Makeup Tips for Hoody Eyes

When I first started playing with makeup, I noticed that certain looks, like winged eyeliner or false lashes, didn’t suit my eyes the way they did on my friends. It wasn’t until I learned about different eye shapes that everything made sense.

I have hooded eyes, which means that my upper lid is hidden by my brow bone when my eyes are relaxed, making it tricky to pull off traditional makeup techniques. Hooded eyes can vary in shape and can become more pronounced with age. The key to great makeup for hooded eyes is adapting techniques to suit your unique eye shape, allowing for endless possibilities.

I used to struggle with finding eye makeup that worked for my hooded eyes, often feeling limited by my options. But over time, I’ve learned to embrace my eye shape and discover techniques that highlight its unique features.

After gaining insights from various makeup artists and trying out different looks, I’ve gathered valuable tips that I’m excited to share, along with some stunning makeup ideas for hooded eyes.

Waterline Eyeliner

I find that waterline eyeliner works wonders for hooded eyes because it adds depth without taking up too much lid space. When you apply eyeliner to the waterline, it gives your eyes definition and makes them pop, while still keeping the lid area clean.

It’s a fantastic way to intensify your look without overwhelming your eyes, allowing your hooded eyelids to maintain a fresh, open appearance.

Reverse Eyeliner

I love reverse eyeliner because it focuses on lining the lower lash line instead of the upper lid, which is perfect for hooded eyes. This technique draws attention downward, giving the illusion of larger, more open eyes.

It’s also less likely to smudge on hooded lids, and you get a bold, edgy look that’s still easy to wear daily.

The Socket Smoke

The socket smoke technique emphasizes the crease of the eye, which I think is ideal for hooded eyes. By applying a darker shadow just above your natural crease, you create the illusion of a more defined and lifted eyelid.

This smoky effect adds dimension and makes your eyes appear more open without needing too much lid space.

Mini Eyeliner Wing

I think a mini eyeliner wing is a great way to add flair to hooded eyes without overpowering them. Instead of a dramatic, thick wing, a smaller, subtle flick at the outer corner of your eyes lifts and elongates them. It’s a sleek, polished look that enhances the eyes without crowding the lid.

Lower Lash Line Smoke

Smoking out the lower lash line works wonders for hooded eyes. This technique draws attention to the lower part of the eye, balancing the overall look and making your eyes appear larger.

When you use a soft, smudged shadow along the lower lashes, it adds depth without making the eyelid feel heavy

Eyelid Highlight

Highlighting the eyelid is an excellent way to brighten hooded eyes. By placing a shimmery or light-colored eyeshadow on the center of your lid, you create a glowing effect that opens up the eyes.

This helps lift the hooded areas and adds a touch of glam without adding too much darkness or weight.

The Smokey Eye

I believe the classic smokey eye can work beautifully for hooded eyes when done strategically. You’ll want to focus the darker shades on the outer corners of your eye, blending upward and slightly outward. Keeping the center of the lid lighter will help prevent your eyes from looking too heavy.

This balances the smokey look while still creating that sultry, dramatic effect that you’re going for.

Straight Eye Shadow

I really like the straight eyeshadow technique because it involves applying eyeshadow in a horizontal line across the lid, which is perfect for hooded eyes. This method elongates your eyes and helps create the illusion of more lid space.

It’s a minimalist, sleek look that I think works well for both daytime and evening makeup.

Negative-Space ’60s Eye

I’m personally inspired by the bold makeup trends of the 1960s, and the negative-space eye adds a modern twist. For hooded eyes, leaving a gap between the eyeliner or eyeshadow and the crease creates the illusion of more depth.

I think this retro look is fun and eye-catching while keeping the eyelid area light and open.

Hooded Eyeliner Wing

I find the hooded eyeliner wing to be specifically designed for hooded eyes, which is great. By angling the wing outward and slightly upward, this style avoids the natural crease that can cause smudging.

It lifts and elongates your eyes, giving you that sharp, defined look without getting lost in the fold of the eyelid.

Soft Smoke

I think soft smoke is a more subtle version of the traditional smokey eye, which I really like. For hooded eyes, blending soft, neutral tones over the lid and into the crease creates dimension without being too harsh.

It’s an everyday look that enhances your eyes while still keeping things light and natural, making your eyes look more awake.