Shipping to CANADA unavailable due to Canada Post strike. USA customers - Australia Post has resumed shipping to the USA, however we are currently unable to automatically calculate the tariff amount on the website. Contact us for an order / quote.
October 13, 2025
A little shimmer in the right place can completely transform your look. One of the quickest and most effective tricks is to add a touch of light or colour to the inner corners of your eyes. This small detail instantly brightens and opens up the eyes, making them appear bigger and fresher. It is a technique that requires very little effort but delivers maximum payoff.
The inner corner highlight, sometimes called a tear duct accent, is more than just a clever illusion. It has become one of the key trends for 2025. Celebrities such as Zendaya have shown how striking this detail can be. Her choice of a vivid purple accent made her eyes the star of her look, showing how easily one shade can refresh an entire makeup style.
Whether you want a soft, pearly glow for everyday wear or a playful pop of colour for something bolder, this trend is versatile enough to suit everyone. From pearlescent shades that give a gentle lift to daring neon pigments or even tiny rhinestones, there is a style of inner eye accent for every mood and occasion.
The inner corners of the eyes naturally sit in shadow. By adding brightness there, you immediately create the illusion of wider, more open eyes. It is a trick that works on all ages and eye shapes, and this year the beauty world is embracing it more than ever.
For 2025, there are three directions that stand out. First, shimmering accents in pearlescent or chrome-like finishes that give a clean, modern glow. Second, pops of colour such as olive green, bordeaux or burnt terracotta, which tie beautifully into seasonal palettes. Finally, decorative gems or pearls that echo runway looks and bring a touch of fashion-forward drama to everyday makeup.
To create this look at home, you will need a few reliable products. A cream highlighter or shimmer pencil is ideal for everyday wear, while finely milled metallic powders give more of an evening effect. It is best to avoid chunky craft glitter near the eyes, as it is not designed for safe use. Always look for products that are labelled as suitable for the eye area.
A small detail brush or pencil brush is perfect for placing the product exactly where you want it. Cotton tips and remover pads are useful for tidying up edges if you make a mistake. To complete the look, pair your inner corner highlight with lashes that complement rather than hide your work. Half-lashes or outer clusters from MODELROCK are excellent choices as they keep the inner corner visible.
The beauty of the inner corner highlight is that you can adapt it to different occasions. The following steps can adapt from an everyday brightening effect to extra glam for those special occasions.
After completing your face makeup and eyebrows, add an eyeshadow base or concealer on the eye lids and inner corner to create a ‘blank canvas’ to work on. Lightly set this with your favourite translucent powder. If you are working with pastel shades, we recommend using a very light-coloured eyeshadow base or concealer on the inner corner. Using a lighter base will make the pastel shades opaquer.
Next, tap a pearly champagne or ivory shadow into the inner corner. Blend gently into the lid and just along the lower lash line so the glow looks seamless and natural.
If you want to make more of a statement, choose a pastel or jewel-toned shade. Mint green, lilac, chartreuse or cobalt blue work beautifully. Press the colour right at the inner V of the eye, keeping the rest of your lid neutral so the accent really stands out.
Sometimes I use the shade ‘FEELING X-TRA’ from our PARTY POP EYESHADOW PALETTE which is a deep purple. Concentrate this on the inner corner and feather the shade out slightly to create a seamless blend. Remember, adding colour is easier than taking it away. So, build your shade up slowly to the desired intensity as these eyeshadows have a rich buildable colour-payoff. I then used the shade ‘SOFT ORCHID’ from our HOT & SNATCHED FACE PALETTE to further blend out the deep purple using the same brush.
For evening, a wet-look chrome effect can look striking. Begin with a cream pencil to give the product something to cling to, then press a fine metallic shimmer over the top. The result is mirrored and modern, perfect for nights out.
One of the best things about an inner corner highlight is how adaptable it is. With a little adjustment, it can flatter any eye shape. If your eyes are close set, go for a bright or light shade in the corner to create more visual space between them. For wider set eyes, keep the accent soft and sheer so the eyes do not appear even further apart.
If you have hooded or almond-shaped eyes, place the highlight slightly higher onto the crease fold so it remains visible when your eyes are open. Those with deep-set eyes should stick to luminous textures rather than heavy glitters, which can fall into shadow. Blending a soft shimmer along the lower inner rim (on the skin, not the waterline) also helps to bring light forward.
Because the inner corner of the eye is such a delicate area, safety is essential. Always choose cosmetic-grade products that are clearly labelled as safe for the eye area. Some pigments approved for use on the face are not suitable for use around the eyes, so it is worth checking the packaging. Loose craft glitter should never be used as the particles can scratch or irritate.
If you have sensitive eyes, patch test new products before wearing them for a full day. Should any irritation occur, remove the product straight away and rinse with water. Using latex-free lash adhesives, like those from MODELROCK, can also help reduce sensitivity when adding rhinestones or pearls.
The right false lashes can make your inner corner accent shine even more. Cluster lashes or half styles are a wonderful option as they lift the outer corners without covering the tear duct area. If you prefer a full strip, look for styles with a clear band and a tapered inner edge so they do not cast a shadow over your highlight.
Finish your look with latex-free adhesive for comfortable wear and remove lashes gently with remover pads. This will not only protect your natural lashes but also keep your delicate inner corner makeup intact if you plan to reapply later.
If you are short on time, an inner corner highlight still works beautifully. For a one-minute glow, simply tap a cream pearl shade into the corners and follow with mascara. For a desk-to-dinner refresh, sweep a soft bronze over your lids, add a champagne accent in the inner corner and finish with outer corner lash clusters. If you are feeling playful, keep your lid neutral and add a pop of colour like olive, mauve or pumpkin orange to the inner corners for something eye-catching but wearable.
It is easy to get carried away with shimmer, but too much can look harsh or frosty. If that happens, switch to a more sheer formula and soften the edges with your fingertip. Watery eyes can also disrupt makeup in this area, so try to keep the product just outside the tear duct opening and lightly set the surrounding skin with translucent powder.
Another common mistake is choosing a colour that clashes with your lid shade. A simple rule is to pair gold with warm browns, silver or mint with taupes and greys, and lilac or mauve with pink-toned shadows. This way the highlight looks intentional and polished.
It is a small detail placed at the tear duct area using shimmer, colour or embellishment. Apply with a small brush, blending gently into the lid for a natural finish.
For a subtle highlight, tap a pearly shadow into the corner. For rhinestones or pearls, dot on a little brush-on lash adhesive and place carefully with tweezers.
Eye-safe cream pencils and finely milled shimmers are excellent as they adhere well and blend without fallout.
Yes. Opt for luminous creams rather than chunky glitter, which can accentuate texture.
Only if they are clearly labelled as eye safe. Always check the packaging before use.
Adding an inner eye accent is one of the simplest ways to bring light and personality into your makeup. Whether you prefer a soft champagne shimmer for daily wear or a bold jewel-toned pop for special occasions, this trend works for everyone. The best part is that it only takes a few seconds to apply, yet the effect lasts all day.
