Updated on 30 May 2025
Every eye tells a story, and yours, with its captivating hooded shape, is no exception. Hooded eyes have a unique charm. But eye makeup for hooded eyes comes with its own set of makeup mysteries. You’re not alone if you’ve ever struggled to create the perfect smoky eye or achieve that flawless winged eyeliner. Hooded eyes have their own rules when it comes to makeup, and not all looks are tailored to accentuate their beauty.
If you’re someone who loves makeup or is learning to become a beauty expert—whether on your own or through a course on beauty skills —knowing how to work with different eye shapes is important. And hooded eyes are one of the most common, yet tricky, shapes to master. In this simple guide, we’ll explore how to highlight hooded eyes with easy and effective techniques.
Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or someone serious about building a career in beauty, learning how to do makeup for hooded eyes is a vital skill. So get ready to discover smart tips and tricks that make hooded eyes shine—because every eye deserves to be the star of your look!
Understanding the Mystery of Hooded Eyes
Hooded eyes are a natural eye shape where a fold of skin from the brow bone droops over the eyelid crease, making the upper eyelid less visible. According to Medical News Today. It is frequently associated with ageing but could also be due to genetics. In simple words, hooded eyes are a natural eye shape characterised by an extra layer of skin that droops over the crease, partially covering the upper eyelid when the eyes are open.
As a result, achieving desired looks like the smoky eye or the perfect winged eyeliner can sometimes feel like a makeup puzzle. But don’t worry! With the right techniques, you can still create stunning eye looks. And you’re not alone—many celebrities have hooded eyes too. Let’s explore how to work with them, not against them!
However, before we get more into the eye makeup for the hooded eyes part, if you have this problem, you should not be depressed because you are not alone; many celebrities have this problem. Do you want to know who? Read ahead!
Celebrities with Hooded Eyes
Do your hooded eyes make you feel inferior? You shouldn’t! Guess what? You’re in good company! Many celebrities, like Blake Lively, Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone, also have hooded eyes. Some embrace their unique look, while others have explored surgical solutions.
Jennifer Lawrence
Blake Lively
Why Eye Makeup for Hooded Eyes is a Unique Challenge
Picture your eyelids as a canvas for your artistry, but with a twist. Here’s why makeup for hooded eyes presents a distinctive challenge:
Hidden Beauty: The extra skin can conceal your eye makeup, making intricate designs and vibrant colors less visible.
Smudging Woes: Due to the skin-to-skin contact, you might find that eyeshadows and eyeliners have a tendency to smudge or transfer.
Eyeliner Enigma: Achieving a flawless winged eyeliner or a crisp line can be challenging when the natural crease is hidden.
Creaseless Conundrum: Hooded eyes often lack a prominent crease, which can confuse traditional eyeshadow techniques.
Different Eye Makeup Looks for Hooded Eyes
1. Natural Everyday Look:
For a simple and fresh look for hooded eyes, use a soft, matte brown eyeshadow. Apply it just above your eyelid crease, not inside it, and then apply a nude or light shade all over your lid to keep it bright. Complete this look for hooded eyes with mascara on your upper lashes only. This look opens up your eyes and is perfect for daily wear without being too bold.
2. Soft Smokey Eye:
To create a soft, smokey eye, begin by applying a light brown eyeshadow on your entire eyelid and use a darker brown or black shade on the outer corner of your eye, blending it gently upward and outward. Add a little dark colour along your lower lash line to balance the look. Finish with a soft eyeliner close to your upper lashes. This way, your soft, smokey eye will have depth while staying natural and elegant.
3. Cut Crease:
A cut crease is great for adding definition to hooded eyes. Use a dark matte eyeshadow and blend it above your natural crease, higher than where you usually apply shadow. Then, use a small brush and some concealer to create a clean line on your eyelid below the dark shade. Fill that space with a lighter, shimmery colour, as it helps create a clear crease and makes your eyes look larger.
4. Cat Eye Liner:
The cat eye is an excellent option for hooded eyes, and to begin this technique, start by using liquid eyeliner to draw a thin line along your upper lash line. At the outer corner, flick the line upwards gently to create a small wing. Be sure to keep your eyes open while drawing the line so you can see how it will look. This lifts the eyes and gives them a sharp, elegant shape.
5. Halo Eye:
The halo eye look makes your eyes appear rounder and more glowing. Start by applying a dark eyeshadow to the inner and outer corners of your eyelid, leaving the centre empty. After that, add a bright, sparkly shade to the middle of your lid and softly blend around it so the colours merge seamlessly. This brightens your eyes and adds a beautiful sparkle.
6. Fake a Crease Look:
If your natural crease is hidden, you can create a fake one using eyeshadow, which is particularly effective for hooded eyes. Choose a dark, matte shade and gently draw a line above your natural crease, blending it upward and outward. Use a lighter, shimmery shade on the eyelid below the line. This technique adds depth to your eyes and lifts the hooded area.
7. No-Liner Bold Lash Look:
Sometimes, less is more. For a fresh and easy look, focus on your lashes rather than your eyeliner. Curl your upper lashes well and apply two to three coats of bold, black mascara. You can add false lashes for extra volume if desired. Skipping eyeliner keeps your eyelids clean and makes your eyes appear bigger and more awake, especially for those with hooded eyes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid With Hooded Eyes
Let’s save you time and frustration by steering clear of these:
- Using shimmer all over: This can add bulk instead of depth.
- Skipping primer: Leads to creasing and smudging.
- Thick eyeliner: Can make your eyes look smaller.
- Following tutorials for non-hooded eyes: Their techniques often don’t apply.
- Doing makeup with eyes closed only: Always check your look with eyes open.
Solutions for Eye Makeup for Hooded Eyes
Don’t worry; we’re here to help you conquer these challenges with easy-to-follow tips and tricks.
1. Eyeliner Magic: Liquid eyeliner works wonders for hooded eyes. Use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to tidy things up if they get messy. Or try eyeliner, pencils, or even black eye shadow for a softer look, and then finish with a makeup setting spray to keep it in place.
2. Creating Visible Eye Makeup: Stick to matte eyeshadows to ensure your eye makeup stays visible. Reserve shimmer for your visible lid to create a lifted effect. Pro tip: Blend your shadow for a seamless look.
3. Mascara Mastery: To avoid those mascara smudges, apply mascara to just your upper lashes. If you still get smudges, try waterproof mascara and ensure it’s fully dry before opening your eyes wide.
4. Cut Crease: Define a crease above your natural one with dark eyeshadow, blending upwards. Apply a lighter shade on the lid and a shimmer on the centre. It enlarges your eyes
5. Dome Shape: Blend medium eyeshadow on the lid, creating a dome above the crease. Apply a darker shade to the outer corner to add depth. Highlight the inner corner and brow bone.
6. Soft Smokey Socket: Use light eyeshadow on the lid and a darker shade on the outer half. Apply the dark shade along the natural crease and blend upwards for a soft, smokey look. Enhance with eyeliner and mascara.
7. Fake a Crease: Prevent smudging with eye primer. Apply a dark eyeshadow slightly above your natural crease, blending outward and upward. Apply lighter, shimmery shades to the lid. Finish with eyeliner and mascara.
8.Cat Eye: Draw a thin eyeliner line along the upper lash line, extending it upward at the outer corner for a cat eye effect. Add eyeshadows for depth and mascara for fuller lashes.
For more details on these tips, read this dedicated blog on Meraki Lane.
If you need a complete solution, visit a reputable salon like Orane and get the makeup done on your hooded eyes.
Stay on the Lookout for Ptosis and Consider
Lastly, keep an eye out for ptosis, a condition where your eyelids droop, affecting your vision. If you suspect ptosis, consult your eye doctor for advice. For more information about Ptosi, visit the National Medicine Library page.
And for those seeking a more permanent change, there’s blepharoplasty, a surgery that removes excess skin from the upper or lower eyelids. But remember, every magic trick has risks, like double vision or eyelid numbness. Consult with a skilled cosmetic surgeon for guidance.
Wrapping Up
Hooded eyes are not a flaw—they’re simply a different canvas for your makeup artistry. With the right tips and techniques, you can create looks that are bold, beautiful, and uniquely you. From soft smokey eyes to lifted cat eyeliner, the key is to work with your eye shape, not against it.
Remember, even many celebrities have hooded eyes and use makeup smartly to highlight their features. So, don’t feel limited—feel inspired!
If you’re truly passionate about learning makeup professionally or even want to master looks for different eye shapes, including hooded eyes, consider enrolling in a professional makeup course at Orane International. Their expert-led training, hands-on practice, and industry-ready curriculum will boost your skills and confidence—whether you’re starting out or upgrading your career.
Your eyes have a story to tell. Let your makeup bring that story to life.
