You’ve probably heard about the tried-and-tested ways to create a wide-eyed gaze: curling your lashes, applying generous coats of mascara, and popping on white eyeliner and false lashes. But we consulted a bevy of beauty industry experts and discovered a world of less mainstream (but seriously effective) tips, that will immediately brighten up any tired pair of peepers. If you’ve used all the usual tricks of the trade and want to amp up your bambi-esque eye game further, then read on for our new fave transformative secrets…

 

IMAGE: INSTAGRAM @THE90SSUPERMODELS

1) THE EYE-LENGTHENING TRICK (THAT MARILYN MONROE SWORE BY)

Why we love it: Freya Rose, a Shiseido makeup consultant, has crowned this her ultimate party secret for sexy, feline eyes – with a fresh twist (plus, it was a technique that Marilyn Monroe loved to help get her signature flick). The darker lines serve to define and elongate the eyes, whilst mimicking the sultry effect of a subtle smokey eye. The white shadow balances and refines the darker smokiness, whilst adding a touch of illumination.

Get the look:

  1. Apply brown liner on your upper eyelids, and extend the tail of your eyeliner with an upward cat-eye flick. (Tip: if you need help mastering the winged eyeliner, here is our ultimate tutorial.)
  2. Using a thin eyeliner brush, apply a fine line of white eyeshadow directly underneath the eyeliner wing.
  3. Place a light stroke of brown eyeshadow right beneath the white liner.

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2.  THE EMERGENCY FIX FOR DULL EYES

Why we love it: Yves Saint Laurent consultant Effy Xu says this swift tip is perfect for busy mornings, where you want maximum impact in record time. The secret to its magic? Blending two different eyeliner colours, which will result in more depth and dimension to your gaze. Filling the inner quarter of your waterline with a darker colour will add a sharp definition to the eyes, while the lighter outer portion acts to brighten and soften.

Get the look:

  1. Apply brown liner on the inner quarter of the lower waterline.
  2. Apply nude liner on the remaining three quarters of the lower waterline.
  3. Blend the two colours in the middle with a thin brush, for a seamlessly smooth finish.

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3) THE ULTIMATE EYE-ILLUMINATING WEAPON

Why we love it: Juhee Han, a Korean bridal makeup artist, cites this as her secret weapon to adding freshness to her clients’ look, stating that it “gives the eyes a lift”. While gold shimmer on its own can make the eyes appear dull, white glitter applied alone looks overtly stark – but Juhee says a mixture of both shades is universally flattering, and has never failed to add a serious dose of radiance to her clients’ eyes.

Get the look:

  1. Apply a gold glittery shadow with an ultra-thin eyeliner brush on the skin just beneath the inner quarter of the lower lashline.
  2. Layer a light stroke of shimmery white shadow on top of the gold shadow.
  3. Use a small blending brush to feather out any harsh edges.

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4. THE SAVIOUR FOR SLEEP DEPRIVED EYES

Why we love it: Dolce and Gabanna cosmetic adviser Ashleigh Fox considers this trick “an essential step” before applying undereye concealer: “It gives my concealer a dewy, fresh glow.” The balmy texture provides a soft-focus blurring effect, diminishing the look of fine lines, while the pink tint helps colour correct dark circles. And unlike traditional colour correctors that can end up looking cakey, this hack gives your skin a glass like sheen.

Get the look:

  1. Warm some lightly tinted pink lip balm between your fingers, to emulsify and soften the product. Note: Only use a small portion of lip balm, as excessive product application will make you look greasy.
  2. Apply the lip balm on your undereye area, in the shape of an upside down triangle (this shape provides the illusion of a tighter, less puffy undereye.).
  3. Tap the product in gently – don’t rub. Voilà!

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Story and photography by Kristina Zhou.

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