Makeup for Prominent Eyes: Easy Guide for Beginners!

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Dive headfirst into the world of makeup with this guide specifically crafted for those with prominent eyes!

These stunning eyes, which stand out and draw attention, can be further enhanced with the right makeup techniques.

In this beginner-friendly guide, we will unveil the secrets behind applying makeup for prominent eyes, equipping you with tips, tricks, and techniques that will help you highlight this feature the right way and transform your whole makeup routine.

So buckle up, and let’s embark on this exciting journey together!

Join us as we delve into the art of eye makeup for prominent eyes, your most captivating facial feature. 

a beautiful young woman with prominent eyes smiling at the camera

What Are Prominent Eyes?

Prominent eyes refer to eyes that appear more forward-facing and project out from the eye sockets.

With prominent eyes, the eyeballs are more visible, giving the illusion of larger eyes. 

This eye feature has a striking prominence that creates a sense of depth and intensity, making it a unique and beautiful characteristic. 

What’s more, prominent eyes look incredible with all eyeshadow looks since the eyelid has a lot of space.

How To Spot Prominent Eyes: Signs To Look For

Curious if you have prominent eyes?

Spotting prominent eyes is relatively straightforward, and there are key signs to look for to confirm if you really have them. 

Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to the distinct features of prominent eyes: 

Protruding Eyes

Prominent eyes have a distinctive forward projection, meaning the eyeballs extend slightly outward from the eye sockets.

This isn’t a subtle feature; it’s quite apparent when you look pointedly and deliberately at your eyes in the mirror. 

This protrusion can give your eyes a sparkling, wide-eyed look, which is often described as expressive or animated.

Visible Eyelids

Prominent eyes usually have visible eyelids, both above and below the eye. 

This means when your eyes are open, there’s a large, clear area of skin visible from the lash line to the brow bone, as well as beneath your eye.

This space is like a blank canvas for eyeshadow, allowing for more creative and bold makeup looks.

Forward- or Upward-Pointing Eyelashes

The direction of your eyelashes can also indicate prominent eyes.

If your lashes point forward or even upward, rather than lying flat or pointing downward, this is often a sign of prominent eyes.

These forward-pointing lashes can enhance the wide-open look of prominent eyes, and they can appear particularly striking with coats of mascara, particularly a volumizing one.

Low Eye Socket Depth

Assessing the depth of the eye sockets can also provide clues as to whether you have prominent eyes. 

Prominent eyes typically have less depth in the eye sockets compared to other eye shapes, as the eyeballs protrude more. 

More Forward Than the Brow Bone and the Cheekbones

If your eyes appear to be set more forward than your brow bone and cheekbones, you likely have prominent eyes. 

This characteristic means that your eyes are one of the most forward-set features on your face, which can make them a focal point in your overall appearance.

Round Eye Shape

Prominent eyes often have rounded shapes, adding to their standout appearance.

This roundness can make your eyes look larger and more open, contributing to their prominence. 

Makeup for Prominent Eyes: Application Techniques

Enhancing prominent eyes is all about balance and creating depth.

a beautiful young woman wearing casual dressed and a satin headdress with her soft glam make up perfect for prominent eyes

Here are some awesome must-do makeup tips for prominent eyes that’ll help you out:

Use Matte Eyeshadows

Matte eyeshadows are best for prominent eyes. They absorb light rather than reflect it, creating an illusion of depth and helping visually reduce the protrusion of your eyes.

Apply a darker matte shade on the lid and a medium matte shade on the crease, blending well for a seamless transition.

Choose Shimmery Eyeshadows in Darker Shades

It’s best to be strategic when using shimmery eyeshadows if you have prominent eyes.

Why? Shimmery and metallic eyeshadows in bright shades reflect light, which can call attention to the protrusion of your eyes. 

So instead, go for darker shimmery shades to avoid this effect while adding sparkle to your look. 

Quick Tip

You can also apply light shimmery eyeshadow to the inner corners of your eyes to brighten up your matte eyeshadow.

Darken the Outer Corners

To create a sense of depth and dimension, apply a darker eyeshadow to the outer corners of your eyes.

This technique, often referred to as the “outer V,” can help visually elongate your eyes and balance out their roundness.

In fact, a natural smokey eye can serve as your go-to eye look!

Use a Thick Eyeliner on the Top Lid

Applying a thicker line of eyeliner to the top lid can help make your eyes appear less protruding.

Opt for dark shades like black or brown, and consider a smudged or blended look for a softer effect.

Apply Mascara Strategically

When applying mascara, concentrate more on the outer lashes to create a cat-eye effect, which can make your eyes look elongated rather than round. 

Avoid applying too much mascara to the inner lashes as this can emphasize your eyes’ roundness.

Highlight Selectively

Apply a touch of highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes and the brow bone, but avoid the center of your eyelids. 

Doing this will give your eyes a beautiful glow without making them appear more prominent.

Go for Arched Eyebrows

Your eyebrows play a key role in balancing the look of your face.

One of the key tips for creating the best makeup look for prominent eyes is making the brow more arched, which can help offset the roundness of the eyes. 

You can use an eyebrow pencil or powder to fill in any sparse areas and define your arch. 

Don’ts of Makeup for Prominent Eyes

Knowing what to avoid when applying makeup for round, prominent eyes is as equally important as understanding what to do.

So here are some don’ts you should keep in mind:

Don’t Overdo the Lower Lash Line

Applying heavy eyeliner or mascara on the lower lash line can make your eyes look rounder and more prominent. 

If you want to achieve flattering makeup for prominent eyes, a natural and soft look with a lighter shade of eyeliner and a light coat of mascara is the way to go.

Avoid Bright Colors on the Lid

When choosing eye makeup for prominent eyelids, it’s best to avoid bright, bold colors as they can draw attention and add to the prominence of your eyes. 

It’s better to use these vibrant colors as an accent along the lash line or in the outer corners.

Don’t Neglect Your Brows

Your eyebrows frame your eyes. So if they’re undefined or too thin, they can make your eyes appear more prominent.

Make sure to keep your eyebrows well-groomed and filled in. 

Don’t Skip Blending

Harsh lines and unblended eyeshadow can make your eyes stand out more.

Make sure to blend your eyeshadow well, especially in the creases, for a softer, more balanced look.

a portrait of a beautiful young woman holding a face brush on her chin

How To Do Makeup for Prominent Eyes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Makeup is a skill. And like any skill, it takes time and correct practice to master the steps, especially when you’re using it for a specific purpose like enhancing the appearance of your prominent eyes. 

Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts don’t turn out perfect. Instead, keep on practicing. 

An infographic featuring how to do makeup for prominent eyes a step by step guide

To guide you along the process, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do easy makeup for prominent eyes.

Step 1: Prep Your Eyes

Clean and moisturize your face. 

Then apply primer to your eyelids. This will smooth out imperfections and provide a base for your eyeshadow to stick to, helping it last longer.

Step 2: Apply a Base Eyeshadow Color

Choose a matte eyeshadow that’s close to your skin tone. 

After this, use a high-quality eyeshadow brush like the E.l.f. Fluffy Eye Blender Brush to sweep the base color all over your eyelid, from your lash line up to your brow bone. 

This creates an even canvas for your makeup and helps the other eyeshadow colors to be applied next blend more easily.

Step 3: Apply Dark Eyeshadow to Your Lids

Next, pick a darker, matte eyeshadow. 

Apply this color to your eyelid, stopping at the crease. The dark color helps create a sense of depth, making your eyes appear slightly less prominent.

Use a flat brush such as the Haleys Brilliant Lid Eyeshadow Brush for application, then grab your fluffy blush to gently blend the edges for a smooth transition between the base color and dark color.

Step 4: Apply Medium Eyeshadow to Your Crease

Choose a medium shade that’s slightly darker than your base color but lighter than the dark eyeshadow.

Apply this to your crease, blending it upward and outward with the darker shade on your lid.

This creates a gradient effect and adds depth to your eyes.

Step 5: Apply Highlighter to Your Brow Bone and Your Eye’s Inner Corners

Take a lighter shade or a shimmery eyeshadow. You may also use your favorite highlighter for this step. 

Apply the product to your brow bone and the inner corners of your eyes using a small, precise brush such as the Small Smudge Brush from E.l.f. 

This draws attention to your eyes and adds a touch of brightness to your look.

Step 6: Place a Thick Line of Eyeliner on the Upper Lids

Choose a dark eyeliner, like black or brown, then draw a thick line on your lid starting from the middle and extending it outward.

This makes your eyes appear more attractive and diminish their protrusion. 

On the lower lash line, use a softer line or even a smudged look to avoid making the eyes appear too round.

Step 7: Curl Lashes and Apply Mascara

Curl your lashes with a lash curler if desired, then apply mascara. 

Start with the base of your lashes and wiggle the brush upward for maximum coverage.

Focus on the outer lashes to create a fanned-out effect, which will elongate your eyes. 

Avoid applying too much mascara on the lower lashes; doing this can accentuate the prominence of your eyes.

Step 8: Do Your Brows

Last but not least, frame your face and your eyes with well-groomed brows.

Use an eyebrow pencil or powder to fill in any sparse areas, and make a more arched shape by defining the brow’s outer edges.

Then brush your brows through with a spoolie to blend the product evenly.

Eye Makeup Ideas for Prominent Eyes

There are various makeup styles that you can create to bring out the beauty of your prominent eyes while having fun. 

Here are some ideas that you can experiment with:

Smokey Eyes

Embrace the allure of your prominent eyes by creating a sultry smokey eye look. 

Use a combination of dark, medium, and light eyeshadow shades to create a diffused effect, with the darkest shade concentrated on the outer corner and blended into the crease.

This can add drama to your peepers, and it’s a wonderful makeup idea for both deep-set eyes and prominent eyes.

Bold-Colored Eyeliner

Make a statement by using vibrant-colored eyeliner along the upper lash line. 

Shades like deep blue, emerald green, or rich purple can draw attention to your prominent eyes without emphasizing their protrusion too much.

Winged Eyeliner

Winged eyeliner can elongate the prominent eyes, making them look less round and providing a lifted effect. 

Extend the line slightly beyond the eyes for a subtle wing, or go for a more dramatic wing with a thicker, longer line for special occasions.

Gradient Eyeshadow

Create a gradient effect by using lighter shades on the inner corner and gradually deepening the color toward the outer corner. This technique adds dimension to the eyes. 

a woman with prominent eyes posing at the camera under a yellow background

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Specific Eyeliner Techniques That Flatter Prominent Eyes?

Yes, there are specific eyeliner techniques that can flatter prominent eyes.

Here are a few:

  • TightliningTightlining or applying eyeliner to the upper lash line can add definition to it without overpowering the eyes. 

    This technique enhances the thickness and intensity of the lashes but does not make the eyes appear smaller.
  • Thin to thick eyeliner — Starting with a thin line at the inner corner, gradually thicken the eyeliner as you move toward the outer corner. 

    This technique creates a subtle wing or elongated effect, enhancing the shape of the eyes without overly emphasizing their roundness.
  • Smudges or soft liner — Opt for a softer look by smudging the eyeliner with a smudging brush or cotton swab. This technique creates a smoky effect and softens the line, creating a less harsh look.
  • Extended outer corner — Extend the eyeliner slightly beyond the outer corner of the eye, following the natural shape of the eye. This can create a lifted effect and add balance to the prominence of the eyes.

Are there Specific Makeup Tips for Prominent Eyes Over 50?

Yes, there are specific tips for makeup for prominent eyes if you’re over the age of 50!

Emphasize hydrating and moisturizing the eye area to create a smooth canvas for eye makeup, opt for softer eyeliner shades for a more subtle look, and focus on lengthening and volumizing the lashes with mascara for mature women

Additionally, consider using matte-finish eyeshadows instead of shimmery ones to minimize the emphasis on texture and wrinkles.

These tips can help enhance the natural beauty of the prominent eyes while considering the unique needs and characteristics of mature skin.

Can False Lashes Enhance the Look of Prominent Eyes?

Yes, false eyelashes can enhance the look of prominent eyes by adding volume, length, and definition to the lashes.

They can help create a captivating and eye-opening effect that can attract gazes everywhere you go.

Choosing lashes that are longer in the middle can help maintain a balance and lift the eyes.

Ultimately, false eyelashes can be a great option for individuals with prominent eyes who want to intensify their eye makeup and make their eyes stand out even more.

Individual preferences may vary, so experimenting with different fake lash styles and sizes can help you find the perfect match that enhances your unique peepers.

Your Prominent Eyes Are a Gift, So Experiment Fearlessly!

Makeup for prominent eyes opens up a world of creative possibilities and allows you to embrace and celebrate your unique features.

With the right techniques and tips, you can enhance the natural allure of your eyes, drawing attention to their captivating prominence.

Remember, it’s not about conforming to traditional beauty standards but rather expressing your individuality and confidence.

Our article is just a guide to your path to discovering which makeup techniques work best for you. 

Let your creativity soar as you play with eyeshadows, eyeliners, and mascara to create stunning looks that make your eyes shine.

There are no limits to what you can achieve!

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Authors

  • Janille Gultiano

    Jan, a distinguished freelance makeup artist, also boasts a BA in Mass Communication, laying the foundation for her diverse talents. For over four years, she's carved a niche as a captivating content writer, with her articles resonating in various spheres. Beyond writing, her expertise extends to crafting robust Public Relations and Corporate Communications strategies. Each endeavor reflects Jan's unique blend of creativity and precision

  • Noelia Genov

    Noelia boasts eight years as a professional makeup artist and 6 years mastering skincare. She is a licensed esthetician and makeup artist in New York and her expertise spans from transformative makeup looks to in-depth skincare solutions.

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