

Another tip is to use make up to create the appearance of fuller, healthier-looking brows – and technique is key. “Don’t do a drawing of an eyebrow, try to make it look like a real eyebrow with small strokes” advises Aimee, “it does take practise and there are several methods you can try, from eyebrow pens, powders or pencils.” She continues, “one of my favourite brands for brows is Benefit who offer Gimme Brow, a brow gel with microfibres to make brows look fuller. You just need to experiment to find what works best for you.” Finish of by brushing them into place for a neat, tidy look.

How to make eyes look more awake with concealer

Big, bright eyes are usually associated with someone who has had plenty of sleep, so it only makes sense that dark circles can make eyes look smaller.
That’s where clever concealer comes into action. “Concealer is very important for everyone, but especially over 50s. I’m over 50 and my holy grail product is concealer – just a small amount can make a huge difference” says Aimee, “look for crease proof formulas, like Laura Mercier Secret Concealeror Sculpted by Aimee Brighten Up Concealer.”

“Simply put a small amount on the inner corner of eyes and blend. There’s no need to cover your entire eyelid and under eyes as this can look cakey – you should only apply concealer exactly where you need it.” Don't forget, you can blend with either your ring finger, a sponge or brush - just be sure to be gentle to prevent damaging the skin!

How to stop concealer from sinking into fine lines

While concealer can work wonders for dark circles under our eyes, it can also sink into fine lines which in turn will make eyes look smaller. “No matter what your age - even if you’re 14 - concealer will fine a line to settle into," says Aimee. "If you’re over 50 you’ve got more lines for it to settle into so you need to set it in place with a a really fine, light setting powder. You only need to apply the thinnest layer to do the job,”

And Aimee even has a money-saving hack for applying powder under your eyes, “you know those little sponge tip wands from eyeshadow kits that people usually throw away? I personally love them, and they’re perfect for tapping a tiny bit of powder to set your concealer – trust me, it will last all day long.”

So there you have it! Everything you need to know about making your eyes look bigger with make up. However, if your eyes are in need of a little more TLC, be sure to incorporate some specialised skincare, like an anti-aging eye cream or a daily eye cream into your routine.

Cigdem Tanrioglu is Yours Style Content Editor. As Your's resistant mid-size expert, she’s usually found scouring the high street for the best feel-good buys, or on a beach obsessing over her horoscope.