If you’ve ever spent time perfecting your eyeshadow only to find it disappears the moment you open your eyes, you’re not alone. Hooded eyes can make traditional makeup techniques tricky, but with the right approach, you can create beautifully defined, long-lasting looks that enhance your natural features. Let’s dive into the best methods for making your eyeshadow stand out and stay put.
WHAT ARE HOODED EYES
Hooded eyes are characterised by an extra fold of skin that partially or fully covers the crease of the eyelid. This can make the lid space appear smaller and often leads to makeup transferring or fading more quickly than desired. The natural contour of hooded eyes can also cause eyeshadow to be less visible when the eyes are open, making traditional placement techniques less effective.
Hooded eyes can be a natural eye shape or can occur due to aging when the skin around the eyes begins to sag. Understanding your eye shape is crucial for applying eye makeup correctly and knowing that you have hooded eyes will help you create a more flattering look that enhances your eyes' natural beauty.
HOW TO TELL IF YOU HAVE THEM
To determine if you have hooded eyes, look straight into a mirror with a relaxed expression.
- If your crease is hidden or significantly less visible when your eyes are open, you likely have this eye shape.
- Another sign is if your eyeshadow frequently smudges onto your upper lid due to the way the skin folds.
- Or, if you have a smaller visible lid space when your eyes are open compared to when they are closed, you potentially have hooded eyes.
Recognising your eye shape is the first step in learning how to apply makeup in a way that enhances your features.
EYESHADOW LOOKS FOR HOODED EYES THAT FLATTER YOUR FEATURES
Certain eyeshadow techniques are particularly effective for hooded eyes, creating the illusion of larger, more lifted lids.
- A soft smoky eye is one of the most flattering looks, as blending darker shades towards the outer corners adds dimension without making the lids feel heavy. This is a versatile technique that works for both everyday wear and special occasions, offering a sophisticated yet effortless finish.
- If you want to create the illusion of a more pronounced crease, the cut crease method is an excellent choice. By placing a lighter shade just above your natural crease, you can define the area and make the eyes appear more open. This technique is especially useful for making hooded eyes look bigger and more structured.
- Another approach to brightening and lifting hooded eyes is using a light shimmer in the inner corners while softly blending a matte shade towards the outer edges. This combination helps to create an awake, refreshed look, making it perfect for those who want a natural but polished effect.
- For a modern twist, the winged eyeshadow technique replaces traditional eyeliner with a softly blended shadow that extends beyond the outer corners. This elongates the eyes without closing them off, making it an ideal option for those who struggle with eyeliner overpowering their hooded lids.
STEP-BY-STEP EYE MAKEUP FOR HOODED EYES
Achieving a flattering eyeshadow look for hooded eyes is all about careful placement and blending.
- The first essential step is priming the eyelids. Because hooded eyes are prone to creasing, using a matte eyeshadow primer or concealer creates a smooth base and helps your makeup last all day. To ensure even blending, lightly dust a translucent powder over the primer to eliminate any tackiness.
- When applying eyeshadow, focus on blending transition shades slightly above the natural crease. Since hooded eyes have limited lid space, lifting the shadow higher creates the illusion of larger, more defined eyes. Matte shades work best for this step, as they add depth without drawing attention to the fold of the eyelid.
- Blending technique is crucial for lifting the eyes. When applying shadow to the outer corners, always blend upwards and outwards. Dragging the colour downward can create a drooping effect, making the eyes appear smaller or tired. A soft, diffused gradient that lifts at the edges will instantly create a more youthful and awake look.
- Brightening the inner corners with a light shimmer or champagne highlighter shade is a simple yet powerful trick to make the eyes appear bigger. When paired with a softly defined outer corner, this technique adds balance and dimension to the overall look.
- For eyeliner, a common mistake with hooded eyes is applying thick, heavy lines, which can make the eyes appear even smaller. Instead, opt for a soft, smoked-out shadow line along the lash line. This subtly enhances definition without taking up valuable lid space.
THE BEST LASHES FOR HOODED EYES (AND WHY THEY MATTER!)
False lashes can completely transform the look of hooded eyes, but choosing the right style is key. Heavy or overly dense lashes can weigh down the lids, making them appear smaller. Instead, lightweight, well-balanced lashes provide lift and definition without overwhelming the eye.
Wispy, flared lashes are a great option as they add volume while maintaining a soft, flattering lift. Styles with longer lashes in the centre, known as doll-eye lashes, create a wide-eyed effect that enhances hooded eyes beautifully.
Avoid thick lash bands, as they can add extra weight and make the lids look droopier. Opt for lightweight, flexible bands that sit comfortably on the lash line. MODELROCK’s NANO-LITES Naked Naturals Lashes offers a selection of lashes designed specifically to enhance hooded eyes, ensuring a lifted, open-eyed effect with minimal effort.
AVOID THESE MISTAKES WHEN DOING MAKEUP FOR HOODED EYES
Even experienced makeup lovers can fall into common pitfalls when applying eyeshadow to hooded eyes.
- One of the biggest mistakes is applying shimmer eyeshadow all over the lid. While shimmer can look stunning in small areas, using it across the entire lid can highlight hooding rather than lifting the eyes. Instead, focus shimmer on the inner corners and brow bone to maintain brightness without overwhelming the lid.
- Another frequent mistake is using thick, heavy eyeliner. A bold upper lash line can take up valuable lid space, making the eyes appear even smaller. A more effective approach is tightlining—applying eyeliner along the upper waterline—to define the eyes without compromising lid space. Alternatively, using a soft, smoked-out shadow liner can create the illusion of fuller lashes while keeping the eyes looking open and bright.
- Many people with hooded eyes also overlook the impact of false lashes. The right lash style can enhance the overall look by adding subtle lift and balance. Avoid lashes that are too straight or dense, as they can cast shadows over the eyes. Instead, choose styles that feature a natural curl and tapered ends for the most flattering effect.
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CONCLUSION
Perfecting your eye makeup for hooded eyes is all about embracing techniques that work with—not against—your unique eye shape. By strategically placing your eyeshadow, blending with a lifted approach, and choosing the right false lashes, you can enhance and define your eyes effortlessly. Small adjustments, like swapping thick eyeliner for a soft, smoked-out effect or adding a touch of shimmer to the inner corners, can make a world of difference in opening up your gaze.
Explore the MODELROCK Lashes today and discover how the right lashes can effortlessly enhance your hooded-eye makeup!
