Hooded Eye Makeup: Pro Tips, Product Picks, and Step-by-Step Techniques

If you have hooded eyes, you know the struggle: makeup disappears into the crease, eyeliner smudges onto your lid, and shimmer gets swallowed up where no one can see it. But here's the good news -ƒaren't a flaw to fix. With the right techniques, you can make them your superpower.

This guide goes beyond the basics to deliver expert-approved tips, targeted product recommendations, and pro-level strategies that truly work for hooded eyes. Whether you're a makeup minimalist or an eyeshadow aficionado, these tricks will help you define, lift, and brighten your eyes - all without smudging or fading.

What Are Hooded Eyes?

Hooded eyes are characterized by excess skin that droops over the crease, making the eyelid appear smaller or hidden when the eyes are open. This unique shape often means that conventional makeup techniques don't work as intended. But when you understand how to work with - not against- your eye shape, the results can be stunning.

Step 1: Prime for Longevity and Visibility

Before any eyeshadow or liner goes on, create a crease-proof, smudge-resistant base. Here's how:

• Use a quality eyeshadow primer like Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. It keeps shadow in place and stops transfer.

• Follow with a lightweight concealer to even out skin tone and further smooth the lid. Choose a formula that dries down without creasing.

  
  

Step 2: Master Strategic Eyeshadow Placement

Eyes open. Mirror ready. Let’s map out your masterpiece. P.S - make sure to use the right eyeshadow!

• Create a “fake crease”: Apply a matte, mid-tone shade slightly above your natural crease. Blend upward—not downward—to lift the look.

• Use shimmer sparingly: Stick to the mobile lid’s center and inner corner to brighten. Avoid placing shimmer on the hood or brow bone.

• Highlight smartly: Apply a satin or iridescent shadow to the inner corners and just above the iris to make your eyes pop.

• Tidy up: Use concealer to sharpen outer edges and lift the eye.

  
  

Step 3: Define Without Overwhelming

Eyeliner is key—but it needs to be strategic.

• Tightline the upper waterline to create fuller-looking lashes without taking up lid space.

• Mini wings only: Skip thick lines. Draw a slim wing just at the outer corner to elongate the eye.

• Smudge the lower lash line: Use a soft shadow to define without closing off the eye.

• Go waterproof: Try Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner or L'Oréal Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner to avoid transfer.

  
  

Step 4: Lift with Lashes and Brows

• Curl your lashes and opt for a lengthening, waterproof mascara. Try L'Oréal Telescopic or UKLASH.

• Apply half lashes or outer-corner clusters for a lifted effect.

• Frame with brows: Shape brows with a gentle upward arch to visually raise the eye area.

  
  

Step 5: Smart Product Choices & Hacks

• Use tubing mascaras or long-wear waterproof formulas to avoid smudging.

• Set creams with powder: Translucent powder helps lock in concealer and contour.

• Avoid creamy glosses or thick shadows that can slide into the fold.

• Try invisible eyelid tape for an instant crease effect—especially great for special events or photos.

• Use detail brushes for maximum precision, especially in the outer V and along the lash line.

  
  

Step 6: A Flattering Hooded Eye Makeup Routine (Recap)

1. Prime the lids with eyeshadow primer and concealer.

2. Tightline the upper waterline.

3. Create a fake crease with a matte shade above the natural fold.

4. Brighten with shimmer on the mobile lid center and inner corner only.

5. Define with a thin winged liner on the outer edge.

6. Finish with waterproof mascara and a brow lift.

   
   

Product Recommendations for Hooded Eyes

Category	Product	Why It Works
Eyeshadow Primer	Urban Decay Primer Potion	Keeps shadow in place all day
Waterproof Mascara	L'Oréal Telescopic, UKLASH	Lifts lashes, resists transfer
Waterproof Eyeliner	Eyeko, L'Oréal Felt-Tip	No smudging, precise tip
Concealer	Milani Conceal + Perfect	Brightens, cleans up edges
Eyelid Tape	Generic/Amazon	Creates instant crease
Matte Eyeshadow	Makeup by Mario Master Mattes	Ideal for crease definition

Bonus Tip: Practice with Your Eyes Open

One of the most common mistakes people make with hooded eyes is applying makeup with eyes closed—only to realize later that it all disappeared under the fold.

Keep your eyes open while mapping out your crease, blending, and lining. Pause between steps to check visibility. It may take some practice, but it makes a world of difference.

Final Thoughts

Hooded eyes are beautiful, expressive, and completely unique. With the right makeup strategies, they can be enhanced—not hidden.

Whether you're aiming for an everyday polished look or full glam, the key is to lift, define, and keep everything in place. Armed with these tips, tools, and product suggestions, you can finally take the guesswork out of hooded eye makeup.

Say goodbye to smudges, disappearing shadow, and droopy liner—and hello to a lifted, luminous gaze that stays exactly where you want it.