Hooded Eyes: Understanding the Eye Shape and Best Makeup Tips

Introduction

Hooded eyes are a natural eye shape where the natural crease of the eyelid is hidden beneath a fold of skin that droops slightly over the lash line. This can make the eyelids appear smaller or even disappear when the eyes are open. While hooded eyes are a natural and beautiful feature, they can sometimes pose challenges when applying makeup, as traditional techniques may not always be as visible.

Celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Blake Lively, and Emma Stone all have hooded eyes, proving that this eye shape can be glamorous with the right makeup approach. The key is to use techniques that enhance depth, create the illusion of a larger lid space, and lift the eyes for a more awake and defined look.

In this guide, we’ll explore what hooded eyes are, how to determine if you have them, and the best makeup tips to make your eyes pop.

What Are Hooded Eyes?

Hooded eyes occur when an extra layer of skin droops over the crease, making the eyelid appear smaller or hidden when the eyes are open. This can happen naturally due to genetics or develop with age as skin loses elasticity.

How to Tell If You Have Hooded Eyes

Look straight into a mirror – If your eyelid crease isn’t visible when your eyes are fully open, you likely have hooded eyes.

Check for a heavy brow bone – If the area beneath your eyebrows casts a slight shadow over your lids, this is another sign.

Eyeliner disappears when eyes are open – If your winged liner gets "eaten up" by the fold, you probably have hooded eyes.

Common Challenges with Hooded Eyes

Applying makeup to hooded eyes can be tricky because:

1.Eyeshadow disappears when the eyes are open due to the fold.

2.Eyeliner can transfer onto the upper lid, causing smudging.

3.Mascara may rub off on the skin above the lashes.

4.The eyes can look smaller or tired if makeup isn’t applied strategically.

5.Fortunately, with the right techniques, you can enhance your hooded eyes beautifully.

Best Makeup Tips for Hooded Eyes

1. Start with a Good Eye Primer

Since hooded eyes have more skin contact, eyeshadow and eyeliner are prone to smudging. A long-lasting eyeshadow primer (like Urban Decay Primer Potion or MAC Paint Pot) helps prevent creasing and keeps makeup in place.

2. Use the Right Eyeshadow Techniques

Apply a light, shimmery shade on the mobile lid (the part that disappears when eyes are open) to make it appear larger.

Use a medium-toned matte shade just above the natural crease to create the illusion of depth.

Deepen the outer V with a darker shade to add dimension and lift the eyes.

Highlight the brow bone to draw attention upward and open up the eye area.

Pro Tip: Blend eyeshadow slightly above the natural crease so it’s visible when your eyes are open.

3. Master Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes

Avoid thick eyeliner on the upper lid, as it can make the eyes look smaller. Instead, opt for a thin, tightlined look.

Try a "bat wing" liner – This technique involves drawing the wing with your eyes open to ensure it’s visible, then connecting it when closed.

Use a smudged liner on the lower lash line to balance the look without closing off the eyes.

Recommended Products: Gel liner (like Maybelline Eye Studio) or a fine-tip liquid liner (like NYX Epic Ink Liner).

4. Curl Lashes & Use the Right Mascara

Since hooded eyes can make lashes appear hidden, curling them is a must. Use a waterproof mascara (like L’Oréal Lash Paradise) to prevent transfer onto the upper lid.

Focus on the outer lashes to create a lifted effect.

Consider wispy false lashes for extra drama.

5. Define Your Brows

Well-shaped brows help lift the face and balance hooded eyes.

Fill in sparse areas with a brow pencil or powder.

Keep the arch slightly lifted to create a more open eye look.

6. Contour & Highlight Strategically

Use a matte contour shade just below the brow bone to add definition.

Highlight the inner corners to brighten the eyes.

7. Avoid Heavy Lower Lash Makeup

Dark, heavy makeup on the lower lash line can make hooded eyes appear droopier. Instead:

Use a soft smudged liner in brown or taupe.

Apply a light eyeshadow on the lower lash line to open up the eyes.

8. Experiment with Graphic Liner & Cut Creases

For a bold look, try:

A floating crease (applying eyeshadow above the natural crease).

A sharp cut-crease to fake a higher eyelid.

Bonus: Celebrity Makeup Inspirations for Hooded Eyes

Jennifer Lawrence often uses soft smoky eyes with blended-out shadows.

Blake Lively loves shimmer on the inner corners and a lifted wing.

Emma Stone enhances her eyes with bold lashes and defined brows.

Final Thoughts

Hooded eyes are a stunning feature that just requires a few adjustments in makeup application. By focusing on lifting techniques, strategic shading, and precise eyeliner, you can enhance your natural eye shape beautifully. The key is to work with your eye shape rather than against it, using makeup to create dimension and definition.