When trying to choose the best eye makeup for small eyes, it is important to keep in mind that in this case, less is more. Thickly lining the eyes with dark eyeliner, or applying a great deal of eyeshadow to the lid will simply make the eyes look smaller, and like you are wearing too much makeup. Instead, you want to use makeup to give the appearance that the eyes are bright, big, and open, and this requires a slightly different technique. The tools you will need to get the best eye makeup for small eyes typically include a few lighter shades of eyeshadow, including one "primer" color for a base; use liquid or pencil eyeliner, and mascara, as well as an eyelash curler.
Makeup experts generally recommend first applying a "base color" all over the eyelid, which is simply a skin-toned shade that creates a smooth palette for applying the rest of the makeup. You will probably also want to use eyeliner when looking for the best eye makeup for small eyes; unless you have very dark eyes and lashes, you may want to avoid black eyeliner, and go with a dark brown, dark grey, or navy blue instead. Line the eyes starting from approximately the middle of the lashes, right above and below the pupil, and out to the edge.
Applying eyeliner this way, rather than lining the entire eye, will help the eyes to look prettier and more defined without making them look smaller. When selecting the best eye makeup for small eyes, it is a good idea to choose a light, shimmery eyeshadow to use for highlights. This can be applied very lightly on the brow bone, just under the eyebrows, and in the inner corner of the eyes. It will immediately make the eyes look brighter and bigger. Some people don't use any eyeshadow on the lid, and others choose to apply a light color just above the eyeliner; this is up to you.
Mascara is the final touch when selecting eye makeup for small eyes. Again, choosing a dark brown, or brownish black color, can look more natural than a very dark black color, depending on your personal skin tone and hair color. Curling the eyelashes first with an eyelash curler can also help to make the eyes look bigger and more open. As a general rule, it is a good idea to apply mascara on the upper and bottom lashes; some people find that selecting mascara designed to curl the eyelashes can be beneficial as well.