The 2017-2023 eye makeup technique placing shimmery highlight in inner eye corners to brighten, wake up eyes, and create dimension, becoming essential step in most eye looks from natural to glam.
Origins
Inner corner highlight gained mainstream adoption in April 2017:
- Professional technique: Makeup artists’ brightening trick
- Instagram tutorials: Step-by-step demonstrations
- Universal flattery: Works on all eye shapes, skin tones
- Quick transformation: Instant eye-opening effect
The simple technique delivered significant impact—bright-eyed appearance with minimal effort.
The Technique
Simple application:
- Choose light, shimmery product (white, champagne, gold)
- Apply to inner corner of eye (tear duct area)
- Blend slightly upward and outward
- Layer for intensity
- Optional: Extend slightly into inner lower lash line
The placement strategically caught light—eyes appeared larger, more awake.
Product Types
Various formulas worked:
Powder highlighters:
- Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector (Pearl)
- Stila Kitten Eyeshadow
- Maybelline Eye Studio
Cream/liquid:
- Glossier Haloscope
- Colourpop Super Shock Highlighter
- NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil (Milk)
Dedicated inner corner products:
- Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips
- Laura Mercier Caviar Stick (Rose Gold)
The product choice depended on desired intensity and blending preference.
Color Choices
Shade selection mattered:
Fair skin:
- White, icy pink, pale champagne
- Creates stark contrast
Medium skin:
- Champagne, peachy gold, soft pink
- Warm, luminous
Deep skin:
- Gold, bronze, copper
- Rich, metallic
Universal:
- Champagne/rose gold (most flattering across tones)
The right shade enhanced rather than looked chalky or ashy.
Integration with Eye Looks
Inner corner highlight completed various styles:
Natural makeup:
- Subtle champagne (barely-there glow)
- Wakes up eyes without drama
Glam/evening:
- Bright white or gold (maximum impact)
- Balances smoky eye darkness
Colorful looks:
- Contrasting highlight (dimension)
- Transition between colors
No-makeup makeup:
- Just mascara + inner corner highlight
- Quick eye-brightening trick
The versatility made it universal step.
Eye-Enlarging Effect
Optical illusion created:
- Light placement draws eye outward
- Contrast with darker outer corner
- Creates width appearance
- Eyes seem more open, alert
The technique especially beneficial for:
- Small eyes
- Close-set eyes
- Tired-looking eyes
- Aging eyes (brightening)
Pairing with Other Techniques
Often combined with:
- Lower lash line shimmer (cohesive glow)
- Under-eye brightening concealer
- Outer corner darkening (dimension)
- Brow bone highlight (lifted look)
The inner corner highlight one component of eye-brightening strategy.
Common Mistakes
Application errors:
- Too much product (glitter bomb)
- Wrong undertone (ashy or orange)
- Blending too far (loses precision)
- Using on very hooded eyes (gets hidden)
Corrections:
- Build gradually (layers)
- Test undertones (warm vs. cool)
- Precise placement (corner only)
- Adjust for eye shape
Hooded Eye Adaptations
Technique modifications needed:
- Place slightly lower (under hood)
- Use matte or subtle shimmer (less creasing)
- Avoid very chunky glitter
- Keep placement minimal
Hooded eyes required adjusted application to remain visible.
Staying Power
Inner corner highlight achieved permanence:
- 690 million+ views (2017-2023+)
- Routine integration (not trend)
- Taught in all makeup tutorials
- Professional standard technique
By 2023, inner corner highlight was as automatic as mascara—expected step in eye makeup.
Legacy
Inner corner highlight demonstrated how simple, professional techniques could become mainstream makeup basics through social media tutorial culture.
Sources:
- Allure: “How to Apply Inner Corner Highlight” (2018)
- Byrdie: “Best Inner Corner Highlighters” (2019)
- Makeup.com: “The Inner Corner Highlight Trick” (2017)