Makeup can be a transformative tool, and when used right, it can enhance your natural beauty in ways you never imagined. But not all eye shapes are created equal, and one of the most common — yet often misunderstood — shapes is the hooded eye. If you’ve ever applied a stunning eyeshadow look only to have it disappear into your crease, you’re not alone. That’s where learning the art of hooded eyes eye makeup becomes essential.
What Are Hooded Eyes?
Hooded eyes are characterized by an extra layer of skin that droops over the crease, causing the eyelid to appear smaller. This can make applying eye makeup tricky because the lid space is less visible when the eyes are open. Celebrities like Blake Lively, Jennifer Lawrence, and Taylor Swift have beautifully hooded eyes, and with the right makeup techniques, they’ve turned that feature into a major beauty advantage.
Understanding the Challenge
The main challenge with hooded eyes eye makeup is visibility. A lot of standard makeup tutorials cater to almond or wide-lidded eyes, where shadows and liners are easily seen when the eyes are open. For hooded eyes, however, much of that work can disappear under the hood, which can be frustrating — especially after you’ve spent time perfecting your look.
But with a few strategic changes, you can elevate your makeup game and create eye looks that are flattering, long-lasting, and totally stunning.
Step-by-Step: Hooded Eyes Eye Makeup Routine
1. Prep and Prime
Begin with a clean, moisturized eyelid. Because hooded eyes are prone to creasing, using a good eye primer is crucial. This helps in controlling oil, preventing smudging, and making the eyeshadow colors pop.
Tip: Use a matte primer to avoid adding extra shine to areas where your eyelid naturally folds.
2. Create a New Crease
One of the most effective techniques for hooded eyes is to create a “fake” crease slightly above your natural one. Using a matte medium-tone eyeshadow, blend slightly above the fold to give the illusion of a deeper, more prominent crease.
Tip: Keep your eyes open and look straight into the mirror while doing this. You want to place the shadow where it will still be visible when your eyes are open.
3. Lid Color Placement
Stick to lighter, shimmer-free tones on the lid to open up the eyes. Shimmer and metallics can be used strategically, but only on the mobile lid or the inner corners. Too much shimmer in the crease area can make the hooded part more pronounced.
4. Deepen the Outer V
Use a darker matte color in the outer “V” shape of the eye (outer third of the lash line and crease). This helps add depth and elongate the eye shape. Blend this color up and out, rather than down, to give a lifting effect.
5. Master the Eyeliner Game
Traditional thick eyeliner looks can be tough on hooded eyes, as the liner may disappear when the eyes are open. Go for a thin line close to the lash line, and consider tightlining (lining the upper waterline) for a subtle but effective enhancement.
Tip: Winged eyeliner can still be done! Just start your flick from the outer corner and aim it slightly upward. You may need to draw it with your eyes open to make sure it sits right above the fold.
6. Curl Those Lashes
An eyelash curler is your best friend. Hooded eyes can sometimes make the lashes point downward, which can cast shadows on your lid. A good curl followed by a volumizing and lifting mascara can instantly open up your eyes.
Bonus Tip: Waterproof mascaras hold a curl better, especially for those with naturally straight lashes.
7. Highlight Strategically
Highlight the brow bone (just beneath the arch) with a light, matte or satin-finish shadow. This lifts the brow and creates more space. Also, add a touch of highlighter to the inner corners of the eyes to brighten and open up the area.
Dos and Don’ts of Hooded Eyes Eye Makeup
✅ DO:
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Apply eyeshadow with your eyes open to ensure visibility.
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Focus on lifting and elongating shapes.
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Use matte shadows in the crease for depth.
❌ DON’T:
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Rely heavily on glitter in the crease — it can emphasize the hood.
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Apply thick eyeliner across the entire lid.
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Skip primer — it’s essential for longevity and preventing transfer.
Recommended Products for Hooded Eyes Eye Makeup
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Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion – Ideal for keeping eyeshadow in place.
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MAC Paint Pot in “Painterly” – Great for creating a neutral base.
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NYX Epic Ink Liner – Thin and precise for detailed eyeliner looks.
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Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara – Excellent for holding a curl.
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Sigma E25 Blending Brush – Perfect for applying crease colors just above the natural fold.
Makeup Looks to Try
✨ The Soft Smoky Eye
Use neutral tones with a touch of brown or plum. Smoke out the outer corners and keep the inner lid light to maintain openness.
🌸 Daytime Glam
Try pastel tones with a peach or taupe crease. Keep liner minimal and add fluttery lashes.
🌙 Evening Drama
Go bold with a dramatic wing and cut crease (placed above the natural crease). Use matte blacks and metallic silvers or golds to really make the look pop.
Final Thoughts
Embracing your eye shape is the first step to unlocking your beauty potential. While hooded eyes eye makeup might require a few extra steps or tweaks, the results are totally worth it. With the right tools, techniques, and a little patience, you can create mesmerizing looks that turn your hooded eyes into the stars of the show.
Whether you’re going for a soft daytime shimmer or a bold evening glam, remember that makeup is about expression and enhancement — not perfection. Keep experimenting, and soon, you’ll master the art of hooded eyes makeup like a pro.
