Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía's simple mascara trick made their eyes look instantly bigger at the World Cup final

Spain's victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup wasn't the only thing turning heads at MetLife Stadium. As King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia cheered on La Roja in New York, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía stepped out with nearly identical beauty looks that perfectly captured effortless summer elegance.

Wearing subtle touches of red in support of the national team, the royal sisters appeared every bit as excited as the thousands of Spanish fans celebrating their country's second World Cup title. 

© NurPhoto

But beyond their coordinated fashion choices, it was their polished yet natural makeup that caught attention, especially one surprisingly simple mascara technique that creates the illusion of bigger, more open eyes.

Soft waves and sun-kissed makeup:

Leonor and Sofía embraced a fresh, glowing complexion that complemented the celebratory atmosphere. Their radiant skin was paired with loose, natural waves styled from the mid-lengths to the ends, creating an effortlessly polished finish.

© Europa Press Sports

Their makeup followed the popular monochromatic trend that has become a summer favorite. Warm terracotta tones were blended across the cheeks, forehead and eyelids, giving both royals a naturally sun-kissed appearance while keeping the overall look soft and cohesive.

© FRANCK FIFE

A toasted brown eyeshadow added subtle definition to the crease, enhancing their eyes without overpowering the rest of the makeup. The universally flattering shade works beautifully on every eye color, making it one of the easiest ways to create depth while maintaining a natural finish.

The mascara trick that makes eyes appear larger:

One of the standout details of both sisters' beauty looks was their focus on the eyes. Their brows were brushed upward, following their natural arch to create a lifted effect, but the real secret was found in their mascara application.

© Carlos Alvarez

Rather than limiting mascara to the upper lashes, both Leonor and Sofía also applied it to their lower lashes, a technique that instantly makes the eyes appear larger and more awake.

© Paolo Blocco

Instead of sweeping the wand horizontally as you would on the top lashes, the trick is to use the tip of the mascara brush and gently tap color onto the lower lashes. Just three or four light touches are enough. The goal isn't dramatic length or volume but simply to add definition that subtly reshapes and opens the eye.

A universally flattering summer beauty look:

The sisters completed their makeup with natural, hydrated lips in soft nude tones, skipping heavy lip liner in favor of a fresh finish that feels especially suited to warmer weather.

© Europa Press Sports

Combined with luminous skin, softly bronzed eyes and cheeks, natural waves and the clever lower-lash mascara technique, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía's coordinated beauty looks proved that sometimes the most effective makeup tricks are also the simplest.

Their appearance in New York offered the perfect inspiration for anyone looking to recreate an elegant, effortless royal beauty look this summer.