Don't apply eye cream, especially a silicone- or oil-based one, all over your eyelid during the day; it can make your lids look oily and break down your eye makeup. Instead, pat eye cream on the brow bone and under-eye area for day and apply all over while you sleep.

If your smoky eye looks too harsh, try using brown or gray eyeshadow instead of black for a similar yet softer effect. (Extra tip: Apply the smoky eye first, then your foundation. This avoids smudging from eye shadow dust.)

Lining your eyes all the way around does not always make them look smaller. In fact, it can make them look bigger -- just create a slight cat eye to lift up the outer edges or smudge your liner outward with a smudge brush. Pair with a nude, glossy lip.

Priming your eyelid gives it a smoother surface, which looks better. Use eyelid primer, concealer or foundation, and then set with a very light dusting of loose powder and blend outward with a brush. (Extra tip: Use this trick when you're in a hurry to brighten eyes without full eye makeup.)

Line the inner rims of your eyelids with navy blue or white eyeliner. The effect will instantly brighten the whites of your eyes.