The Overlooked Makeup Technique For Brighter, Wider Eyes

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Of all the staples in our makeup collections, eyeliner is a product most of us can't live without. Just one pencil can instantly transform your eyes into a sultry, smoky gaze or give you elongated peepers with a fierce wing drawn at the ends. Many rely on black shades or have embraced brown eyeliner for a more natural look, leaving white frequently overlooked as a makeup MVP. As a trained makeup artist who has worked in the industry for over a decade, I can firmly attest that many pros use white eyeliner to open up the eyes or hide redness.

While waterproof black eyeliner is used to tightline your eyes all over, white looks best on your lower waterline. If you've had a late night or want to make your eyes look wider, simply swipe a white liner along the inside of your lower lids. Be sure to do this after you've applied your eyeshadow and mascara, as you don't want to disturb your handiwork. If you're going to tightline your upper lid with black liner (I recommend the Laura Mercier Caviar Tightline Eyeliner in Tuxedo), blink a few times to get the excess color off, remove any residue on your lower waterline with a Q-tip, and then apply the white liner. This is just one technique to brighten up your eyes, but once you've mastered the basics, there are other ways to utilize your white liner to look fresh-faced.

White eyeliner isn't just for tightlining your lower lids — it can also be used as a highlighter for your features, such as the inner corners of your eyes, to make them appear even wider. This is especially helpful if you have deep-set eyes, as the bright color will bring them forward. Using a light hand, smudge the tip of your pencil right outside the tear duct and gently blend the color into your inner corners with your finger so that there are no harsh edges. You can also use a small eyeshadow brush for a more precise application.

To further bring out your eyes, swipe the liner just under your brows, being sure to blend it along your brow bone. Don't just limit yourself to a matte finish, either. Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Yeyo is a metallic white that has a slight shimmer for that ethereal glow. Plus, it's waterproof, making it perfect for tightlining. Try a bit along the bridge and tip of your nose, as well as your Cupid's bow. Any feature you want to highlight is fair game. Once you realize how much of a powerhouse white eyeliner is, you'll never go back.

Laura Mercier and Urban Decay are highly recognized by makeup wearers and artists, with both brands' products delivering exceptional results. I've personally used both and can attest that their cosmetics are long-lasting and have great pigment. The liners I chose are pricier than drugstore brands, with Urban Decay's at $23 and Laura Mercier's at $29, but I think they're worth the splurge if you need a smudge-proof eyeliner that lasts all day. Plus, both come in several colors, so if you love my recommendations, you can stock up on myriad fun shades with which to experiment.