Feb
Beauty
The Best Makeup Techniques for Hooded Eyes
Hooded eyes present a unique canvas for makeup application, requiring specific techniques to enhance and define their shape. When the natural fold of the eyelid partially or completely covers the mobile lid, it can make traditional eyeshadow and liner placement more challenging. However, with the right methods, hooded eyes can look beautifully lifted, defined, and more open. Mastering these techniques ensures that makeup stays visible, smudge-free, and enhances the natural beauty of the eyes.
Identifying Hooded Eyes
Before diving into makeup techniques, it’s essential to determine if you have hooded eyes. This eye shape is characterized by excess skin folding over the crease, often making the eyelid space appear smaller. Some people have naturally hooded eyes, while others develop them with age as skin loses elasticity. Recognizing this trait allows you to tailor your makeup approach for the best results. A quick way to check is by looking straight into a mirror—if most or all of your mobile lid is hidden, you likely have hooded eyes.
Prepping the Eyes for Makeup
Preparation is key to ensuring eye makeup lasts longer and doesn’t smudge or transfer. Since hooded eyes tend to have more contact between the upper lid and lash line, creasing and smudging can be common issues.
Start by applying a high-quality eye primer to create a smooth base and prevent natural oils from breaking down eyeshadow and eyeliner. This step is particularly crucial because the extra fold can cause makeup to fade quickly. Once the primer is in place, set it with a translucent powder or a skin-toned eyeshadow to lock it in and provide a better surface for blending. Setting this base minimizes the likelihood of creasing and helps maintain the vibrancy of colors throughout the day.
For an even longer-lasting look, use an eyeshadow base in a neutral shade. This enhances color payoff and gives an extra layer of longevity to your look. Choosing waterproof and long-wearing formulas for eyeliners and eyeshadows is crucial in keeping your look intact throughout the day. Since hooded eyes have limited lid space, the goal is to maximize the impact of each product without it transferring or fading.
Eyeshadow Techniques for Hooded Eyes
With hooded eyes, strategic eyeshadow placement can create the illusion of larger, more lifted eyes. Since the natural crease is often hidden, defining a new crease slightly above the natural fold enhances the eye shape. Using a medium-toned matte eyeshadow and a fluffy blending brush, softly define this new crease, blending slightly upward toward the brow bone while avoiding going too high. Keeping the color gradient soft and diffused prevents harsh lines and maintains a natural look.
To lift the outer corners, apply a slightly darker shade to the outer V of the eye and blend it upward in a subtle wing shape. This elongates the eyes and counteracts any sagging appearance. Avoid dragging eyeshadow downward, as this can make the eyes look smaller or more closed off. Brightening the inner corner with a shimmery champagne or light gold shade further opens up the eyes. If your eyes are deep-set, opt for a satin finish rather than overly shimmery textures to prevent emphasizing any shadows.
A halo eye technique also works beautifully on hooded eyes by adding dimension to the lid. Apply a darker shade to the inner and outer thirds of the lid while leaving the center bare. Tapping a bright shimmer or metallic shade onto the center creates a spotlight effect that enhances the lid space, making it appear larger. Blending seamlessly ensures a balanced, polished look.
Another effective technique is the gradient effect, which uses light-to-dark transition shades to subtly contour the eye. A light shade on the brow bone, a medium shade in the false crease, and a deep shade on the outer corners create a harmonious depth that enhances hooded eyes beautifully.
Eyeliner Techniques for Hooded Eyes
Traditional eyeliner techniques don’t always suit hooded eyes, as the natural fold can cause smudging or make the liner disappear. Instead of a thick eyeliner on the lid, tightlining (applying eyeliner to the upper waterline) creates the illusion of fuller lashes without taking up lid space. Using a waterproof gel or pencil liner, gently press color into the upper waterline for a defined look without overwhelming the eye.
For a winged liner, keeping the wing angled slightly upward prevents the eyes from appearing droopy. Start with a thin line at the inner corner and gradually thicken it toward the outer third, extending the wing slightly beyond the fold so it remains visible when the eyes are open. Using a stamp or guide can help ensure symmetry. For a softer look, smudging eyeliner along the lash line with a pencil or dark eyeshadow provides definition without harsh lines, making it a great option for smaller or hooded eyes.
A lifted eyeliner technique can further enhance hooded eyes. Instead of following the natural lash line downward, draw a straight line outward from the outer corner of the eye. This prevents the wing from getting lost in the crease. Additionally, avoiding overly thick eyeliner ensures that more of the lid space remains visible, making the eyes appear bigger.
Mascara and Lashes for Hooded Eyes
Lashes play a crucial role in making hooded eyes appear more open and lifted. Using an eyelash curler helps lift the lashes, preventing them from getting lost under the hood. Lengthening mascara is preferable to volumizing formulas, as overly thick lashes can create a shadow effect on the lid. Focusing mascara application on the outer corners and using individual lashes enhances the eye shape, creating a more lifted appearance. When choosing false lashes, opt for wispy, natural-looking styles that taper at the inner corners and flare out at the ends, avoiding heavy, thick lash bands that can close off the eyes.
Choosing the right mascara formula is key. A lightweight, tubing mascara prevents smudging while still providing lift and definition. If you prefer false lashes, placing half-lashes toward the outer corners adds a natural, subtle lift without overwhelming the eyes.
Brow Shaping for Hooded Eyes
Well-groomed eyebrows frame the eyes beautifully and enhance their shape. Keeping the arch slightly lifted counteracts the appearance of drooping lids. Avoid overfilling the inner corners, as this can create a heavy look that weighs down the eye area. A soft, feathered brow technique using light strokes creates a natural, lifted effect that complements hooded eyes. Opting for a slightly longer tail and lifting the brow shape subtly creates the illusion of a more lifted eye area.
Highlighting and Contouring the Eyes
Subtle highlighting and contouring enhance the structure of hooded eyes. Applying a matte, skin-tone shade just above the newly created crease adds dimension without overwhelming the eye area. Highlighting the brow bone with a light, neutral-toned shadow enhances the eye shape but should be done with a subtle, matte or satin finish rather than overly shimmery highlights, which can draw attention to hooded lids rather than lifting them.
Adding a soft contour shade to the outer orbital bone gives further definition, helping to lift the eyes without appearing harsh. Combining highlighting and contouring techniques creates the illusion of more prominent lid space, making hooded eyes appear more open and youthful.
Elevate Your Hooded Eye Makeup Routine
Makeup for hooded eyes is all about strategic placement, blending, and choosing the right products. With these expert techniques, hooded eyes can look lifted, defined, and stunning. By making a few simple adjustments to traditional makeup methods, anyone with hooded eyes can create a flawless and flattering look every time.
