Hooded eyes have a unique structure where the skin of the upper eyelid droops over the crease, often making the lid appear smaller or hidden.
While makeup can sometimes be tricky with hooded eyes, mastering the right techniques can make them look larger and more defined.
This guide provides essential makeup tips to enhance hooded eyes and bring out their natural beauty.
1. Start with an Eye Primer
Using an eye primer is essential for hooded eyes to prevent eyeshadow from smudging or creasing.
The natural fold of hooded eyes can cause makeup to transfer or fade more quickly, so a primer creates a base that keeps makeup in place.
Tip: Apply a thin layer of primer across the entire lid, extending up to the brow bone, to ensure long-lasting wear.
2. Contour the Crease Higher
For hooded eyes, the natural crease can disappear when your eyes are open. To create the illusion of a larger lid space, apply eyeshadow slightly above your natural crease.
Tip: Use a matte transition shade and blend it above your actual crease line. This technique creates a new crease effect and adds depth, making your eyes appear more open.
3. Choose Lighter Shades for the Lid
Light shades on the eyelid can help reflect light and make the eye appear larger. Stick to neutral or shimmer shades to create a brightening effect.
Tip: Apply a light shimmer or matte shade to the center and inner portion of your lid. This draws attention to the eye and makes the lid space seem larger.
4. Define with Eyeliner Carefully
Hooded eyes can make eyeliner tricky, as thick lines can easily get lost under the fold of the lid.
Opt for thin, precise lines to keep your eyes looking defined but not overwhelmed.
Tip: Start with a thin line as close to the lash line as possible. If you want to add a wing, create a small flick that extends outward and slightly upward, avoiding a downward slant that can make the eyes appear droopy.
5. Tightline for Subtle Definition
Tightlining, or lining the upper waterline, can make lashes appear fuller without taking up any visible lid space.
This technique adds definition without the risk of the liner disappearing under the hood.
Tip: Use a waterproof pencil liner to gently line the upper waterline. This will create a fuller lash line and enhance your eyes without a heavy liner look.
6. Accentuate the Outer Corners
Adding depth to the outer corners of the eyes can lift and widen hooded eyes. Use a darker shade to create dimension and focus attention on the outer V.
Tip: Apply a dark matte shadow to the outer corner of the lid and blend it upward and outward to lift the eye. Make sure to blend well to avoid harsh lines.
7. Highlight the Brow Bone
Highlighting under the brow bone can create the illusion of a lifted eye. Use a light, matte or slightly shimmery shade for a subtle lift.
Tip: Apply the highlighter just under the highest part of your brow and blend it outwards. Avoid overusing shimmer, as too much can look unnatural.
8. Curl Lashes and Apply Mascara
Curling your lashes and applying mascara helps open up hooded eyes and make them appear more awake.
Focus on volumizing and lengthening mascaras to create the illusion of larger eyes.
Tip: Use an eyelash curler before applying mascara, and make sure to get close to the lash line for the most lift. Apply two coats of mascara, focusing on the outer lashes to create a cat-eye effect.
9. Add Lashes Strategically
False lashes can add volume and drama to hooded eyes, but choosing the right style is essential. Avoid overly thick lashes that can make the eyes look smaller.
Tip: Opt for wispy, natural lashes that are longer on the outer corners. This helps lift the eye and enhance its shape without covering too much of the lid.
10. Keep the Lower Lash Line Simple
Hooded eyes can benefit from subtle definition on the lower lash line to balance the look. Use a soft brown or neutral shade for a more natural effect.
Tip: Lightly smudge a neutral or dark brown eyeshadow along the lower lash line and blend well. Finish with a coat of mascara on the lower lashes to complete the look.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Thick Eyeliner Lines: Thick lines can disappear under the fold, making the eyes look smaller. Keep lines thin and precise.
- Overuse of Dark Shades: Dark eyeshadows over the entire lid can make hooded eyes appear smaller. Focus dark shades only on the outer corners.
- Skipping Primer: Hooded eyes are prone to creasing, so never skip primer if you want your makeup to last.
Bonus Tips for a Perfect Look:
- Try Monochromatic Looks: Sticking to one color family can create a cohesive and flattering look.
- Experiment with Different Textures: Matte, satin, and shimmer shades can all work on hooded eyes when used strategically.
Makeup for hooded eyes requires some special techniques, but with practice, you can create beautiful looks that enhance and define your unique eye shape.
By using the right products and methods, you can ensure your makeup stays in place and your eyes appear larger, more lifted, and more awake.
Embrace your eye shape and have fun experimenting with these tips to find what works best for you.
