Bruno Pugh
It’s always a pain whenever you find an eyeshadow inspiration on Pinterest, but your hooded eyelids just won’t let you execute the plan. But don’t worry, we got you! These 15 hacks will help you master makeup and create stunning looks for any occasion.
Create a New Crease
One of the key challenges with hooded eyes is that your natural crease is often hidden. try creating a new crease slightly above where your lid naturally folds to create more definition. Use a neutral matte shade to softly outline this area and it will add depth and make your eyes look more open.
Use a Lifted Eyeshadow Technique
Instead of dragging your eyeshadow across the lid, use a lifting technique. Here is how you do that: blend your shadow upward and out toward the brow bone. This trick helps to prevent the eyes from appearing droopy, and it enhances their overall shape for a more youthful, awake look.
Avoid Heavy Eyeliner on the Upper Lid
Thick eyeliner on hooded eyes can make them look smaller. Instead, opt for a thin, precise line close to the lash line. If you want a more dramatic effect, focus on the outer corner, flicking it slightly upward for a soft wing. Think classy and discreet cat eye!
Tightline Your Waterline
For fuller eyelashes and more definition, apply your eyeliner to your waterline—that section under your lashes where both eyelids meet. This method is called tight lining and adds subtle definition without taking up lid space.
Keep Your Lower Lash Line Minimal
Heavy eyeliner or eyeshadow on the lower lash line can shift focus away from your lids and weigh down the eyes. Stick to a light touch of shadow or liner on the outer third of the lower lash line. This will keep the focus upward and maintain balance, giving your eyes a lift.
Use Matte Shadows on the Lid
Shimmer can emphasize the hooded part of your lid, which isn’t usually the goal. For a smooth and balanced look, ppt for matte shades instead. Reserve your shimmer or metallics for the inner corner or just under the brow bone to catch the light in a more flattering way.
Highlight the Inner Corners
Brightening your inner corners can make a world of difference for hooded eyes. Using light, shimmery shadow, or highlighter in this area can reflect light and brighten up your eyes. It’s a quick, easy way to look more awake and refreshed, even on minimal makeup days.
Blend, Blend, Blend!
For hooded eyes, blending is everything. Harsh lines can close off your eyes, making them look smaller. Blending is your best friend here to ensure smooth transitions between colors. This technique opens up the eye area and gives your makeup a polished finish.
Choose Mascara Wisely
When it comes to mascara, focus on lifting and lengthening formulas. Apply mascara generously to your upper lashes, especially on the outer corners and avoid heavy layers on your lower lashes. This will give your eyes a wider, more awake appearance.
Use a Primer to Prevent Creasing
With hooded eyes, eyeshadow creasing can be a frequent and annoying issue due to the natural fold in your lid. To help prevent creasing and make your makeup last longer, apply a small amount of a good eyeshadow primer before applying makeup.
Focus on Shaping Your Eyebrows
Your eyebrows play a major role in framing your eyes, so take the time to shape and fill them properly. A lifted, arched eyebrow can instantly lift hooded eyes, making them appear more open and defined. Brow pencils or powder can create soft, natural-looking arches.
Use a Gradient Effect for Depth
Try a gradient effect with your eyeshadows to create depth and dimension. Start with a light shade on the inner corner, transition to a medium shade in the middle of your lid, and finish with a darker shade on the outer corner. This gradual fade draws attention to your eyes and creates the illusion of larger, more defined lids.
Opt for Lighter Shades on the Lid
Stick to lighter eyeshadow colors on your mobile lid and deeper shades only in the crease or outer corner to add depth and definition. Dark shades can visually compress the lid space, so opt for lighter shades to brighten and enlarge the eyes.
Use Individual Lashes
Try individual lashes for a more customized lash look. They allow you to place the volume and length exactly where you need it, focusing on the outer corners for a cat-eye effect. This method is great for hooded eyes, as it adds drama without overwhelming the eye shape.
Curl Your Lashes
One of the simplest yet most effective tricks for hooded eyes is to curl your lashes. Lifted lashes help open up the eye area, giving the illusion of a wider, more awake look. Follow with a lengthening mascara to enhance the effect and keep your eyes looking bright.