Eye Makeup For Hooded Eyes: A Step-By-Step Tutorial

A guide to help you master the basics and glam up your hooded eyes every time

Reviewed by Shelly Shimoni, Hair & Makeup Artist
Written by Annie Jangam, MSc
Edited by Asmita De, MA (English)
Fact-checked by Anu Pallavi, BA  • 

It needs some knowledge and experience to do makeup for hooded eyes as the eyelid crease is not visible in this shape. Moreover, the makeup smudges easily due to the limited upper eyelid area. Thus, the traditional techniques can make the eyes look smaller than usual or swollen. In this article, we discuss clever hacks to create elegant and sharp makeup looks for hooded eyes. We have also compiled a simple tutorial for hooded eye makeup to give you a headstart. Read on.

protip_icon Keep In Mind
  • Eyeliner Styles: Opting for an upturned eyeliner look, like cat-eye or dramatic winged liner, can help lift hooded eyes.
  • Hairstyles: Hairstyles like a sleek high ponytail or a wavy bob can help divert the attention from the eyes and make them appear bigger.
  • Eyebrow Shape: Maintaining a high arch eyebrow shape and filling them with a dark-colored brow pencil can help create the illusion of bigger eyes.
  • Highlighter: Adding a touch of highlighter below the eyebrows can help lift up your eyes.

What Are Hooded Eyes?

Hooded eyes are a type of eye shape where the skin falls on the upper eyelid, covering the crease. This makes the eyelids appear small, as you cannot see the eyelids when the eyes are open.

Contrary to common belief, it is not restricted to people of Asian descent and can be found in people across all ethnicities. In fact, people may develop hooded eyes as they age. Since the space for eyeshadow or tipped wing liners is limited, we need to try unique ways to define and highlight hooded eyes.

protip_icon Trivia
Emma Stone, Selena Gomez, Blake Lively, and Jennifer Lawrence are some non-Asian celebs with hooded eyes.

Different eye types require different eye makeup styles to bring out the best. Explore how to do makeup for hooded eyes in the following section.

Makeup For Hooded Eyes: A Step-By-Step Tutorial With Pictures

1. Prep Your Eyes By Priming Your Lids

Start with a clean canvas. Wash your face with a mild cleanser and follow up with a moisturizer. Apply an eyeshadow primer on both the eyelids. After the eye primer, you can use a lightweight concealer to cover dark circles or pigmentation.

2. Identify Your Eyelid Crease Type

Eyelid crease type
Image: Shutterstock

This will help you understand how to create an illusion of a crease that will highlight your eyes.

2. Lost Zone

Step 1 of hooded eye makeup is to apply makeup for lost zone
Image: YouTube @JUNGSAEMMOOL

Look for the lost zone of the eye – the hidden part of the eyelid at the center of the eyes. Always apply the makeup along the lash line for the lost zone.

3. Found Zone

Step 2 of hooded eye makeup is to apply makeup for found zone
Image: YouTube @JUNGSAEMMOOL

These are the inner corners and the tails of the eyes that are usually visible. Apply the makeup above the lash line for the found zone.

4. Create A Base Shape

Step 3 of hooded eye makeup is to create a base shape
Image: YouTube @JUNGSAEMMOOL

Use a light brown eyeshadow to create a simple, neutral base. Start from the tear duct and use a blending brush to blend it along the eye length. Make sure to create a triangular shape at the corner of the eyes.

5. Apply Eyeshadow On The Upper Lid

Step 4 of hooded eye makeup is to apply eyeshadow on the upper lid of hooded eye
Image: YouTube @JUNGSAEMMOOL

Use a wide brush to apply eyeshadow to the tip of the lid. It is best to apply makeup with your eyes open because it can be hard to find your natural crease with your eyes closed. Avoid makeup application on the hooded part, as this can make the eyes look swollen. You can build on color by blending more eyeshadow. You can also use a crease brush to create a soft or bold crease cut and deposit color on the corners. Repeat this process on the other eye as well. Use a Q-tip to clean any excess or smudges.

Tip: Check the makeup when the eyes are open.

6. Apply The Gel Liner

Step 5 of hooded eye makeup is to apply the gel liner for hooded eye
Image: YouTube @JUNGSAEMMOOL

Follow the guidelines on the lost and found zones to apply the gel liner. You can use a soft brown or darker gel liner to add definition. Apply eyeshadow along with the eyeliner on the outer corners of the lower lids. This will prevent smudging. Another way to prevent smudging is to use a long-lasting waterproof liquid eyeliner for hooded eyes.

Mayuri, a beauty blogger, talks about how she prefers applying eyeliner on her hooded eyes and her overall experience with it. She states in her blog post, “I used to find it a chore to do cat eyeliner and Q-Tips were my best friends. My hooded eyelids make it quite bothersome to do eyeliner because as soon as I open my eyes, I notice that the eyeliner has taken up the space of my entire lid and the eye shadow (i).” She further shares some tips, “When doing the wing, look straight ahead and choose an angle.”

7. Use An Eyelash Curler

Step 6 of hooded eye makeup is to use an eyelash curler
Image: YouTube @JUNGSAEMMOOL

Try to curl all the lashes as much as possible with an eyelash curler. Use a tool to lift the hooded lid if needed. You can also gently pull the lid up with a finger, as some people might be uncomfortable using a tool on their eye. Move from the corners to the center of the lashes. Ensure you have curled all the way for a natural look.

8. Use False Lashes

Step 7 of hooded eye makeup is to use false lashes
Image: YouTube @JUNGSAEMMOOL

Ensure that the false lashes match with your natural lashes. Instead of using the entire lashes, trim them into smaller sections. Individual lashes can also suit and flatter your eyes. Apply lash glue to the whole area of the false lash and attach to the lash line. Start from the outer corner of the eyes in the found zone. This will make the eyes look bigger.

Since the lash lines are hidden, make sure to attach the false lashes carefully. You can even try the trending fox eyes by using lashes only on the outer corners of your eyes. This provides a sultry touch to hooded eyes.

9. Apply Mascara

Step 8 of hooded eye makeup is to apply mascara
Image: YouTube @JUNGSAEMMOOL

Finish off with mascara as it helps blend the false lashes with the natural ones. Hold the mascara wand vertically to coat the lashes on the lower eyelid.

10. The Final Look

Hooded eye makeup final look
Image: YouTube @JUNGSAEMMOOL

Scroll down to learn the best makeup tips for hooded eyes.

The Ultimate Makeup Guide For Hooded Eyes: Tips And Tricks

  1. Dark and harsh eyeliners will make your eyes appear small, but that does not mean you should avoid them completely. If used all over the lid, you can apply them in the outer corner.
  2. Always apply eyeshadow above the crease.
  3. Waterline your eyelids or draw faux winged eyeliner to open up your eyes.
  4. Use nude or white pencils to brighten the eyes, especially in the water line and inner corner.
  5. Use a darker shade to line your lower eyelids.
  6. Try a soft smokey or smudge effect to get a subtle cat-eye look.
  7. Do not forget to prime your eyes.
  8. Fill in your brows to add depth and highlight your eyes.
  9. Use false eyelashes for a fuller look.
protip_icon Quick Tip
Use a highlighter on the cheekbone that matches the inner corner of the eye to draw more attention to the eye.

Infographic: Hooded Eyes Makeup Tutorial

Nailing the perfect look for hooded eyes can prove to be a challenge. It requires a great deal of practice and a steady hand. But before you get to the makeup part, it is necessary to understand eyelid crease types. This works a great deal toward laying guidelines for a customized hooded eye makeup look. We have summarized the tutorial in a convenient infographic below that you can use for your reference. Check it out!

hooded eyes makeup tutorial (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

It could be challenging to apply makeup on hooded eyes. The crease above the eyelid is barely visible due to extra skin folding. In addition, traditional makeup techniques do not work. However, we have some amazing hacks that involve applying simple tweaks to traditional methods to achieve a fuller and more defined look. In this article on makeup for hooded eyes, we have outlined some tricks that work wonderfully – primer application, fake lashes or mascara, and tight lining. You can also experiment with other looks and trends to complement your eye makeup. So, pick up your tools and get working!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pencil eyeliner better for hooded eyes?

Although pencil eyeliners are easy to apply, gel eyeliners are a better option for hooded eyes.

How can I fix my hooded eyes naturally?

Eye exercises, eye masks, tea bags, cucumbers, potatoes, and ice cubes help fix hooded eyes naturally.

Can Botox lift hooded eyes?

Yes, botox helps in lifting the upper eyelid and manages hooded eyes. However, it is a temporary solution for hooded eyes.

Key Takeaways

  • Hooded eyes have the upper eyelid covered by the skin, making the eyelids appear smaller.
  • Getting a full and defined look with hooded eyes can seem challenging because the crease is invisible – though, with some effort, you can achieve it.
  • Make your eyes look bigger by drawing attention to the brows with false lashes or mascara and using softer brown shades.
makeup for hooded eyes

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

No more makeup smudging on hooded eyes. This easy-to-follow video tutorial will help you achieve beautiful hooded eyes. Check it out now!

Personal Experience: Source

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