Droopy eyelids can make you look tired and older, but with the right techniques, you can create a lifted wide-awake appearance. Let’s dive into the pro tips that can make your eyes pop and even rewind the clock.
1. Use an Eye Primer for a Smooth Canvas
Before applying eye makeup, use an eye primer to create a smooth base. This helps to even out your lids, prevent creasing, and keep your makeup in place longer. A good primer will also brighten your eyelids, instantly making them look more awake.
2. Curl Your Lashes to Open Up Your Eyes
One of the quickest ways to make your eyes appear larger and more awake is to curl your lashes. A lash curler lifts your lashes and gives the illusion of a more open eye. For an even better lift, warm the curler slightly with a hairdryer before using it—make sure it’s not too hot.
3. Make Them Pop with Lengthening Mascara
For droopy eyelids, lengthening mascara is your best friend. Focus on applying it to the upper lashes to draw attention upward. Apply an extra coat to the outer corners for a lifted effect. Avoid heavy volumizing mascaras, which can weigh your lashes and make your eyes look smaller.
4. Highlight the Inner Corners
Adding a pop of highlighter or a shimmery eyeshadow to the inner corners of your eyes can instantly brighten your entire face. It creates the illusion of wider, more awake eyes. Opt for light shades like champagne or pearl for the best effect.
5. Apply Eyeshadow Above the Crease
To make your eyes look more open, apply a neutral or slightly darker shade of eyeshadow above your natural crease. This technique adds depth and dimension, making your eyes appear lifted. Stick to matte or satin finishes for a more natural look.
6. Banish Dark Circles with a Brightening Concealer
Dark circles can make your eyes look more tired and droopy. Use a brightening concealer under your eyes to counteract darkness and create a more refreshed appearance. Choose a shade slightly lighter than your skin tone for a brightening effect.
7. Use White Eyeliner on Your Waterline
Lining your lower waterline with a white eyeliner creates the illusion of larger, more awake eyes. It opens up your eyes and gives them a more refreshed look. White eyeliner offers a dramatic effect, while nude is more subtle and natural.
8. Shape and Define Your Brows
Your brows play a key role in framing your eyes. A well-groomed, defined brow can lift your entire eye area. Fill in sparse areas with a brow pencil or powder, focusing on creating a subtle arch to open up your eyes. A lifted brow naturally makes the eyes look more awake.
9. Apply a Brightening Eye Cream
A brightening eye cream that reduces puffiness and dark circles can work wonders for droopy lids. Look for ingredients like caffeine, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid. These help to depuff and hydrate the area, giving you a more youthful and awake appearance.
10. Created a Winged Eye for an Instant Lift
A well-placed winged eyeliner can dramatically lift the appearance of your eyes. Keep the line thin along the lash line and gradually flick it upward at the outer corners. This trick pulls the eye up and gives the illusion of a lifted lid, creating a wide-awake look.
11. Contour the Crease with a Soft Shade
Using a slightly darker eyeshadow shade to contour the crease of your eyelids can create the illusion of deeper-set eyes. This helps lift the eye and add dimension. Blend well to avoid harsh lines, and focus on keeping the color above the crease for a natural lift.
12. Steer Clear of Heavy, Dark Eye Shadows
Dark, heavy eyeshadow can drag your eyes down, especially if you have droopy lids. Instead, opt for lighter, neutral shades on the lid and focus on the darker shades only in the crease. This technique ensures your eyes look more open and lifted without overwhelming them.
13. Boost Volume with False Lashes or Extensions
If your natural lashes need an extra boost, try false lashes or lash extensions. They add length and volume to your upper lashes, instantly making your eyes look wider and more awake. Choose lashes that focus on length at the outer corners for a lifting effect.
14. Stay Away from Thick, Heavy Eyeliner
Thick eyeliner can weigh down your eyes and make them appear smaller. Instead, keep your eyeliner thin and close to the lash line. If you want a more dramatic effect, focus on lengthening the outer corners with a subtle flick to lift your eyes.