This easy drawing tutorial shows how to draw cute cartoon eyes step by step. We will build each eye with simple curves and ovals. Take your time, and enjoy this drawing for beginners.

What You Will Need

• Pencil
• Eraser
• Black pen or marker (optional)
• Plain paper
• Coloring tools (optional)

Here are my RECOMMENDED Art Supplies!

• Crayola Coloring Set (140 Pieces – Mega Value!)
• 24 Colored Crayon Set
• A4 Printer Paper
• Crayola Coloring Pencils
• HP Home Printer with Instant Ink!

Time needed:

10 minutes.

Step-by-Step Drawing Guide

Step 1: Start the Upper Eyelid Curve

Start near the upper-right area and sketch a short, smooth arc. Let the line look like a tiny crescent. Keep both ends gently tapered.

Pro Tip: Use a light stroke first, then darken the curve later.

Step 2: Thicken the Upper Lid and Add Lashes

Add a longer curved line just beneath the first to form a thick upper eyelid. On the outer right edge, sketch three small lashes that flick outward. Keep the lashes like short leaf shapes.

Pro Tip: Attach each lash to the lid edge so it does not float.

Step 3: Draw the Lower Eyelid Curve

Sketch a big, rounded curve underneath to begin closing the eye shape. Add two tiny lower lashes near the outer lower edge. Let the bottom line feel softer than the top.

Pro Tip: Keep the lower curve wide and gentle for a friendly look.

Step 4: Add the Iris Oval and Highlight

Inside the eye, draw a large vertical oval for the iris. Place a small circle near the upper-left of the iris for a highlight. Leave that highlight unshaded.

Pro Tip: Keep the highlight slightly away from the iris edge for depth.

Step 5: Begin the Second Eye’s Upper Lid

On the left side, sketch a short upper lid arc that matches the first eye’s tilt. Leave a comfortable space between the two eyes for the nose bridge area. Aim for similar size and angle.

Pro Tip: Compare the two arcs often so they feel like a pair.

Step 6: Thicken the Left Upper Lid and Add Lashes

Add a longer parallel curve under the left arc to create lid thickness. On the outer left edge, draw a few lashes that flick outward. Keep the lash style consistent with the first eye.

Pro Tip: Make the outer lashes slightly longer than the inner ones.

Step 7: Complete the Left Eye Outline

Draw a rounded lower curve to close the left eye shape. Add two small lower lashes near the outer bottom edge. Keep the bottom line smooth and open-looking.

Pro Tip: Leave enough white space so the eye feels bright and open.

Step 8: Add the Left Iris and Highlight

Draw a large iris oval inside the left eye, matching the first iris size. Add the small highlight circle in the same upper-left position. This keeps the lighting consistent across both eyes.

Pro Tip: Match highlight placement to make both eyes sparkle together.

Step 9: Draw the Eyebrows and Refine Line Weight

Above each eye, sketch a curved eyebrow like a soft leaf shape. Make the inner brow slightly thicker and taper toward the outer end. Adjust any uneven line thickness on lids and lashes.

Pro Tip: Leave a small gap between brows and eyes so the face looks relaxed.

Step 10: Color in your drawing!

Fun Facts

• Big irises and clear highlights are a simple way to show “cute” expression.
• Thicker upper eyelids make eyes look more stylized and readable.
• Matching highlights helps both eyes feel like they share one light source.

Pin it now, Draw later!

You now have a pair of cute cartoon eyes with lashes, irises, and eyebrows. For coloring, shade the iris darker at the top and lighter near the bottom. Add a soft gray shadow under the upper lid for extra depth. A common beginner mistake is placing the two eyes at different angles, so check the lid curves before inking. Keep practicing how to draw cute cartoon eyes step by step, and try changing lash length or eyebrow shape for new expressions.

Get the FREE Printable Drawing Guide

FREE Download Printable Anime Eyes Drawing Tutorial

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the eyes look cuter?

Make the irises larger and keep the lower eyelid curve very soft. Add a clean highlight and avoid sharp corners.

Why do my two eyes look uneven?

They may be different sizes or tilted differently. Lightly sketch both upper lid arcs first, then adjust before darkening.

Do I have to draw pupils?

You can, but you do not have to. A simple iris with a highlight can still look expressive in an easy drawing tutorial.