If you have hooded eyes, you know that applying eyeshadow can be a bit of a challenge. But it doesn't have to be! These tips will help you create flattering and dramatic looks with ease. So then, what are hooded eyes, and how do you apply eyeshadow on hooded eyes?
This article was contributed by @celineinco
Hooded eyes are a completely normal eye shape that is inherited from your family and can become more prominent as we age.
While they are beautiful in their own right, it’s helpful to know the best ways to apply your eye makeup to define your natural crease and make your eyes pop! Keep reading to learn about 15 different tips that will make all the difference when applying your makeup.
There are generally six types of eye shapes: almond, upturned, hooded, monolid, downturned, and round.
Here’s how you can tell if you have hooded eyes:
First, do you have a crease? If not, you may have monolids. If yes, does the skin below your brow bone touch the main part of your mobile lid when your eyes are open? If so, then you have hooded eyes! The skin can range from only slightly covering your main lid to almost touching your lash line.
To get more specific, draw a horizontal line across your eyes to check whether your outer corners angle downwards or upwards. Upturned eyes angle upwards, downturned eyes angle downwards, round eyes appear very open with no taper, and almond eyes have a distinct taper.
The following 15 beauty tips will show you exactly how to apply eyeshadow on hooded eyes.
Since hooded eyes can easily cause eyeshadow to transfer, start with an eye primer, such as RAL Prime Time Eyeshadow Primer. Apply it over your upper eyelid from inner to outer corner and over your entire brow bone. Follow up with a skin-toned eyeshadow shade to set the primer so that your eyeshadows blend smoothly.
The goal when applying eye makeup on hooded eyes is to make the lid appear more prominent while making the hood look less obvious. Applying eyeshadow with your eyes open helps you accurately find your natural crease when looking straight ahead.
Choose a matte eyeshadow one or two shades darker than your skin tone. Use a fluffy crease brush to blend the shadow in a windshield wiper motion just above your marked crease. Applying your eyeshadow here allows you to see the color when your eyes are open.
Brows frame your face. Shape and apply your brow products to create more space under the brow bone. This can be done by plucking hairs from the bottom of your brow, shaping an arch, and opting for a fluffier brow that won’t weigh down your face.
Choose an eyeshadow palette with a mixture of colors. Shimmery lid shades reflect light well, lighter matte crease shades add depth, and darker matte shades provide contrast. Include a solid black or dark navy matte for winged liner looks.
Focus on applying your highlighter to the top of your brow bone to draw the eye upward. Add a wash of highlight along your temple to further lift the eyes.
Avoid applying thick eyeliner to the lower lash line as it can close off your eyes. Instead, apply a thin line to the upper lashes, focusing on the outer half, and draw the wing upwards.
Using thin eyeliner on your upper lash line leaves room for eyeshadow on your mobile lid, creating a lifted look. Place a shimmery eyeshadow on the mobile lid for a larger eye appearance, extending the shimmer past the hood for maximum color payoff.
To lift the eye, use a cloth from your nose to the outer corner of your eyebrow. Place eyeshadow just above your natural crease and blend across to the cloth to create a fake, defined crease.
For a wing that won’t look droopy, use a disconnected wing technique. Draw a line from the outer corner upwards and another line from the tip towards your lash line, ensuring to go over the hood with eyes open for a lifted look.
A cut crease fakes a higher fold. Add a transition shade, use concealer to outline your new lid, and layer with a light eyeshadow. Finish with eyeliner for a defined look.
For a simpler look, try a smokey liner. Start with a dark shade at the outer corner, layer with a lighter shade, and blend to create a gradient effect. Define with the darker shade if needed.
Angela Bright’s tutorial on cut creasesFor hooded eyes, a good waterproof mascara prevents smudging on the hood or brow bone. False lashes can open up hooded eyes and eliminate the need for mascara.
Mastering these tips can take your makeup game from good to great!
Aging can cause lids to droop further, but bold, intricate looks are achievable at any age!
