The Eye Framing Makeup Technique: The Easy Way to Contour Your Eyes

Ever looked in the mirror and thought, my eyes just need a little something.. but a full-on smoky eye feels like too much? That’s where eye framing (aka eye contouring) comes in. It’s the low-maintenance way to add soft definition to your eyes without looking overly done. Think of it as contouring for your eyes, but way easier.

With just a swipe of the right eyeshadow, a good mascara, and some brow magic, you can make your eyes look more awake, lifted, and subtly sculpted in under five minutes.

How to Contour Your Eyes Like a Pro (Without Being One)

Step 1: Pick the Perfect Shade

The secret to eye framing? Choosing a shade that’s one or two shades deeper than your skin tone for a natural-looking depth. A matte or satin finish works best—nothing too shimmery. Laura Mercier’s Caviar Stick Eye Shadow Matte's formula glides on effortlessly and blends like a dream. 

• If you have a fair to light skin tone: try Au Naturel (a natural beige) or Caramel (a neutral light brown).

• If you have a medium to deep skin tone: try Sepia (a warm medium brown) or Dark Cacao (a dark red brown).

Step 2: Swipe and Smudge

This is where the magic happens, and it couldn’t be easier. Instead of drawing a harsh crease, lightly dot your Caviar Stick along your crease and outer corner (think soft flicks) instead of a solid line. Then, blend it out with your fingertip or a fluffy eye crease brush for a subtle, natural shadow effect.

Want a little extra definition? Add a few dots along your lower lash line and smudge them out for an effortlessly sultry look. It’s soft, diffused, and never too heavy.

Step 3: Lash Curl = Instant Lift

A quick lash curl makes all the difference. Follow up with Laura Mercier’s Caviar Extravagant Mascara to lock in the lift and add extra volume without smudges or clumps. 

Step 4: Frame with Brows

Your brows are like the picture frame for your eyes, so don’t skip them! Use Laura Mercier’s Eye Brow Pencil in your eyebrow shade to lightly fill in sparse areas, then brush them up for a lifted, polished look.

Why You’ll Love Eye Contouring

This foolproof technique is perfect for those no-makeup makeup days when you want to look effortlessly put together. It enhances your natural eye shape without looking like you tried too hard. So, the next time you’re in a rush (or just not in the mood for a full eyeshadow routine), grab your Caviar Eye Shadow, swipe, smudge, and go!