If your eyelids tend to hide your crease or your makeup disappears when your eyes are open, you likely have hooded lids. And you’re not alone — many people, from celebrities to everyday makeup lovers, share this unique eye shape.
The good news? With the right techniques, you can master eye makeup for hooded lids that opens up your eyes, enhances your natural shape, and gives a fresh, lifted look.
This guide covers everything you need to know — from eyeliner for hooded lids to eyeshadow placement and makeup tips for droopy lids that make your eyes stand out effortlessly.
What Are Hooded Lids?
Hooded eyes have an extra layer of skin that droops over the crease, making the eyelid appear smaller or partially hidden.
Common characteristics:
- Your natural crease is less visible when your eyes are open.
- Eyeshadow tends to smudge or disappear into the fold.
- Eyeliner often transfers to the upper lid.
- The outer corners may slightly droop.
The key to eye makeup for hooded lids is creating the illusion of depth and lift while preventing smudging or fading.
Step-by-Step Eye Makeup for Hooded Lids
Let’s break down an easy eye makeup routine for hooded lids that works for both beginners and experienced makeup lovers.
1. Prime Your Lids
Before applying any product, use a lightweight, long-wearing primer or a bit of concealer set with powder.
Why it matters:
- Prevents creasing and oil buildup (especially important for oily hooded lids)
- Helps eyeshadow last longer
- Creates a smooth base for blending
This step is non-negotiable for those struggling with makeup transfer.
2. Choose the Right Eyeshadow Placement
Traditional eyeshadow methods often hide under hooded folds. The trick is to create a new crease slightly above your natural one to open up your eyes.
Eye shadow for hooded lids – how to apply:
- Apply a transition shade just above your natural crease (not in it).
- Use a slightly darker shade on the outer corner to lift and elongate the eye.
- Apply a light shimmer or matte highlight on the center of the lid and inner corner to make eyes appear larger.
- Blend upward and outward — not straight across.
💡 Pro tip: Keep your eyes open while applying your crease shade. This helps you see where color is visible when your eyes are fully open.
3. Eyeliner for Hooded Lids
Eyeliner can be tricky for hooded eyes — too thick and it disappears when you blink, too smudgy and it transfers. The goal is to define without closing off your eye.
Best eyeliner techniques for hooded lids:
- Use a thin, tight line along your upper lash line to make lashes appear fuller.
- Avoid heavy liner on the upper lid — it can make eyes look smaller.
- For a lifted look, extend your liner slightly upward at the outer corner (a soft “mini wing”).
- Keep the inner corner light or bare for a more open effect.
If you have oily hooded lids, go for waterproof or smudge-proof formulas and set your liner with a matching eyeshadow to lock it in place.
4. Curl Your Lashes and Apply Mascara
Lash curlers are a hooded-eye essential. Lifted lashes instantly make eyes appear more open.
Mascara tips:
- Focus on the outer lashes to create a lifting effect.
- Avoid applying too much to the lower lashes — it can drag your eyes down.
- Waterproof formulas hold curls better on humid or oily lids.
5. Highlight Strategically
Subtle highlighting helps brighten hooded or droopy lids.
Apply highlighter or a pale shimmer to:
- The inner corners of your eyes (for freshness)
- The brow bone (for lift)
- The center of your lid (to bring light forward)
Keep shimmer minimal on the crease — too much can emphasize folds.
6. Perfect Your Brows
Brows play a big role in balancing hooded eyes. A well-shaped brow can lift and frame your face beautifully.
Tips:
- Focus on gently arching the brow to open up the eye area.
- Avoid making brows too flat or heavy — this can emphasize hooding.
- Use short, feather-like strokes to fill gaps naturally.
Eye Makeup for Droopy Lids: Lifting Tricks
If your hooded lids also appear slightly droopy, these eye makeup tips for hooded lids will help lift your entire eye area:
✅ Apply eyeshadow upward and outward, not straight across.
✅ Use matte shades in the crease for a lifted illusion.
✅ Keep darker colors on the outer third of the eye only.
✅ Avoid heavy eyeliner or dark shades along the lower lash line.
✅ Blend your shadow slightly above the natural fold to open the eyes.
This creates the appearance of lifted, youthful eyes without any harsh lines.
Best Eye Makeup for Hooded Lids: What to Look For
When shopping for eye products, look for lightweight, long-lasting, and smudge-resistant options.
For Eyeshadow:
- Satin or matte finishes (avoid chunky glitter)
- Neutral tones for everyday wear; soft shimmer for highlights
- Cream-to-powder formulas that don’t crease easily
For Eyeliner:
- Fine-tipped pencils or felt liners for precision
- Waterproof and oil-resistant formulas (especially the best eyeliner for oily hooded lids)
- Gel or pencil liners that can be smudged lightly for a soft, smoky look
For Primers:
- Oil-controlling but lightweight textures
- Long-wearing formulas designed to prevent transfer
Quick Everyday Eye Makeup for Hooded Lids (5-Minute Look)
When you’re short on time, try this simple routine:
- Apply primer or a light dusting of powder on your lids.
- Sweep a neutral matte shadow slightly above your crease.
- Add a touch of shimmer to the center of your lid.
- Line the upper lash line thinly, extending slightly upward.
- Curl lashes and apply mascara.
This gives a naturally defined look that stays put all day.
Advanced Techniques for Hooded Eyes
Once you’ve mastered the basics, experiment with techniques that enhance your features further:
- Fake a crease: Use eyeshadow to draw a soft line just above your natural crease for depth.
- Floating liner: Apply a thin line above the lash line, visible even when your eyes are open.
- Tightlining: Apply liner directly to the upper waterline to define without adding thickness.
- Gradient shading: Blend from dark at the lash line to light at the brow bone for a natural lift.
Remember — the goal is to work with your eye shape, not against it.
Eye Makeup for Oily Hooded Lids: Staying Power Tips
Hooded and oily eyelids are a common combination, but your makeup can still last all day with the right prep:
- Always apply a primer or set concealer with powder before eyeshadow.
- Use waterproof eyeliner and mascara.
- Avoid heavy cream eyeshadows; choose long-wear powders or liquids.
- Set your liner with eyeshadow in a matching shade to lock it in place.
- Carry oil-blotting sheets or a mini powder for touch-ups.
These steps prevent fading and ensure your eye makeup for hooded lids stays clean and defined.
Having hooded lids doesn’t limit your makeup options — it simply means adjusting your technique.
By focusing on placement, light, and texture, you can create looks that lift, brighten, and enhance your eyes naturally. Whether you’re applying eyeshadow for hooded lids, mastering eyeliner for hooded lids, or experimenting with makeup for droopy lids, small changes can make a huge impact.
With the right eye makeup tips for hooded lids, your eyes can look more open, expressive, and confident — no matter your age or skill level.