
It is not always easy to apply makeup especially when you have hooded eyes but with the right techniques, you can come up with beautiful eye makeup that makes your eyes look larger and well defined. Hooded eyes have a structure where an extra layer of skin covers the eyelid area, in some cases making it hard to reveal the eye makeup. Still, it is possible to work around this and make the most of your eye shape to achieve confident and daring eyeshadow looks.
In this blog, I will share some important tips and tricks for makeup for hooded eyes. No matter how much you have hooding or folds, the following techniques will come in handy to you in making your eyes look bigger and brighter.

What Are Hooded Eyes?
Hooded eyes refer to a specific eye shape where the eyelid is partially covered by the skin of the brow bone, creating a “hood” over the eyes. This happens when the skin on the upper eyelid droops slightly or folds over, often resulting in less visible eyelid space when your eyes are open. Hooded eyes are a common eye shape that many people naturally have, but they can also occur as we age, when the skin loses elasticity.
While hooded eyes may seem tricky to work with when it comes to makeup, they offer an opportunity to experiment with creative techniques that can accentuate their beauty.
1. Prime Your Eyelids for Long-Lasting Makeup
One of the most important steps in creating a flawless eye makeup look on hooded eyes is to prime your eyelids before applying any makeup. Since hooded eyes tend to experience more creasing and oil buildup, a good eye primer will help prevent your eyeshadow from fading, smudging, or settling into fine lines.
Look for a mattifying primer or one specifically designed to hold eyeshadow in place. Apply it to your eyelids and wait a minute for it to set. This will give your makeup a smooth base, ensuring that it stays intact throughout the day.
2. Choose Eyeshadows That Work with Hooded Eyes
When selecting eyeshadow colors for hooded eyes, it’s important to choose shades that complement your eye shape and create depth. Here are some tips:
Matte Shadows for Definition
The matte eyeshadows are the best type of eyeshadows for hooded eyes because they help to enhance the shadow area without enhancing the natural creases. First of all, you should apply a base of a neutral matte shade on your eyelid. This will help in smoothing out the skin tone and would act as a perfect base for other eyeshadows.
Shimmery Shadows for the Upper Lid
While matte shadows work best on the crease and lower lid, using shimmery or satin eyeshadows on the eyelid can add dimension and create the illusion of a larger eye. Be sure to apply shimmer on the mobile part of your lid, avoiding the crease area, so that it doesn’t get hidden behind the hood.
Avoid Applying Dark Shadows Too Low
If you have hooded eyes, avoid applying dark eyeshadows directly on your eyelid, as it will only further close off the space. Instead, apply darker shades above the crease, focusing on the outer corner of the eye and blending upwards. This will help lift the eyes and make them look more open.
3. The Cut Crease Technique
One of the best makeup techniques for hooded eyes is the cut crease, which involves creating a defined line in the crease of the eye to make it appear more prominent. This technique can be especially helpful if you want to make your eyes appear larger and more defined.
Here’s how to do it:
- Apply a Base: Start by applying a neutral shade or a matte shadow to the eyelid.
- Create the Cut Crease: Using a concealer or a light, matte shade, draw a line above your natural crease, following the hooded area. Blend this line outwards to create a sharp contrast between the lid and the crease.
- Add Depth: Once your cut crease is in place, add darker eyeshadow to the outer corners to create depth. This will help to elongate the eyes.
- Blend the Crease: Blend the edges of the crease shadow and the lid to ensure there are no harsh lines.
The cut crease technique visually opens the eyes and gives them a larger, more defined appearance.
4. Use an Eyeliner That Enhances Hooded Eyes
When it comes to eyeliner, the goal is to make your eyes appear more open and defined without weighing them down. Hooded eyes can sometimes make it challenging to apply eyeliner, as the eyeliner may transfer to the upper lid or get lost in the folds. Here are some tips for applying eyeliner on hooded eyes:
Winged Liner for Lifted Eyes
Wearing a classic winged eyeliner can also contribute to the deception of lifted eyes and the give eyes a more tapered look. When lining the eyes, avoid putting the line liner and right try on to the drag lash the liner outwards from the corner. This will work to make the eyes appear upper is wider lash advisable and line to well and use chiseled.
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Tightlining
Tightlining is the technique of applying eyeliner to the waterline of your upper lashes, which creates the illusion of fuller, more defined lashes. This subtle technique is particularly effective for hooded eyes as it adds depth without overwhelming the eye shape.
5. Focus on Your Lower Lashes
Hooded eyes tend to have more emphasis on the upper lid, but the lower lashes can also help balance the look. Consider adding definition to your lower lash line to create symmetry and make your eyes appear larger. Here are some ideas:
Smudged Lower Lash Line
Use a small, angled brush to apply a soft, matte eyeshadow to your lower lash line. This will give your eyes a natural definition without the heavy look of eyeliner. Smudge it out gently for a softer effect.
Mascara on Lower Lashes
Don’t forget to apply mascara to your lower lashes! This step helps to open up the eyes, giving them a more doll-like appearance. Apply a coat of mascara to the lower lashes, but be careful not to overdo it to avoid smudging.
6. Brow Shape Matters
Your eyebrows play an essential role in accentuating hooded eyes. A well-defined brow shape can help lift the eye area, giving it a more open and awake look. Make sure to groom your eyebrows and fill in any sparse areas with a brow pencil or powder. A slightly arched brow will complement hooded eyes by lifting the whole eye area.
7. False Lashes or Lash Extensions
For more dramatic hooded eyes, one can also wear false lashes or False opt lashes for are lash a extensions. great way to increase the volume as well as the length of your natural lashes and in turn give a more dramatic look. When choosing false lashes, opt for the ones that in are the longer middle as this will help to make the eyes look larger.
Also, lash extensions serve will the same purpose of having long and voluminous lashes without having to go through the process of putting on false lashes daily. Avoid straight and flat styles and opt for more voluminous lashes that will give a fanned out appearance to the center of the eyes.