Hooded eyes, where the crease is hidden when eyes are open, are beautiful and common. But they require different techniques to make eyeshadow visible and prevent creasing.
Do You Have Hooded Eyes?
Look straight ahead in a mirror. If you can’t see your crease or eyelid when your eyes are open, you have hooded eyes. The brow bone extends over the crease, creating a “hood.”
Key Principles for Hooded Eyes
- Apply makeup with eyes open – so you can see where color falls
- Blend above the crease – so color is visible when eyes are open
- Skip thick liner – it disappears and takes up lid space
- Lift the outer corner – prevents droopy appearance
- Set everything – hooded eyes crease easily
Essential Prep Steps
1. Use Eyeshadow Primer
Non-negotiable for hooded eyes. It prevents creasing and makes eyeshadow last.
2. Set with Translucent Powder
After primer, dust with powder for smooth application.
3. Work With Eyes Open
Check placement frequently with eyes open and looking straight ahead.
Eyeshadow Techniques
The “Crease Mapping” Method
- Look straight ahead into mirror
- Find where you want your crease to appear (slightly above actual crease)
- Mark this line lightly with eyeshadow
- Close eye and blend into actual crease
- Open eye to check – adjust if needed
The Cut Crease Technique
Creates defined lid space and is very flattering for hooded eyes:
- Apply dark shadow above where hood begins
- With eyes open, draw your “new” crease line
- Apply concealer on the lid below this line
- Pat lid color on top of concealer
- Blend the edge between lid and crease color
Halo Eye Technique
Dark on inner and outer corners, light in center – opens up the eye:
- Apply dark shade to inner corner (V-shape)
- Apply same dark shade to outer corner (V-shape)
- Pat shimmer or light shade on center of lid
- Blend where colors meet
Eyeliner Tips
What to Avoid
- Thick liner on upper lid (disappears and smudges)
- Full lower lash line liner (closes eye)
- Rounded wing (droops)
What Works
- Thin, tight line along lash roots
- Wing that angles upward
- Drawing wing with eyes open
- Waterproof formula (prevents transfer)
How to Create the Perfect Wing
- Look straight ahead, eyes open
- Draw wing from outer corner toward end of brow
- Make the angle steep (more vertical than usual)
- Connect wing to upper lash line
- Keep line thin along the lid
- Check with eyes open – adjust angle if needed
Mascara and Lashes
Mascara Tips
- Curl lashes well (opens up eyes)
- Use waterproof mascara (prevents smudging on hood)
- Focus on outer corner lashes
- Consider heated lash curler for longer-lasting curl
False Lashes
- Half lashes on outer corner work well
- Choose wispy styles over heavy
- Avoid very long lashes (hit brow bone)
- Individual clusters for natural look
Brow Shape Matters
Well-groomed brows lift the eye area:
- Create a defined arch (lifts the brow)
- Keep brows clean underneath
- Highlight brow bone to create lift
- Avoid heavy, low brows that add weight
Eyeshadow Shades That Work
Best Choices
- Matte shades for crease/transition
- Shimmer on lid to catch light
- Warmer tones often look more natural
- Darker shades to create depth
Use With Caution
- Glitter can fall into crease
- Very dark all-over eye can look heavy
- Shimmer in crease can emphasize hood
Quick Everyday Look for Hooded Eyes
- Apply primer
- Transition shade above crease (visible when eyes open)
- Shimmer on mobile lid
- Thin liner along lash line
- Small upward wing
- Curl lashes
- Mascara focusing on outer corner
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying shadow with eyes closed only
- Creating crease at natural crease (invisible when open)
- Thick eyeliner that disappears
- Wings that point down
- Skipping primer (leads to creasing)
- Using only shimmer (no dimension)
Embrace your hooded eyes! Many celebrities have hooded eyes and rock stunning makeup looks.
