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Imagine this: you’ve come across a stunning eye makeup trend and are completely obsessed with it, so without wasting another minute you dive into your makeup stash, confidently blending eyeshadows to come up with the most fabulous eye makeup ever done but then you open your eyes only to not be able to see anything, thanks to those hooded eyes. Frustrating, right? Yes, we all know it can feel like a real struggle. When it comes to makeup for hooded eyes, mastering the right technique is key. Hooded lids can make it tricky to show off eyeshadow or pull off sharp graphic liners. With some practice, you’ll find the perfect eye makeup for hooded eyes that enhances your features and makes your eyes pop.
Enhancing the gaze can prove to be a wee bit challenging when you are working with hooded eyes. Attributed to the lack of lid space, most beauty trends involving intricate use of shadows or nuanced movement of the liner, seem to be lost on this eye shape – or so you thought. That’s right, with the right products and techniques you can easily add depth, definition and some drama without the fear of smudging or smearing looming over the head. So let’s explore four easy steps to ace makeup for the hooded eyes. But first, a refresher on what precisely are hooded eyes couldn’t possibly hurt.
What Are Hooded Eyes?
What do Alia Bhatt, Blake Lively, and Selena Gomez have in common? Sure, they are all A-listers (whom we love) with illustrious career trajectories. Additionally, these three women (in mainstream media across Hollywood and Bollywood) have hooded eyes. The unversed, hooded eyes have an extra layer of skin or soft tissue under the brow bones that droop over the lid. Inadvertently, this soft tissue folds the lid into the crease, making the eye makeup inconspicuous.
How To Identify If You Have Hooded Eyes?
We are sure that you are scrambling for a makeup mirror, while you read this. Want to identify whether you have hooded eyes or not? Just follow these simple steps.
- Invisible Crease: Since there is an extra layer of skin under the brows which droops over the lid, the natural crease of hooded eyes is not visible.
- Smaller Lid: If you have hooded eyes, the eyelids are barely visible in the mirror. Chances are that you struggle to sketch a simple wing or a bold cat eye due to the lack of ground to experiment on.
Techniques For Hooded Eye Makeup
We totally get the struggle of keeping that gorgeous eyeshadow from disappearing under the lid. Worry not, though, makeup for hooded eyes is all about using the right techniques to make those peepers pop. Mastering makeup for hooded eyes can truly transform the look by enhancing your natural eye shape. Here is how you can create a flitting look in steps.
1. Prime It Up
The first rule of eye makeup for hooded lids? Never skip the primer. Hooded eyes can also have a tendency to crease up easily, and the worst feeling of it all is when your eyeshadow begins to slip away throughout the day. A good eyeshadow primer will really keep all of your eye makeup in place and make colours pop. Dot a little amount across the lid and, honestly, you will be able to tell the difference.
2. Transitional Phase
When it comes to eyeshadows for hooded eyes, transition shades are the total game changer. You start with this super light, soft matte shade which is just a little darker than your skin, and you sweep that right in just above your natural crease. This creates the illusion of a higher crease, which helps open up the eyes. It’s all about faking that extra space on your lid.
3. Outer Corners
Hooded lids can sometimes make your eyes appear smaller, but this is very easily fixable. Take a dark eyeshadow shade and smear them across the outer corners of your eyes, blending them upwards and outwards. This technique adds depth and gives your eyes that lifted look we all love. Plus, it creates more definition, making your eyeshadow for hooded lids stand out.
4. Shimmer Shades
We all want that little shimmer in the eyes but use it wisely if you have hooded eyes. The perfect place for shimmer on those hooded eyes is generally the centre or the inner corner of your eyes.
5. Winged Liner
A winged liner is an absolute must for hooded eyes. The trick here is to start your wing at the outer corner of your eye and angle it upwards. Keep the liner thin on your lid, so you don’t lose precious eyelid space. This little flick instantly elongates your eyes, creating that sultry, cat-eye effect. Pro tip: gel liners or waterproof formulas work best to avoid smudging on hooded lids.
6. Don’t Forget to Highlight
Highlighting your brow bone and the inner corners of your eyes is the cherry on top of your eye makeup look. This trick adds dimension and brightness, making your eyes look bigger and more lifted. Opt for a soft, pearly shade to keep things subtle but glowing.
How To Do Smokey Eye Makeup For Hooded Eyes
Don’t let anyone tell you you cannot pull off that bold smokey eye if you have hooded eyes. Here's the thing: makeup on hooded eyes is all about a few clever tricks to get your eyes popping so big. So the secret lies in placing them in all the right spots for hooded eye placement-and once you get it right, you will kill every look.
First, always prime your lids. Hooded eyes have to face the constant risk of smudging since the upper lid tends to press down on your makeup. A good primer will keep eye makeup intact throughout the day. Moving on to talk about the real deal, eyeshadow for hooded lids. First, start by applying a soft, matte transition shade, just above your natural crease creating an illusion of a higher crease.
For a smokey eye look, start with a deeper colour and smudge it outwards on the outer corner of your eye, across your lid. For a more subtle effect, you can keep it low in fact as close to the lash line as possible. The key to getting eye makeup right on hooded lids is to blend upwards and out of the folds where your lid dips.
For a smokey eye look, start with a deeper colour and smudge it outwards on the outer corner of your eye, across your lid. For a more subtle effect, you can keep it low in fact as close to the lash line as possible. The key to getting eye makeup right on hooded lids is to blend upwards and out of the folds where your lid dips.
Finish by applying mascara, again hitting those outer lashes to elongate the eyes. And voilà! You've finally managed to succeed in your attempt at getting a perfect smokey eye for hooded eyes, and all of this is accomplished through just these few easy steps.
How To Apply Eyeliner For Hooded Eyes
Applying eyeliner for hooded eyes can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, babes we got you. Whether you're new to makeup or just looking for a few extra tips, this step-by-step guide will help you create the perfect eye makeup for hooded lids.
Step 1: Prep with Eyeshadow for Hooded Eyes
Before we dive into eyeliner, prepping with the right eyeshadow for hooded lids is key. Opt for matte shades, as shimmers can emphasise any creases. A soft, neutral base across the eyelid will provide the perfect canvas for your eyeliner masterpiece.
Step 2: Choose the Right Eyeliner
When it comes to makeup for hooded eyes, a liquid or gel eyeliner works best. These formulas glide smoothly and help you create that sharp definition you’re aiming for. Avoid thick lines, though, as they can make your lids appear even heavier.
Step 3: Line Your Upper Lash Line
Now, gently pull your lid taut and trace a thin line as close to your lash line as possible. The trick with eye makeup for hooded lids is to keep the liner thin in the inner corner and gradually thicken it as you move outward.
Step 4: Create a Subtle Wing
For eye makeup with hooded eyes, a little flick at the outer corner is essential. Since your hooded lid can hide your eyeliner, focus on drawing the wing slightly upwards. Keep it small and sharp – just enough to lift and define your eye shape.
Step 5: Smudge for Soft Definition
For a more relaxed look, smudging the eyeliner with a small brush or even your finger can create a soft, smokey finish. Pair it with some eyeshadow for hooded lids, like a medium-toned brown or taupe, to enhance the look without overpowering your eyes.
How To Apply False Eyelashes For Hooded Eyes
Applying false lashes for hooded eyes is the ultimate eye makeup hack to elevate your look. Hooded lids can be a bit tricky, but no worries, I’ve got you covered with some fabulous tips.
Step 1: Pick Your Lashes Wisely
When choosing falsies for hooded eyes, go for lashes that are shorter in the inner corners and flare out at the ends. This style gives your eyes that lifted, wide-eyed effect – perfect for makeup for hooded eyes. Avoid overly dramatic or heavy lashes, as they can make your eyelids look droopy.
Step 2: Prep with Eyeliner
Start by applying a thin line of eyeliner along your upper lash line. This will act as a base and help the false lashes blend seamlessly with your natural ones. A winged eyeliner works wonders for eye makeup with hooded eyes, giving the illusion of more lid space.
Step 3: Eyeshadow Before Lashes
Before sticking on those lashes, apply your eyeshadow for hooded lids. Stick to light, neutral shades on the inner part of your lid and blend darker shades into your crease (above your natural crease if you have hooded lids). This creates depth, making your eyes appear bigger. You want to finish your eyeshadow for hooded lids before adding lashes, as it’s harder to do afterwards
Step 4: Apply the Falsies
Now for the fun part. Measure the lashes against your eye and trim any excess from the outer corner. Apply a thin layer of lash glue along the strip, wait for it to get tacky, then carefully place the lashes as close to your natural lash line as possible. Use tweezers for precision, especially with hooded lids, where placement is key to avoiding drooping.
Step 5: Blend and Final Touches
Once the lashes are in place, blend them with your natural lashes using mascara. Finish off your hooded eye makeup look with a touch of eyeliner to hide the lash band, and you’re good to go.
Four Simple Ways to Ace Makeup for Hooded Eyes
Now that you are well-versed in the limitations of working with hooded eyes, it's time to explore some workarounds that will make them look brighter and lifted. The idea is to open them up using careful use of colours and textures. So, without any further ado, let’s dive into the four simple ways to ace makeup for hooded eyes. Please note that we have curated this guide to be beauty-beginner-friendly.
Prep Is Non-Negotiable
Steering clear of smudging or smearing is nearly impossible with hooded eyes— as the lid inlays in the crease. To circumvent this problem, priming the lids is integral. This li’l beauty manoeuvre ensures that the shadow or liner doesn’t move. Furthermore, a potent primer also ensures the longevity and intensity of colour that you apply atop the eyelids.
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Tightline Your Eyes
To open up and brighten your hooded eyes, apply kajal to the water line. Start from the corner of the eye (where the lash meets the waterline) and sketch your way outwards with a gentle hand. Ensure that this strobe is not too thick – a barely there eyeliner look is what you should aim for. Additionally, you may use a gel eyeliner pencil (in deep brown) to create a faux crease, right above where your natural crease should appear. Smudge this line with the aid of a brush to give it a natural effect. This step furthers our agenda of opening up the eyes and making the lid area look more visible.
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Add Some Colour to the Lid
Use a warm colour and brush it right over the lash line, blending it as you go up. Use this same hue underneath your lower lash line, and apply with quick brush movements. For the final touches, add a hint of glitter or shimmer to the lid and, more importantly, to the corners of the eyes. This will add a hint of brightness and call for immediate attention to your gaze.
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Now for the Lush Lashes Moment
It’s no secret that coating the lashes with a generous amount of mascara helps give immense definition to the gaze. So knock yourself out with your choicest formulation and ensure to use it for your lower lashes. While most folks overlook this simple yet gratifying move, adding a coat of mascara to lashes (underneath) directs attention to the lower contour of the eye. It helps undo the droopiness and creates an illusion of a wide, deep set of eyes.
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Takeaway
You can easily enhance your hooded eyes with four simple steps. Start by priming the lids to ensure the longevity of your eyeshadow or eyeliner. This step also ensures there is no accidental smudging or smearing due to the lids getting tucked into the crease. Follow this up by tightening your waterline – a barely there strobe on the horizon where the upper lash line meets the waterline. Once done, apply a warm eyeshadow right above your eyeball and underneath, on the lower lash. This will help lift the gaze instantly by directing focus to the lower contour of the eyes. For the finishing touches, coat your lashes with a lengthening and volumising mascara to cut out the droopiness.
FAQs
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What are some tips for applying makeup for hooded eyes?
When applying makeup for hooded eyes, it's essential to create dimension and lift. Start with a good eyeshadow primer to keep your eyeshadow in place. Use matte shades for the crease to add depth and opt for shimmery shades on the lid to draw attention. Blend well and consider using eyeliner to enhance your lash line, making your eyes appear larger.
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What type of eyeshadow is best for hooded eyes?
The best eyeshadow for hooded eyes is one that complements your eye shape. Matte eyeshadows work wonders for creating depth in the crease, while lighter, shimmery shades can help brighten the lid. Make sure to blend your eyeshadow well to avoid harsh lines, and consider a pop of colour on the outer corners to add dimension.
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How can I make my eye makeup look good with hooded lids?
To ensure your eye makeup looks great with hooded lids, focus on enhancing your natural shape. Apply a transition shade above the crease, and then use darker shades to define the outer corner. For eye makeup with hooded eyes, consider using a liquid eyeliner to create a winged effect, which can help lift the appearance of your eyes.
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Are there specific techniques for eye makeup on hooded eyes?
Yes, there are several techniques to consider for eye makeup on hooded eyes. Begin with an eyeshadow primer to help with longevity. Use a soft, fluffy brush to apply eyeshadow for hooded lids in a way that follows the natural contour of your eye. Don't be afraid to go a bit higher above the crease, as this will help your eyeshadow show more when your eyes are open.
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Can I wear bold colours in my eye makeup if I have hooded eyes?
You can wear bold colours in your eye makeup if you have hooded eyes. Just make sure to balance the boldness with well-blended eyeshadows and strategically placed highlights. Consider using a vibrant eyeshadow for hooded eyes on the lid and pair it with softer shades in the crease to create contrast and ensure your eye makeup pops beautifully.
