Hooded eyes are a distinctive eye shape that can be incredibly captivating when accentuated correctly with makeup. However, they come with their own unique challenges such as eye makeup for hooded eyes. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the art of makeup for hooded eyes, the best makeup tips for hooded eyes and a practical step-by-step tutorial to help you master this particular eye shape. 

Flattering Makeup for Hooded Eyes - A step-by-step guide  

Understanding Hooded Eyes  

To successfully apply eye makeup for hooded eyes, it's crucial to first identify and understand their unique features. This understanding will enable you to adapt your makeup techniques to this eye shape effectively. Hooded eyes are characterized by a fold of skin that partially covers the eyelid when the eye is open.  

One of the key challenges with hooded eyes is the limited visible lid space. This can make applying eyeshadow and eyeliner tricky, as traditional techniques may not yield the desired results. Makeup artists and experts emphasize the importance of creating the illusion of depth and dimension on the eyes, as well as focusing on the upper area aka the brow bone to make the eyes appear more prominent. 

Eye Makeup Essentials for Hooded Eyes

makeup for hooded eyes

Volumizing Mascara: One of the best makeup tips for hooded eyes is to focus on your lashes with a volumizing mascara like the Lakmé Absolute 3D Lash Volumizer. This mascara is your secret weapon for voluminous lashes that beautifully frame your hooded eyes. Its advanced formula effortlessly coats each lash, giving the illusion of falsies. Whether you're going for a subtle daytime look or a glamorous evening appearance, this mascara will ensure your lashes take centre stage.  

Pen Eyeliner: Embrace precision and creativity with Lakmé's Eyeconic Pro Brush Liner. Perfect for those with hooded eyes, this eyeliner's fine brush tip allows you to effortlessly create precise lines and winged effects that enhance the shape of your eyes. Whether you prefer a classic cat-eye or a bold graphic look, this liner is your trusty tool.  

Kajal: Discover the allure of intense, smudge-proof eyes with the iconic Lakmé Eyeconic Kajal. Designed to complement hooded eyes beautifully, this kajal delivers rich, long-lasting colour that defines and accentuates your eye shape. Its creamy texture allows for easy gliding and blending, making it a must-have for both subtle and bold eye looks.  

Colourful Eyeshadow Palette: Unleash your creativity and bring out the hidden charm of your hooded eyes with the Lakmé Absolute Spotlight Eyeshadow Palette range. This versatile eyeshadow collection offers a range of pigmented matte and glittering shades, specially curated to enhance your eye shape and create mesmerizing looks. Whether you want a soft, everyday look or a dramatic, smoky eye, this collection has you covered.  

makeup for hooded eyes

Image credit: @aliaabhatt 

Step-by-step Hooded Eye Makeup Tutorial  

Preparation: Begin with a clean and well-moisturized eyelid.  

Eyeshadow Application: Start with a transition shade in the crease to create depth in the eye makeup for hooded eyes. Then, apply a deeper shade on the outer corner of the eye, blending it slightly above the crease. This technique helps to open up the eyes. Highlight the inner corner and the centre of the lid with the lightest shade to bring light to the eyes. 

Eyeliner: One of the easiest eye makeup tricks for hooded eyes is to opt for a thin line of eyeliner along the upper lash line, gradually thickening it as you move outward. Avoid a heavy, thick line, as this can make the eyes appear smaller. You can also add a subtle wing to lift the eyes. 

Mascara: Apply mascara to the upper lashes to further define and emphasize the eyes. Curling the lashes beforehand can make a significant difference in opening up hooded eyes. 

Brow Definition: Well-defined eyebrows can provide a natural frame for hooded eyes. Bush them out and fill in your brows as needed to enhance the overall eye look. 

Best Makeup Tips for Hooded Eyes 

When working with hooded eyes, creating dimension is key to making your eyes appear more prominent and captivating. To achieve this, consider using a matte, neutral transition shade in the crease to create depth and dimension.  

Apply a shimmery or light eyeshadow shade to the centre of the lid and the inner corner to catch and reflect light, which can make your eyes pop further. Remember to blend your eyeshadows seamlessly to avoid harsh lines and ensure a natural, gradient effect. 

Apply eyeshadow and kajal on the lower lash line to balance out the shadow that usually appears on the outer corner of your eye. 

You can also turn to half liners, that is applying a thin liner from the middle of your eyelid and drawing it out into a wing. 

Common Mistakes

makeup for hooded eyes

Image credit: @katehudson 

To achieve flawless but basic eye makeup for hooded eyes, it's crucial to be aware of common makeup mistakes and avoid them. One of the most common errors is applying eyeliner that's too thick along the upper lash line. This can make the eyes appear smaller and overshadow the limited lid space. Instead, opt for a thinner line, gradually thickening it towards the outer corner or creating a subtle wing for a lifted effect.  

Don’t pay too much attention to the outer corner of your eyelid as it will be hidden once you open your eyes. As mentioned above, stick to neutral shades and focus on the upper area. 

Another mistake is neglecting to curl your lashes before applying mascara. Curled lashes can help open up the eyes, making them appear larger and more awake.  

Finally, avoid using overly dark eyeshadows all over the lid, as this can make the hooded eye look even more closed. Instead, focus on the strategic placement of shades to enhance your eye shape. 

Makeup Styles for Hooded Eyes

makeup for hooded eyes

Image credit: @karliekloss 

Not all makeup styles are equally flattering for hooded eyes. It's essential to choose eye makeup for hooded eyes that complements this eye shape effectively. 

Smoky Eyes: Smoky eyes can work beautifully for hooded eyes when executed correctly. Focus on blending eyeshadows to create depth and use a slightly less darker shade than usual on the outer corner to lift the eyes. 

Cat-Eye: A subtle cat-eye can elongate and lift hooded eyes. Keep the liner thin towards the inner corner and extend it slightly beyond the outer corner for a lifted effect. 

Natural Look: For a more understated everyday look, opt for neutral tones and minimal eyeliner. This approach can highlight your eyes without appearing too dramatic. 

Selecting makeup styles that complement various occasions and personal preferences is essential for individuals with hooded eyes. For daytime eye makeup for hooded eyes, consider opting for a natural and understated look. For special occasions, like parties or events, you can experiment with more dramatic looks with a focus on your lashes.  

Makeup Trends for Hooded Eyes

makeup for hooded eyes

Image credit: @cgonzalezbeauty 

Certain makeup trends naturally complement hooded eyes and enhance their allure.  

One such trend is the "halo eye" technique, which involves placing a light eyeshadow shade in the centre of the lid and dark shades on the inner and outer corners. This not only adds dimension but also draws attention to the centre of the eyes, making them appear more open and prominent.  

Gradient or ombre eyeshadow looks are also favourable for hooded eyes, as they play with colour transitions to create a captivating effect.  

Additionally, the "foxy eye" trend, characterized by an elongated and lifted eye shape, works exceptionally well with hooded eyes. This trend involves extending the eyeliner and eyeshadow slightly upwards and outwards, giving the eyes a lifted and alluring appearance.  

FAQs about Makeup for Hooded Eyes   

Q1. Are hooded eyes and monolids the same? 

No, they are not the same. Hooded eyes have excess skin that droops over the eyelid when open, while monolids lack a visible crease altogether. 

Q2. Can I wear smoky eye makeup if I have hooded eyes?  

Yes, you can wear smoky eye makeup with hooded eyes. Just ensure you apply it strategically, focusing on blending for depth and avoiding excessive dark shades. 

Q3. What is the best eyeliner style for hooded eyes? 

A thin, gradually thickened liner along the upper lash line with a subtle wing at the outer corner is often the best eyeliner style for hooded eyes, as it can create a lifted effect.